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Classic Saab 900 - Press Reviews
'Max Power' Saab 900 Turbo 1 (2) 3
with 225/50/16 P5000s at the front and 245/45/16 P700Zs on the other end. The standard arches were then cut away to provide clearance for the wheels, and sheet steel was welded in their place. Each section was carefully shaped before its location was fixed. Special inner arches were also fabricated to protect the bodywork from stones and corrosion.
At the business end, the wrap-around Saab 900 bonnet gave special problems since it's depth interfered with the smooth curving arches. The solution was to incorporate the radius into the bonnet by welding a separate upper section to it. This produced a sweet result without compromising the bonnets peculiar hinged operation.
The rear arches were simpler to construct, but incorporate RS Cosworth bonnet vents to replicate brake ducts. Similarly, the Saab bonnet has vents from the Escort RS Turbo to maintain the Ford theme.
Because the steel arches are so strong AnG were able to stretch the standard plastic bumpers out to give an integrated appearance without needing to produce new ones or make them wider. Similar thinking was applied to the new spoiler which was designed for the Mk1 Golf, but is extensively modified to suit the Saab application, it can be purchased separately for the sum of £350 including VAT, fitting and painting. This price may be reduced if demand is sufficiently high to justify moulding a new spoiler specifically for the Saab 900.
The same principal will be applied to the arch kit which could also be produced in glassfibre if there's a demand. That would include the four arches and the wider bumpers. Until this happens, AnG are quoting a price of around £5900 with VAT to reproduce the steel arches, stretch the bumpers and supply the Azev wheels and tyres. Again this is a fitted price which includes painting, since it's not available mail order. Inevetibly a full respray would cost extra but the yellow finish used here would justify the outlay. If the wide arch styling is too expensive, AnG can offer a simple glassfibre bumper kit which is similar to the factory Carlsson parts. Front and rear bumpers cost just over £700 with VAT when fitted and painted. However owners of the early cars will need to upgrade with later headlamps to complete the conversion.
The AnG Saab 900 was lowered on a set of factory springs, since the 16S has standard gas dampers and good anti-roll bars. It also comes with powerful ABS disc brakes that need little attention.
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