Nic Cooper Photographer

History

Ordered at Welwyn Saab 8th May 1990
First registered 7th August 1990
Original registration number H640 DMJ

Dealer Options - Additional Gauges - Radio Cassette
Speaker upgrade - Rear Wash/Wipe

Cost when new £22,000

I bought the car in May 1996, I'm the third owner.
The second kept it for only six months.

During my ownership I have changed the registration
number (July 1996) to 137 DRV. I have fitted larger 16'' wheels (initially with X-Spoke and
later 3-Spoke), as well as rear vent snow covers and many other small upgrades.

The history file amounts to over 150 invoices and the service book is stamped up to
230,000+ miles.

Mechanics

The engine is original. The timing chains were replaced at 220,000 miles. The original gearbox was rebuilt in 2015.

In the past the engine oil has been replaced every 6,000 miles. More recently every year due to it covering less mileage.

The springs and the shock absorbers have also been replaced.

Bodywork

The bodywork is for the most part original. However, the door bottoms and the front nearside and rear offside wheel arches have had some repair. The leading edge of the tailgate showed early signs of rust, so has been replaced. This new tailgate has not been drilled for the rear wiper, so it has not been reinstated. The front bumper has been repainted more than once.

Interior

The original Velour was upgraded with leather in November 1996.

As with all 900's the roof lining sagged so has been replaced.

1990 and Saab (UK) introduces the Performance Range. There are three models. In addition to the 9000, the CD and 900 are added. All are given Carlsson performance upgrades - Aero bumpers, spoilers and graphics. The alloy wheels have a three spoke design.
The CD is available in most Saab colours, the 9000 in Talladega Red, Black, White or Ordorado Grey. The 900 was limited to just Red, White or Black.
The 900 is only available as a special order from a Saab dealer.

1989 Saab (UK) launches the Saab Carlsson.
These cars were based on a Saab 9000 Turbo. Only available in Black, they had performance and suspension upgrades, 16" X-Spoke wheels, Aero bumpers and side skirts, rear bridge spoiler and special red Carlsson graphics.
The first 250 Carlsson purchasers received a congratulatory letter personally signed by Erik Carlsson.

1990 The Performance Range

I have set up this web page purely as a bit of fun and any opinions expressed are my own

1989 The Saab Carlsson

1991 The Performance Range

1992 The Performance Range

1992 and the 9000 has been replaced by the CS Carlsson. Unlike the 9000 Aero which will replace it, it does not have Aero bumpers or side skirts.

Directional alloy wheels are fitted to the 900.

Contents

Carlsson Range

Brief History of my car

Gallery of images

From 1991 the 'Carlsson' graphics are no longer applied. Leather seats with suede inserts are standard. The body colour options are reduced just Red, White or Black across the whole range.