Saab 900 Turbo Turbo 16S Convertible
The Saab 900 Turbo 16S Convertible occupies a unique and cherished position in automotive culture as the car that defined a particular lifestyle aesthetic of the 1980s and early 1990s. It was the architect's sports car, the university professor's weekend cruiser, the individualist's answer to the BMW 3 Series Convertible — a car chosen by people who wanted to make a statement about intelligence and unconventionality rather than mere wealth.
The 900 Convertible program began in 1983 when Saab contracted the Finnish coachbuilder Valmet Automotive to engineer and produce an open-top version of the 900. The conversion was considerably more complex than simply removing the roof — the 900's monocoque structure required extensive reinforcement, including massive sill stiffeners, crossmembers, and a redesigned rear floor section. The result was a convertible that avoided the chassis flex and cowl shake that plagued many competitors.
The Turbo 16S specification represented the most desirable version. The 2.0-liter 16-valve turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 175 horsepower, feeding the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. The turbocharged engine's character — strong mid-range torque delivery with a progressive boost curve — suited the convertible's touring nature perfectly. The car wasn't a raw sports car but rather a fast, comfortable cruiser that could cover ground with surprising rapidity while its occupants enjoyed the wind in their hair.
The 900's distinctive design, with its wraparound windshield, curved glass, and hockey-stick C-pillar (obviously absent on the convertible), was the work of Björn Envall and is considered one of the most iconic automotive designs of the 20th century. The convertible's cloth top folded neatly and could be operated manually or with an optional power mechanism.
Inside, the 900 Turbo offered Saab's signature ergonomic excellence. The wraparound dashboard, with its Night Panel feature that dimmed all instruments except the speedometer, the floor-mounted ignition key (between the front seats, for safety reasons derived from aviation thinking), and the comfortable, heavily bolstered seats created an environment that was distinctly and unmistakably Saab.
The 900 Turbo Convertible was produced from 1986 until the original 900 platform ended production in 1993 (the 'Classic 900'). During this period, it became one of Saab's most profitable models and helped establish the brand's identity in the US market. Today, the Classic 900 Turbo Convertible is experiencing a renaissance among collectors who value its distinctive character, robust build quality, and the nostalgia it evokes for an era of automotive individuality.
Rust is the nemesis — check sills (doubled on convertible but still vulnerable), floors, rear arches, and subframe mounting points. The turbo engine is robust but check for boost leaks and wastegate function. Convertible top condition and operation are critical — replacement tops are available but expensive. Head gasket failures occur on neglected engines. APC (Automatic Performance Control) boost system should be functional. Manual gearbox is preferred by enthusiasts.
Produced 1986-1993 by Valmet Automotive in Uusikaupunki, Finland for Saab. The Classic 900 Turbo Convertible was one of Saab's most commercially successful models. Exact convertible production figures not separately disclosed.