1994 Saab 900 Turbo-Abbott Racing

Built by Abbott Racing in 1994 to compete in the Foxboro Production Saloon Championship

Debuted in May 1994 at Thruxton with Ian Flux on board

Ran in the Group N specification Championships in 1995/6 and at the Nurburgring 24 Hrs (Gruppe A).

Multiple podiums in the last 3 seasons. Class wins at Oulton Park and Spa

Eligible for Classic Sports Car Club; 'Modern Classics' and 'Turbo Tin Tops'.

Saab's much-loved old-shape 900 was in production for decades and by the time it was replaced in 1993, there was a huge and intensely loyal group of buyers awaiting the new car with interest. What they got was a re-bodied and re-engineered Vauxhall Cavalier with typically eccentric Saab touches. The second or 'new generation' Saab 900 ( NG900) was built on GM's GM2900 platform and was to stay in production through until 1998 before being replaced by the 9-3. Only the five-door was available at the October 1993 launch and engines were either 2.0 or 2.3-litre four cylinders (and a 2.0-litre turbo version) or the Vauxhall-made 2.5-litre V6. The turbo four was powerful (more so than the V6) and smooth, aided by Saab's special engine balance shafts.

The three-door arrived in February 1994, however, initial sales in the UK were a little disappointing and Saab decided to move their motorsport emphasis away from the 9000CS and focus on the New Generation range. The Abbott Racing Saab 9000CS had proved to be all-conquering winning Production Saloon Championships in 1992/3 so it seemed logical that they would be asked to prepare and race the new 900 Turbo.

The car offered here was built by Abbott Racing in 1994 to compete in the Foxboro Production Saloon Championship and the Group N specification Championships in 1995/6. It made its debut in May 1994 at Thruxton with Ian Flux on board whilst Lionel Abbott drove the 9000 CS to keep points racking up for the 1994 Foxboro Championship title. In 1995, running with the new regulations, the season was highlighted with a win at Silverstone in October and numerous podium finishes. Prepared to 'Gruppe A' regulations, the car took part in the Nurburgring 24hrs driven by Lionel Abbott, Richard Dean, Chris Goodwin and Ian Flux, running as high as 9th overall until an accident at 23.30hrs into the race. During the night, in cold and wet conditions, it was second fastest only to 'Smoking Joe Wilkenhock' in the works entered BMW Schnitzer 2.0-litre 320S. The 1996 season saw wins at Oulton Park and Silverstone. With the arrival of the 9-3, the car was retired from top-level racing and remained with Abbott Racing until purchased by a Saab enthusiast living in France.

It was eventually bought by our vendor who has enjoyed three seasons racing in the Classic Sports Car Club. 'Modern Classics' and 'Turbo Tin Tops'. In his hands, it has enjoyed multiple podiums and has recently had class wins at Oulton Park and Spa-Francorchamps. This is the only Abbott Racing Saab to come to the open market with wins to its name and Nürburgring 24hrs history.

NB. Further details of the car's current spec to follow.