N267 ARD is a Saab 9000 Aero that was spotted parked on the streets of Bristol.
Upon its release, the 9000 Aero was the fastest Saab to date as well as being the most luxurious. Its turbocharged 2.3-litre engine was pushing 222hp through the front wheels at a time when hardly anything else was. The large Mitsubishi TD04 turbo fitted to these cars gave impressive mid-range shove, so much so that period advertising even bragged of faster 50-75mph times than Ferrari’s Testarossa and the then-new Porsche Carrera 4.
A spoiler and paint-matched body kit helped the Aero stand out from the rest of the range while Saab’s deep dish, three-spoke Super Aero wheels sealed that deal. Inside, the Aero got distinctive heated seats that were designed by Recaro.
The platform for the 9000 was actually a joint venture between Saab and Fiat, meaning the Fiat Croma, Lancia Thema and Alfa Romeo 164 all share similar underpinnings. Saab’s strong emphasis on safety meant the 9000 held a lot more safety features than its Italian siblings.
When it comes to this example there’s no denying it, N267 ARD is one rough old car, but it’s also one that’s fast approaching 25 years of age and has covered over 170,000 miles.
The three-spoke Super Aero wheels are fantastic. 
I’d love to see what a few hours with a machine polisher could do for the faded red paint of this example. 
N267 ARD is a 1996 Saab 9000 Aero spotted parked on the streets of Bristol 
For a car that asks so much from its front tyres it’s a little unnerving to see budget Triangle branded rubber. 
The 9000 Aero was the fastest Saab of its time.
| Registration Number: | N267 ARD |
| Make: | Saab |
| Model: | 9000 Aero |
| First registered (UK): | 30 December 1996 |
| Location: | Bristol |
There’s a McLaren parked on Gloucester row, opposite Christchurch Clifton.
Thanks Ian, I’ll check it out