In the mid-Eighties, the automotive world witnessed the delivery of а joint undertaking between the Swedish automaker Saab and Italian large Fiat. The 9000 was not solely a testomony to collaborative innovation but in addition Saab’s first entry into the luxurious phase. Launched in 1984, the 9000 shortly grew to become one of many model’s most recognizable merchandise, and at present, its legacy endures for a number of compelling causes.

Welcome to Timeless European Treasures, our weekly look again at automobiles from the European market that outlined a motoring era.

Why Do We Love It?

The Saab 9000 earned our affection for its superior design and technological options. Crafted as a part of the Type Four platform in partnership with Fiat, the 9000 shared its underpinnings with the Fiat Croma, Lancia Thema, and Alfa Romeo 164. The distinctive bodywork, a collaborative effort by famend designers Giorgetto Giugiaro and Saab’s personal designer Björn Envall, mirrored a mix of Scandinavian class and Italian aptitude. Despite the seen similarities with the opposite platform twins, the 9000 stood out with improved crash safety and distinctive options.

One standout attribute was the 9000’s dimension. It was shorter than the 900, a mannequin that had a decrease place within the hierarchy, however had an extended wheelbase. Due to its inside dimensions and the transversely mounted drivetrain, the EPA categorized the 9000 as a “large car” within the United States, a distinction shared only with Rolls-Royce at the time.