The Return of an Icon: Saab 900 Carlsson’s Meticulous Journey Back to the Road

From Barn Find to Showroom Glory

Peter Bruce, known for his engaging Saab Stories YouTube channel, has recently showcased a remarkable 1990 Saab 900 Carlsson in the latest episode, “TalkSteer Ep14 – Ultimate 900 Carlsson.” This isn’t just another Saab restoration story; it’s a celebration of a car that embodies the very spirit of automotive passion and meticulous craftsmanship. Jonathan, the car’s devoted owner, takes viewers through the inspiring journey of transforming this rare Carlsson edition from a neglected barn find to a showroom-worthy masterpiece.

A Tribute to a Saab Legend

The Saab 900 Carlsson isn’t just another special edition. It is named after Erik Carlsson, Saab’s legendary Swedish rally driver affectionately known as “Mr. Saab.” Carlsson’s impressive rally career included three RAC Rally wins, two victories at the iconic Monte Carlo Rally, and 19 international rally victories, all achieved behind the wheel of Saab cars. The 900 Carlsson edition commemorates his enduring legacy, capturing the essence of Saab’s rally heritage in a performance-oriented road car.

What Makes the Carlsson Unique?

Externally, the Carlsson stands out with its distinctive airflow body kit, larger whale-tail spoiler, unique side striping, and a characteristic twin-exit exhaust system. Under the hood, it’s equipped with a red-top APC boost controller, enhancing power output from the standard 175 horsepower to 185 horsepower. Complemented by a Mitsubishi turbocharger to reduce lag and type-8 gearing for a higher top speed, this edition represents the pinnacle of Saab’s turbocharged innovation. Interior touches include a Carlsson-specific steering wheel, reinforcing the exclusivity of this limited-run Saab model.

Restoration: A Detailed Labor of Love

Jonathan’s Carlsson underwent an exhaustive restoration at the skilled hands of specialists at TwoStroke to Turbo, a renowned UK-based Saab workshop. The process began in September 2022 and, although initially anticipated to take only a few months, spanned nearly eighteen months to ensure every detail was perfected. The car was stripped down completely, repainted in its original Talladega Red, and received meticulous attention to bodywork, addressing corrosion issues, especially around the wheel arches.

Notably, key original components such as the bonnet and iconic 16-inch diamond dish wheels were preserved due to their excellent condition. Major mechanical restorations included fully reconditioning the engine and gearbox, ensuring reliability and performance that matches its pristine aesthetics.

Tailored Enhancements and Thoughtful Modifications

Though dedicated to preserving authenticity, Jonathan chose a few thoughtful modifications to improve drivability and aesthetics. The original black striping was replaced with striking silver striping to enhance the car’s visual presence, particularly highlighting the wheels’ diamond dish finish. A critical performance upgrade included replacing the stock brakes with more robust units sourced from a Saab 9000, significantly enhancing braking capability.

Additionally, the Carlsson’s original twin-exit exhaust system was replaced by an Abbot Racing system due to availability issues. While this change altered the traditional appearance, it provided a deeper, sportier exhaust note, greatly enriching the driving experience without sacrificing character.

Behind the Wheel: A Driving Experience Unlike Any Other

Jonathan emphasizes the distinct pleasure of driving the Carlsson, particularly praising the Saab’s renowned torque delivery and comfortable yet sporty ride quality. With approximately 200 horsepower available from the Abbot Racing exhaust modifications, this lightweight Saab (approximately 1,200 kg) offers a compelling power-to-weight ratio, making it impressively agile and responsive even by modern standards.

Bruce, experiencing his first drive in a Saab 900, highlights the car’s distinctive gearbox feel, likening it humorously to “stirring porridge.” Yet, he quickly adapts, thoroughly enjoying the Carlsson’s engaging performance, especially its impressive in-gear acceleration and stable motorway manners.

Passion, Preservation, and Community

Jonathan’s Carlsson is more than a car—it symbolizes a community deeply committed to preserving Saab’s legacy. His story reflects the dedication and enthusiasm of the broader Saab enthusiast community, emphasizing the importance of restoring and regularly driving classic vehicles. The joy evident in Jonathan’s ownership experience and Bruce’s enthusiastic test drive speaks volumes about why these cars continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.

Exclusive Insights: Documentation and Rarity

Adding to the allure, Jonathan received an extensive collection of original documentation, including a rare Carlsson performance brochure. Such documentation is invaluable given the limited information publicly available about these special editions. While approximately 600 Carlssons were originally produced, today only around 30 are estimated to remain, significantly enhancing the desirability and collectible status of surviving examples.

Interestingly, while the Carlsson was exclusive to the UK market due to Erik Carlsson living in the UK at that time, similar specification cars were sold worldwide under different names. In the US, this package was known as the Jetpack, and in other parts of Europe as the Airflow. Remarkably, in the Netherlands, an early variant with an 8-valve B201 engine was sold as the Red Arrow, demonstrating the localized naming conventions often driven by importer preferences or branding rights restrictions (notably, GM held rights to the Aero name).

Watch the Full Story Unfold

Experience the passion, craftsmanship, and sheer driving joy of the Saab 900 Carlsson by watching the full episode below:

Peter Bruce’s “TalkSteer Ep14 – Ultimate 900 Carlsson” offers an in-depth look at what makes this car so exceptional.

Saab’s Enduring Legacy on the Road

The meticulous restoration and thoughtful modifications undertaken by Jonathan and TwoStroke to Turbo have elevated this Saab 900 Carlsson to one of the best surviving examples of its kind. It serves as a testament to the lasting appeal and enthusiast-driven revival of Saab’s rich automotive heritage. Saab aficionados will undoubtedly appreciate this exemplary demonstration of how dedicated individuals keep Saab’s spirit alive, one classic at a time.