1991 Saab 900 Combi Coupe: A Rainy Day Saab

Here is a gorgeous example of a Saab 900 Combi Coupe. This car was spotted street parked on the East Side of Providence. I was at a stoplight when I happened to glance over, and notice the unmissable appearance of a Saab 900. I immediately turned down the side street to investigate. Since the Boston Saab 900 Convertible, I had been patiently waiting to happen upon another street parked 900, and perhaps this was my next big break. Much to my luck as well, it happened to be my favorite 900 body style, the Combi Coupe three door hatchback. 

By the start of the 1990s, Saab had entered into a joint relationship with GM, after struggling financially in 1989, losing over $300 million in sales. While the success of the 900 and the 9000 had been prominent throughout the 1980s, and by 1989 sales dropped significantly, with Saab losing $120 million in the first quarter of the year. To stay afloat, and also retain their name in the auto industry, Saab desperately needed to find a solution if they wanted to avoid their slump in sales. 

The idea of a merger with Fiat was rumored in late 1989 in an issue of Auto Week, but was proved untrue. Saab turned to Ford to see if promoting the 900 and 9000 to younger car buyers through Ford dealers would be an option, but it was turned down by Ford in favor of Jaguar. GM, who was also looking to purchase a European car brand to market their cars overseas, purchased 50% Saab for $600 million on December 16, 1989. Thus began the beginning of the end for Saab. 

These early '90s classic 900s reflect the end of Saabs independence and the beginning of GM's ambitions to make Saab their own company. What made Saab appealing to its buyers was its uniqueness and attention to detail where other brands fell short. While the company started out with quirky cars like the 93 and the 95, Saab found its stride with 99, which helped its presence in the auto industry become more noticed to a slightly mainstream consumer base.

 The 900, which was introduced in 1978, locked in the Saab fanbase for good, as it became Saab's best selling car worldwide. When the last classic era 900s rolled off the assembly line in Trollhättan, Sweden in 1993, it ushered in the GM era, which at first seemed like it would save the company, but would take away the uniqueness that made a Saab truly a Saab, ultimately leading to the demise of Saab. 

This is a remarkably well kept Saab. It has a few bumper trim pieces missing, but for a car that's over 30 years old, I can't really fault it. That's a trait common to most old Saabs though. The paint is immaculate, and I saw almost zero flaws with the rest of the car. I'm glad to have spotted it, as this is easily one of the nicest Saabs I've seen to date. Being a rainy day on which I photographed this car, I think the weather helps the car stand out even more in its Cherry Red paint and turbine style rims.