Saab 9000 CC Adventure - 80s driving experience (3)

The Saab 9000 CS, available from 1992, is said to be much better than the Saab 9000 CC. Let's see what Saab did 30 years ago and fly Saab.

The 9000i, model year 89, with the B202 engine has the peculiarity that the valves click audibly when starting. The unfamiliar noise hurts the ears, but disappears as soon as the Saab has reached operating temperature. This model year is due to the single-chamber oil pump - no reason to be concerned. After all fluids have been changed and the maintenance backlog cleared, we are confident for our second outing.

80s driving experience and ambience

The plastic steering wheel does not signal premium, but the typical 80s ambience. The seating position is typical for Saab, and the red seating is still comfortable after 26 years. The 9000 CC is a sofa on wheels, casual like all 9000s.

The engine purrs after it's warm and the whole load runs surprisingly well. A small car wants to accelerate us on the motorway slip road; he is at a disadvantage. All that with 128 hp and a downright tiny 170 Nm, resulting in a depressing power-to-weight ratio of just over 10 kg per hp.

That can't be any fun. Or?

But he does, even if the Saab would not pull a moose from the spot. For two reasons: The 128 hp are not really 128 hp, but a little more. The PS information at that time is due to the insurance classes, not to reality. The automatic has a short translation, which ensures a good start.

80s driving experience with ZF automatic

The ZF automatic transmission (Link) shifts smoothly and without shift jerks even after 26 years, sorts the gears as you would expect. The downside: It gets loud on the freeway from 130. Why? At that time, Saab saved on the insulating material and only added it with the CS, the second generation of the 9000.

The old, cheap box is a kind of surprise egg. It drives quietly, the wind noise that we know from some CS does not occur. Is it only with this CC or is it the norm? The Saab does not rattle. Which is really surprising because it's an Ikea car.

Example: The rear cover is a cantilever, flutters in front of you at the back. Your recording differs from the later CS. In the rear-view mirror you can easily follow their sporting activities. When you open it, it gets stuck between the rubber seals on the rear window, causing ugly wear and tear there. Swedish ingenuity and carefreeness of the 80s.

Ferdinand Piëch would have made heads roll with this construction.

In winter: commuting between hangar and hall number 2.

Saab is Sweden, of course.

Seats from the other 9000 project. An Anniversary, again.

In the next few days, the red numbers will stay on, it's on the highway, country roads, city. The Saab and I, we make friends. Living with an old car, that's something. We drive to the saddler, where I pick up Saab seats from the other project. He takes a look at the red-brown 80s interior, thinks the box is 100% cool and is already looking forward to going to work.

80s driving experience with Nyköping car radio

The 9000 CC time capsule is fun. Without turbo, with ZF automatic. When the Nyköping Stereo Radio squawks, all is right with the world. Nothing beeps, warns, annoys. If you want to slow down and don't feel like hectic, this is the place for you. The CC is the rejection of always faster, always more productive. A 9000 CC as a prescription therapy would reform our healthcare system.

Consumption is limited. The 9000, previously plagued by a maintenance backlog, is economical, an 8 will come first. After a few days of Saab Youngtimer fun.

The Check Engine light comes on once more for a few seconds on the first day. That was it. The Saab is suitable for everyday use, handy, more comfortable tuned than current cars. It is more filigree than the CS, and the generous glazing at the rear provides light and a clear view.

The operating concept is still brand new after 30 years. There are things that cannot be improved.

80s driving experience with unpainted bumpers

The cars of that time were more thoughtful than today. Black, sturdy, unpainted bumpers take the sting of strangers. Trapped side skirts keep trouser legs clean. Large, clearly defined buttons ensure easy operation. A car in the 80 years was not a rolling expression of vanity, but a tool for the purpose. The times never come again. Not in Europe. The 9000 CC successor was already vain, noble, snobby. The 90er moved towards premium, Saab was there.

In the meantime, the 9000 CC and my Kärcher have become friends. An afternoon of thorough cleaning, on the 5th pass, black broth is still running from the Saab, giving an idea of ​​how good the paint quality was in the 80s.

90% of all scratches are magically gone, foreign color tones resulting from enemy contact were eliminated with the paint cleaner. With a bit of polish it would be on the level of a year-old car. Nice like that!

What's next? The CC will disappear into the hangar again. We will expand the sky, do what seems like 100 little things. In the meantime, it is moved regularly - like all project vehicles. At some point he comes back on the street, maybe my first vehicle with an H license plate.

Will he stay long term? Feels like at least two or three vehicles are around too much. A luxury problem that I have to solve someday and with a heavy heart.

The result of the Saab 9000 CC adventure is positive. Entry into a very likeable car is available for little money. Smaller is not possible. The investments are manageable, the mind and the inner accountant are in favor of bringing the 80s home. With a luxury Saab. The 9000 CC is one with which you get a starting place at every classic event. Because it's so rare.

There are few survivors, prices will go up once the H-plate is in sight. You can't get cheaper anyway. A smart investment in an intelligently made car? In any case!