What were you doing in 1984? Maybe you were dancing to Wham!’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” or getting lost in epic movies like Ghostbusters or The Karate Kid. If you were one of the lucky few, perhaps you had a shiny new Saab 900 Turbo 16S parked in your driveway.
This iconic model is the focus of the latest interview on the “KemoSAABe” YouTube channel, where Paul chats with Saab enthusiast Matt Searle, the creator of ICON, a book celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Saab 900 Turbo 16S. This interview also highlights Matt’s role as the organizer of the Saab Owner’s Club stand at the upcoming NEC Classic Motor Show.
The video offers a fascinating dive into Matt’s love for Saab, the story of his 1990 Saab 900 Turbo 16S, and the preparations for the grand celebration that will take place from November 8 to 10, 2024, at the NEC Classic Motor Show in Birmingham, UK.
Table of Contents
The Saab 900 Turbo 16S: A Game-Changer
1984 marked a pivotal year for Saab with the launch of the 900 Turbo 16S, the first car to feature a 16-valve turbocharged engine. As Matt explains in the video, this was a groundbreaking moment, not just for Saab, but for the automotive industry as a whole. The Saab 900 Turbo 16S didn’t just look good – its B202L engine represented a significant technical achievement that reshaped the way turbo cars were perceived.
One of Matt’s favorite aspects of the Saab 900 Turbo 16S is its aerodynamic body kit, which was not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally advanced. This kit improved the car’s speed and refined its boat-like shape, solving many of the design quirks of the original 900. The result? A sports car that was as practical as it was beautiful.
Matt’s Journey into the Saab World
Matt’s Saab story began as a young teenager when he first encountered the Saab 900 Turbo 16S at an auto show in Birmingham’s NEC. That moment left a lasting impression and was the catalyst for his lifelong passion for the brand. He fondly recalls having a poster of a black Saab 900 Turbo with tan leather seats on his bedroom wall – a dream car that he eventually acquired.
Matt’s Personal Saab 900 Turbo 16S
Today, Matt proudly owns a red 1990 Saab 900 Turbo 16S, a car that originally served as a company vehicle for a fuel card company. Over the years, the car passed through several owners, each adding their own personal touches, including the addition of a “whale tail” spoiler. While Matt has made minor modifications, such as lowering the suspension for a more aggressive stance, the car remains largely original, including the rare factory-fitted accessories.
The Saab Owner’s Club at NEC Classic Motor Show
This November, Matt will lead the Saab Owner’s Club stand at the NEC Classic Motor Show, celebrating 40 years of the Saab 900 Turbo 16S. Alongside Matt’s red 900, visitors will have the chance to see several other notable models, including a rare 1984 Saab 900 and the fully restored 1993 Saab Ruby. The stand will focus not just on the cars, but on the revolutionary B202L engine, which played a defining role in Saab’s future, with 90% of Saab’s subsequent petrol engines being four-cylinder, 16-valve turbocharged powerhouses.
The Story Behind ICON: Matt’s Saab Journey in Print
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Matt embarked on an ambitious project to learn more about the origins of the aerodynamic body kit used on the Saab 900 Turbo 16S. His curiosity led him to research International Automotive Design (IAD), the British company responsible for the kit. This research turned into an article for Classic Car magazine, which was well-received. As the 40th anniversary of the 900 Turbo 16S approached, Matt revisited his research and expanded it into a full-fledged book titled ICON.
Released in April 2024, ICON has been a massive success, selling copies around the world. Originally intended for a British audience, the book has found a global following, including a special edition print run for the American market. It features more content specific to the SPG, the American version of the Saab 900 Turbo.
Looking Ahead to NEC Classic Motor Show 2024
If you’re a Saab enthusiast or a fan of classic cars, the NEC Classic Motor Show is an event you won’t want to miss. Along with the stunning Saab 900s on display, Matt and his team have prepared some fantastic giveaways for visitors at the Saab Owner’s Club stand. This is also a great opportunity to meet Matt in person, hear his stories, and even purchase a copy of ICON.
The Saab community continues to grow, and events like this help strengthen the bonds between fans. Share this article with other Saab lovers and make sure to stop by the Saab Owner’s Club stand to celebrate 40 years of the Saab 900 Turbo 16S. To stay updated on Matt’s preparations for the show, follow him on Instagram @the_saabist.
