Quirk Database1970sSwedenNormal-looking, weird inside
Saab 900 (classic)
The Saab 900 (classic) is a hatchback, saloon and convertible made by Saab in Sweden from 1978 to 1993. Its weirdest quirk: The key lives on the floor between the seats, and on manuals it only comes out when you've selected reverse.
The car that made the floor-mounted ignition famous. It looks like a sensible Swedish hatchback until you go hunting for the keyhole and find it between the seats, where it only lets go of the key once you've selected reverse.
Quick facts
- Maker: Saab
- Years: 1978–1993
- Country of origin: Sweden
- Body type: Hatchback, saloon and convertible
- Weirdest quirk: The key lives on the floor between the seats, and on manuals it only comes out when you've selected reverse.
- Sold prices logged: 6 (latest: $18,750 at Bring a Trailer, Oct 21, 2026)
- Full story: Why Saab Hid Your Ignition Key Between the Seats (And Made You Pick Reverse to Remove It)
Sold prices
Sold prices are for the original 1978–1993 Saab 900. The between-the-seats key also lived on in the 99, the GM-era 900, the 9-3 and the 9-5.
| Date | Venue | Car | Price | Mileage | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bring a Trailer | 29k-Mile 1980 Saab 900 Turbo 5-Speed | $18,750 | 29k mi shown | Result for 29k-Mile 1980 Saab 900 Turbo 5-Speed at Bring a Trailer ↗ | |
| Bring a Trailer | 1988 Saab 900 Turbo SPG 5-Speed | $18,500 | 156k mi shown | Result for 1988 Saab 900 Turbo SPG 5-Speed at Bring a Trailer ↗ | |
| Bring a Trailer | 1989 Saab 900 S Hatchback 5-Speed | $13,250 | 126k mi shown | Result for 1989 Saab 900 S Hatchback 5-Speed at Bring a Trailer ↗ | |
| Bring a Trailer | 1993 Saab 900 Turbo Hatchback Commemorative Edition | $68,000 | 80k mi shown | Result for 1993 Saab 900 Turbo Hatchback Commemorative Edition at Bring a Trailer ↗ | |
| Cars & Bids | 1983 Saab 900 S | $5,500 | 59,500 mi | Result for 1983 Saab 900 S at Cars & Bids ↗ | |
| Cars & Bids | 1986 Saab 900 Turbo | $6,000 | 201,800 mi | Result for 1986 Saab 900 Turbo at Cars & Bids ↗ |
Prices as published by each auction site, in the currency the car sold in. "TMU" means total mileage unknown.