~ Auto Buzz ~: Hemmings Find of the Day – 1993 Saab 900 Turbo convertible

The 2004 movie Sideways managed to ruin merlot for pretty much everybody and forced movie goers to watch helplessly as a Saab 900 convertible was smacked up, on purpose, creating a false alibi to cover up one of the characters’ sexual indiscretions.

In the decade since, I’ve watched that movie a half dozen times and put away a considerable amount of red wine, but have yet to buy a Saab 900 like this 1993 convertible for sale on Hemmings.com — which seems like the perfect older car for an hour-plus, four-season commute from New York to Vermont.

I don’t know anything about Saabs, but I would know who to ask if I were ever seriously considering the purchase of one: Hemmings Senior Editor and Serial Swedish Car Owner Mark McCourt.

Here’s what Mark said, writing about the 900 convertible in the July 2009 issue of Hemmings Sports and Exotic Car:

True Saabers locked on to the limited-production 900 Turbo SPG upon its introduction in 1985 as the ultimate expression of the Swedish brand’s sporting heritage, but while these low-key, high-performance three-doors held their own in the upscale European performance-car market, it was the introduction of the soft-top 900 Turbo that introduced the larger world to Saab. Designed as a convertible from the start and topped with an ASC-engineered electro-hydraulic Cambria cloth top with a heated glass rear window, this car retained its steel roof counterpart’s all-weather ability and luxurious creature comforts for four, becoming the first Saab with true mass appeal. A combination of exciting performance, luxurious appointments, a high price and low production made the individualist first-generation 900 Convertible the car to be seen in.

From the seller’s description:

1993 Saab 900 Turbo Convertible, I am the second owner of this completely original and exceptionally clean SAAB classic. My wife and I have owned it since 1996. Original paint. Rust free. Original canvas top shows expected wear. All electronics, gauges and warning lights work except SAAB/Clarion radio which works but does not play loud. Air-conditioning works and blows cold. Original dash pad with no cracks. Minor abrasion wear on bottom left bolster of driver seat. Small hole in carpeting on driver side near wheel well. Interior otherwise in excellent condition. Includes hard boot cover with case, owners manual, complete SAAB tool kit, SAAB floor mats, extra set of steel rims with Blizzaks and car cover. Car has been lovingly maintained primarily by SAAB technicians. Maintenance records available. Runs, drives and shows extremely well.