(Find the Tarmac Works Saab 900 Turbo at the brand store here and on Ebay here)
At one point in the not too distant past, if I’d have had to list the diecast makers who would likely release a 1/64 Saab 900, Tarmac Works wouldn’t be on it. Amongst a catalogue of GT3 racers, RWB Porsches and tuned Japanese metal, a bone stock 1980s Swedish hatchback would have been borderline unthinkable. And even though the Tarmac line up of today now includes Volvos and Renaults, the inclusion of the 900 is still a very pleasant surprise.
Saab’s 900 model arrived in 1978, replacing the earlier 99 series. The 900 borrowed heavily from its predecessor but forward of the A-pillar the design was heavily reworked, primarily in the interest of safety regulations.
At launch only 3 or 5-door hatchback bodystyles were available, with a 4-door saloon arriving in 1981. All 900s were powered by variants of Saab’s 2-litre B engine, a unit based on the venerable “slant-four” motor from British manufacturer Triumph.
The 8-valve Turbo model arrived in 1979, distinguished externally from naturally aspirated 900s by a re-designed grille, discreet badging, and the option of “turbine” style alloy wheels. Power was an impressive 145bhp, with a top speed of 125mph.
In 1984, a new 16-valve engine was added to the range and power of the Turbo models climbed to 175bhp with the introduction of the Turbo 16S model. A facelift arrived in 1987 that featured new headlights, grille and bumpers among other changes, with a convertible model arriving as part of the range refresh. Production of the first generation “Classic” 900 continued until a totally new model based on General Motors GM2900 platform arrived in 1994.
Tarmac have chose to replicate the post-1987 Turbo Coupe and Convertible 16S models complete with Saab Aero body kit. So far two colours of each model have been released: the Coupe in Saab Imola Red and black, and the convertible in Cirrus White (with BBS wheels, not pictured here) and Monte Carlo Yellow.
Another two colourways of the coupe are also en route for Q4 of this year: Cirrus White (with side stripes) and Silver Grey Metallic, both with BBS wheels. All colourways also have raw metal chase versions.
As one would expect from Tarmac, quality is superb. I often mention a model’s proportions in my articles, and it’s because it’s an incredibly important part of any miniature. Shrinking the lines of a real vehicle down to scale is something that sometimes doesn’t quite work. Even the quality control of the biggest brands can sometimes miss awkward lines. For an example one only needs to look at the front of a Schuco Volkswagen T1, which despite being a model I am rather fond of, is blighted by a slightly Pug-ish nose. Tarmac themselves aren’t free from oversights; their own J-Collection Honda NSX features poor wheel sizing that gives the car look akin to that of a funny car.
But luckily Tarmac have managed to shrink 900 designer Björn Envall’s work down to 1/64 scale perfectly, and have created a fine diecast.
There’s clear plastic lights and treaded rubber tyres sitting on accurately replicated 3-spoke Aero wheels, and a screw-on metal base gives the model a pleasing weight, and will no doubt appeal to wheelswappers and customisers alike.
The convertible also reveals a pleasantly accurate interior, with air vents and switchgear molded in and a faithfully replicated 3-spoke steering wheel affixed to the dash.
Paint and decal quality are good, with only the smallest “16 Valve” badges on the rear being illegible, but it’s a world away from Mattel fuzz.
In a neat touch, each car has a set of license plates which I always think helps give an added touch of realism to any model. The Imola Red Coupe comes with Saab branded show plates, whilst the Convertible and black Coupe each have a differing set of Swedish plates.
Adding to the desirability for collectors, both the Imola Red car and the Convertible are also packaged with a pack of Tarmac Cards, their design utilising some very cool Saab advertisements of old.
The Saabs are a fine testament to Tarmac’s progress in the hobby. The company’s origins may have been in tuned Civic EGs and Bathing Ape GT3 Audi R8s, but with the 900 Turbo they’ve proved they can definitely do the more left field European diecast just as well.
Instagram: @alex_the_hoarder
Facebook: facebook.com/alexthehoarder
YouTube: @Alex_the_Hoarder
Reddit: u/alexthehoarder