Yes I know, not a Turbo, with 300BHP, but I do feel its time to start treating some Classic Saabs, like classics. While not in bad shape, infact, in very good condition, my new 900SE needed some important work. Firstly, it had sat for 2 years, and was kindly donated by the previous owner for free. The car ran and drove fine, was fantastic inside, and very clean all over. I repaired some minor defects and put it through its MOT. It failed.

The tester found nothing wrong except the rear fog lights did not work. Closer inspect found the bulbs were ok, and the switch was ok. I was left with the dilemma that the cabling behind the dash board and/or under the floor to the rear hatch lid was faulty in some way. So I started to strip the interior in search of the issue. I could not find it for the life of me, but I did find rust! This excellent looking and driving car was rotting in bad places. Closer inspection found structural issues. While not MOT failures, the rust was well past some liquid treatment, and seemed to be where several sections join.

Problem two, besides the fog lights, was an unusual amount of water coming from the exhaust once warmed up. This made me suspect head gasket, and found it was losing water, from an unknown source.

I made an assumption that the head gasket was a goner. I didn’t need to make the assumption about the fuel pump! Louder than the engine at idle, it was obvious something was up. So, I made the choice. I have always wanted to restore a car, and I love SAAB’s. So I SORN’d the car, and decided to take the big step, or the plunge, depending on your point of view.

I know you maybe thinking get a better SAAB! I never did like the 5 door models. Until this car. Worthy of a restore? I think so. I am also putting together a website for this, as it is what I do!

Anyways, I live in Glasgow, first I need some storage, then I can start to strip the car.

After some posting on saabcentral.com I have some leads. I will check these out and hopefully have a place to start on my 900SE.

Nothing yet! I have got a garage to go to, but a few things have stopped me. Should be viewing this week.. Then I will start posting some pictures of the cars present state.  By the way, this is the car, sitting on the previous owners drive. Looks really good, until you dig deaper.

The picture above is in the drive of the previous owner. The picture below, is at my old house, SORN'd and with my Jubilee wheels on it. I am using the Ronals on my Jubilee.

Not looking to bad. Though I am going to swap the wheels back, before I start to dismatle it.