3k: Special Performance Group: 1985 Saab 900 Turbo SPG
In 1984 Saab introduced a high performance version of the 900 sedan, called the Aero in Europe and the SPG (Special Performance Group) in the US market. The Aero/SPG featured an uprated 16V turbo engine and was only available in a few “sporty” colors. Find this 1985 Saab 900 Turbo SPG for sale in Sacramento, CA for $3,100 via craigslist.
When Saab first designated the special edition as SPG for Sports PackaGe, but somehow sports package was trademarked by GM, so SAAB had to call it the Sports Performance Group. Regardless, the SPG version was the hottest of Saabs turbo powered front drive sedans and makes a great sub $5k car today.
This Saab is powered by the B202, a 16-valve turbocharged DOHC inline-4 putting out 160 horsepower and 173 ft-lbs of torque – all to the front wheels. Only about 1500 of the SPG versions were put out each year, so finding one in good shape isn’t always simple.
See a cooler 5-speed, turbo Swede for less? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com
That is the most comprehensive fake wood kit I've ever seen on a 900. The other thing that comes to mind is that Saab basically set the standard for HVAC controls for the next 30 years with these… Everything else had sliders back then, now if it doesn't have automatic climate control… Three rotary knobs just like this…
Is there a picture of the EPU? The the best way to confirm this is a real SPG is if the computer has a red box vs the normal black turbo computer. Incidentally, that's also the easiest way to give a normal 900 T16 SPG performance is to swap in an SPG "red box"
Actually the "Red Box" ecu was on later model SPGs.It was not a feature of all SPG models. Red Box ecus are actually far and in between to come by.
The 1985 had a apc box under the rear seat which was smaller and can not possibly be switched with the red box. Actual later SPG cars had a black box with a different part # than the stock 16 valve turbo. The red box was not on the factory SPG at least not thru 1988.