1985 was the first year of one of SAAB's most desirable model lines in the US: the "Special Performance Group" (SPG).

Sporting wind tunnel-tested aero trim (purportedly reducing drag ~5% relative to the stock 900 Turbo build), a partial factory debadge, suspension upgrades, and a high-output motor for its year (160hp) the '85 SPG ushered in a new era of something extra special for Saab enthusiasts to lust over.

With only ~7600 cars ever to come to the US over the SPG series' lifespan, for many of us we could only imagine the experience of driving one. 

Affectionately named "Steve Junior", this SPG has special meaning to us: a first car for our Saab rescue collaboration and a lucky opportunity for us to not only get that SPG experience through the honor of restoring one which might otherwise have left the road.

Stever Junior was in an accident. With a bear. You may be familiar with Saab's marketing surrounding the safety of their cars in crash tests with moose - we can confirm their rugged build extends to protecting against other large mammals. Unfortunately, this crushed the hood, and not long after the head gasket failed. 

Discouraged by the state of the car, the prior owner was ready to give up on it when we took ownership (the hood is replaced, but still in bad need of paint and a color match to the rest of the car). 

On this page we'll document our work bringing the engine back into good order and fixing the many other cosmetic and functional quirks that need restoration after this SPG's 40 years of life on the road.

This car absolutely deserves to be saved. This page, and our YouTube channel (please Like and Subscribe!) tell the story of its recovery and new lease on life