Saab 900, a car that gained a cult following during its production run from 1978 to 1998, is one of the most sought-after vehicles by automotive enthusiasts. And when it comes to a unique, one-of-a-kind Saab 900, it’s no surprise that it would fetch a high price in the auction market. In 2018, Bring a Trailer, a popular auction site, sold a rare, one-off Saab 900 SE Trollspeed (and before that, in 2016, it changed hands for a whole 10,000 dollars), built by Frank Stromqvist of SQR/Trollspeed. Let’s take a closer look at what made this Saab so special and why it commanded such a high price.
First and foremost, the car’s powertrain is what made it unique. The Saab 900 SE Trollspeed was fitted with a fully built motor that produced 450bhp. This massive amount of power came from the modifications done to the original 2.0-liter inline-four engine that included a turbocharger, intercooler, and forged internals.
This engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission from a later 9-3, which enabled the car to reach its top speed. The Saab 900 SE Trollspeed also featured a Quaife limited-slip differential and brakes from a 9-5 Aero, which ensured that the car could stop as quickly as it could go.
The Trollspeed 900’s body also received several modifications to enhance its performance and style. It was equipped with a Viggen body kit, which gave it a more aggressive appearance, and it was lightened by roughly 300lbs compared to stock. The weight reduction was achieved by removing the headliner, B-pillar trim, C-pillar trim, rear seats, spare tire, and trunk floor. The front seats were replaced with Sparco racing seats, which not only reduced the car’s weight but also provided better support during high-performance driving.
The Saab 900 SE Trollspeed was also fitted with e-code headlights, which improved the car’s visibility, and the body was repainted in Chrysler Silver PS2. The paint still looked great, aside from some fading near the sunroof, and the bumpers and trim were all in excellent condition, except for a chunk missing from the bottom of the driver’s side of the front bumper.
In terms of performance, the Saab 900 SE Trollspeed was a remarkable machine. Its 450bhp engine, combined with the lightened body, gave it an impressive power-to-weight ratio that was comparable to the BMW M3 or Audi S4. The car was also agile and well-balanced, which made it a joy to drive on winding roads.
The Saab 900 SE Trollspeed held the road beautifully and had a tight and fast ride. The engine ran strong and didn’t burn or leak oil, the transmission shifted well without any grinding, and the clutch operated smoothly without any slippage.
The Saab 900 SE Trollspeed also received regular maintenance and updates from the owner, which kept it in excellent condition. The car had received a tune-up, including suspension bushings and motor mounts, boost leaks fixed, grounds cleaned, wiring harness repairs, and some software tweaking, about two years ago. About a year ago, it received new plugs, a T-stat and fan switch, and a new CV axle. Recently, the car got new Eibach adjustable race springs in the rear, which further improved its handling.
The Saab 900 SE Trollspeed also had an aftermarket head unit/navigation system and an amplified subwoofer, which gave good sound. The navigation, hands-free calling, and Apple Play of the head unit were a nice convenience feature. However, the air conditioning had been removed to save weight, but the heat works.
The recent tune-up and maintenance that the car has undergone has kept it running tight, fast, and well-balanced. The engine runs strong, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the clutch does not slip. With its new Eibach adjustable race springs in the rear, the car holds the road beautifully and is super fun to drive. It’s no wonder the seller Daven Johansen regrets having to part with it.
If you’re interested in purchasing this unique Saab 900 SE Trollspeed, you can contact the seller for more information and pictures. While the fixed price of $7,000 may seem high to some, it’s worth considering the rarity of this custom-built car and the care that’s been taken to keep it in excellent condition. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind car that’s both fun to drive and sure to impress, this might just be the perfect car for you.
