Saab 99
| Company type | Company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | April 1, 1945 |
| Headquarters | Trollhättan , Sweden |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Saab 99 was manufactured by the Swedish company Saab Automobile between 1968 and 1984, marking the brand’s initial expansion into a larger vehicle category beyond the Saab 96. While it was classified as a D-segment or large family car within Scandinavia, in other regions it was positioned as a specialized compact executive car. Production took place in both Sweden and Finland. Although the model was eventually replaced by the Saab 900, the Saab 99 remained in production concurrently with its successor for some time. The later introduced Saab 90, a simplified model incorporating many components from the 900, succeeded the 99 in late 1984.
Development
On April 2, 1964—celebrated as Gudmund’s day in Sweden—the Saab board initiated Project Gudmund, following several years of preparation. This initiative aimed to create a larger automobile to extend Saab’s market reach beyond the smaller Saab 96. The outcome of this project was the Saab 99, designed by Sixten Sason and officially presented in Stockholm on November 22, 1967.
Initial prototypes were developed by cutting an existing Saab 96 lengthwise and expanding it by approximately 20 centimetres (7.9 in), resulting in a test vehicle nicknamed Paddan (meaning “the toad”) which served as a covert step in development. Subsequently, to maintain secrecy, the first body shell of the Saab 99 bore a "Daihatsu" badge—a name cleverly assembled from available letters on the Saab Sport model.
Manufacturing of the Saab 99 occurred not only at Saab’s own facility in Trollhättan Assembly, Sweden, but also at Finland’s Valmet Automotive plant located in Uusikaupunki, starting from 1969. During its final five years (1979–1984), production at Valmet ran alongside Finnish assembly of the Talbot Horizon, which featured upholstery of comparable high-quality velour fabric as found in the Saab 99.
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Although Saab engineers favored their existing two-stroke engines, it was determined that a four-stroke powerplant was essential for this model. Consequently, they selected a 1.7 L (later increased to 1.85 L) four-cylinder engine sourced from Triumph Motor Company. This was the same Triumph Slant-4 engine utilized in the Triumph Dolomite, but Saab equipped it with a specially developed Zenith-Stromberg CD carburetor tailored for their requirements. Some Saab 99 models were fitted with a Triumph Stag V8 engine; however, this option was eventually discontinued in favor of turbocharged units that later powered the iconic 99 Turbo.
Although an initial plan included producing a three-door estate version, it never reached series production. In 1971, considering development of a combi coupé, work resumed on an estate variant—this time designed as a five-door model.
Description and reception
The original Saab 99 was equipped with a four-cylinder inline engine sourced from Triumph, mounted at a 45-degree angle. This 1709 cc powerplant delivered an SAE gross output of 87 PS at 5500 rpm. The engine utilized a conventional water-cooling system, but notably featured an electric cooling fan, which was uncommon among vehicles of that era.
In February 1971, the introduction of the four-door Saab 99 (99CM4 series) marked the debut of an enlarged 1854 cc version of the Triumph engine. However, Saab encountered reliability issues with these Triumph engines and opted to develop their own design internally. Starting in September 1972, the Saab B engine with a displacement of 1985 cc was implemented. Throughout the production span of the 99, multiple engine enhancements were made, including the addition of fuel injection on select models.
The Saab 99 employed front-wheel drive with its engine installed in a reversed longitudinal orientation, similar to earlier designs such as the Citroën Traction Avant. This configuration positioned the clutch or output shaft toward the front, placing the engine mass behind the gearbox to prevent excessive front-end weight. Power was transmitted to the under-mounted gearbox via a triplex chain. While front-wheel drive was relatively rare at the time, it remained a traditional layout for Saab.
The vehicle's bonnet was hinged at the front and extended over the wheel arches. Its windscreen featured a deep wrap-around design uncommon for its period. The sharply inclined A-pillar contributed to outstanding driver visibility. Aerodynamically, the car achieved a drag coefficient of 0.37, outperforming many contemporaries which ranged between 0.4 and 0.5. The chassis incorporated passive safety elements including deformation zones at both ends.
To comply with U.S. regulations mandating sealed beam headlights, American-market models were fitted with a distinct front fascia featuring four round lamps instead of the two rectangular units seen elsewhere. This "US front" design later gained popularity among European custom car enthusiasts, and vice versa.
Early versions of the 99 retained the freewheel transmission system carried over from the Saab 96. However, this feature was discontinued following the introduction of the 1.85 L engine, likely due to increased power demands on the drivetrain. The handbrake operated on the front wheels.
The Saab 99 represented Saab’s final factory rally contender, initially in its EMS form and subsequently as the Turbo variant. Notably, the 99 Turbo was among the earliest family cars to offer turbocharging after Oldsmobile’s Turbo Jetfire in the early 1960s; most other turbocharged vehicles at that time were specialized and challenging to handle. Popular Mechanics ranked the Saab 99 Turbo second in their all-time top ten turbocharged cars list.
A 1968 review in Britain’s "Mass Motorist" magazine praised the Saab 99 for its comfort, build quality, driving satisfaction, and equipment level, suggesting that its main competitors were the BMW 2002 and Alfa Romeo Giulia. The article argued that Saab held an advantage over these rivals and could become a class leader if equipped with a more powerful engine.
In Australia, Wheels magazine’s July 1978 test of the 99 Turbo highlighted its impressive acceleration in top gear between 60 km/h and 160 km/h compared to other five-seaters globally. Similarly, Modern Motor noted in August 1978 that experiencing its sustained strong acceleration firsthand was necessary to believe such performance could come from a 2.0 L engine powering a relatively heavy vehicle.
Popular Science remarked that while priced similarly to Peugeot and Volvo models, the Saab offered fuel economy comparable to smaller cars like the Colt or Dasher; its small four-cylinder overhead-cam engine provided agility akin to V8s. They also noted that no American-made engine since 1968 matched its drivability.
A police version of the Saab 99 was produced as well. Due to its bonnet design wrapping around and covering wheel arches—a feature shared with the Saab 900—the police paint teams faced challenges extending livery paint onto this hood panel rather than limiting it to fenders as usual.
The sedan variant of the Saab 99 incorporated a heating duct directed towards the rear window controlled by a lever situated between the front seats for defogging purposes. Additionally, ignition was located on the floor and included a gear lock mechanism that required selecting reverse gear before removing the key—unlike conventional steering wheel locks.
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Side view of a 1970 Saab 99 four-door
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Four-door sedan from late production (1982) Saab 99
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Front grille facelift on a 1983 Saab 99 GL resembling that of Saab 900
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UK-specification Saab 99 EMS from 1974
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US-market version of the 1974 Saab 99 EMS
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Saab 99 Turbo equipped with 'inca' style wheels
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Combi coupé body style on a 1978 Saab 99 Turbo
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Seats specific to the Saab 99 Turbo model
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The first factory-produced stretched limousine version called 'Finlandia' based on Saab 99
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Models
- E — Launched in 1970 (available on special order rather than from dealer stock), the 99E featured electronic fuel injection and a four-speed manual gearbox, initially offered only as a two-door model. It utilized a 1709 cc Triumph engine delivering 87 PS (64 kW) via Bosch Type-D Jetronic fuel injection, replacing the previous Zenith-Stromberg carburetors. The earlier carbureted engine generated 80 PS (59 kW). Fuel efficiency was rated at 7.8 L/100 km (33 mpg) when cruising between 105 and 110 km/h (65-70 mph).
- EMS — Introduced in 1972, the EMS (Electronic fuel injection Manual transmission Special) was a sport-oriented variant originally available only as a two-door. Between 1972 and 1974, it was equipped with Bosch D-jetronic fuel injection, switching to Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical injection from 1975 onward, while retaining the "e" suffix in its name. In 1977, the EMS was offered in the three-door 'wagonback' style that had been standard since 1974 (introduced in the USA in 1978). This model featured firmer suspension tuning and came in various colors: yellow or copper coral metallic in 1973; Sterling Silver or Sunset orange in 1974; black or Sterling Silver during 1975 and 1976; black, Sterling Silver, or Cardinal red in 1977; and Sterling Silver or Cardinal red in 1978. The updated Swedish-built engine had a displacement of 1985 cc, producing 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp), with a maximum speed of 170 km/h (106 mph). The grille emblem differed from standard models only during 1973 and 1974. Additional enhancements over time included quicker steering response, upgraded interior trim, distinctive soccerball wheels, carpeted trunks, and a front air dam.
- SSE — Marketed in the United States to meet demand prior to the EMS's availability there. The SSE featured a black or burled walnut vinyl roof covering, a BorgWarner automatic transmission, and a 1.85-litre Triumph engine.
- X7 — Released in 1973 as an entry-level variant sold exclusively in Sweden and Denmark. It lacked self-repairing bumpers and used seats identical to those found on V4 Saabs but without electric heating elements. The heating and ventilation system was simplified, and several features such as the clock, cigarette lighter, glove compartment, and rear window defroster were omitted.
- L — Standing for Luxe, this budget-friendly model debuted in 1973 and was powered by the 1.85 L engine.
- LE — Equipped with the same fuel-injected powertrain as the EMS; production years are uncertain but confirmed from at least 1974.
- GL — Denoting Grand Luxe trim.
- GLE — Representing Grand Luxe with E for INJECTION rather than executive status,[1] introduced in 1976 as the flagship trim level. It came fitted with fuel injection, power steering (in select markets), and an automatic transmission.
- GLs — Grand Luxe Super variant featuring dual carburetors instead of one. It delivered 108 PS (79 kW; 107 hp), compared to 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) from the single-carburetor version.
- Turbo — Debuted in 1978 following a pre-production run of approximately 100 units built in 1977. The Turbo model employed a turbocharged version of the two-litre engine. Initially available as a three-door combi coupé, a limited two-door edition was produced between 1979 and 1980 for homologation purposes related to rally competition. Color options included Cardinal red, Sterling silver, Anthracite grey, and Black for the three-door; while the two-door came in silver, cardinal red, and metallic green. The Turbo S was a special edition featuring factory-installed water injection, boosting output by an additional 15–20 PS. In 1978, a very limited run of just over one hundred five-door Turbo models were produced exclusively in Cardinal red.
- Finlandia — A limousine adaptation of the Saab 99 GLE combi coupé featuring an extended wheelbase lengthened by 25 centimetres (9.8 in), introduced in 1977 by Valmet at their Uusikaupunki (Nystad), Finland facility. The Swedish headquarters disapproved of this model and the concept of converting the five-door combi coupé into an executive vehicle; consequently it was sold solely within Finland without official Trollhättan designation. Available through local dealerships as the Saab 99 "Finlandia," its first iteration featured a short extension between front and rear doors. In 1978, the wheelbase extension was slightly reduced to 20 centimetres (7.9 in) but executed more elegantly by adding 10 centimetres (3.9 in) to each door individually—this modification primarily increased rear legroom without altering other interior dimensions significantly. Factory-fitted turbocharged engines with manual transmissions were installed on three late-production Finlandia units.
- These vehicles originated from an initiative inspired by Finnish President Urho Kekkonen, who expressed dissatisfaction at a social event regarding his conspicuous Cadillac state car's unsuitability for everyday use despite his status. Seeking more discreet transportation that did not draw undue attention or compromise security—especially given American luxury sedans' rarity in Finland at that time—industrialist Marcus Wallenberg Jr., a personal friend of Kekkonen’s, commissioned an elongated pine-green Saab 99 with an added length of approximately 20 cm achieved by extending each door by about 10 cm at Heiner's Mekaniska Verkstad coachbuilder in Malmö, Sweden. Wallenberg presented this bespoke vehicle to Kekkonen, who appreciated it greatly. This story received extensive media coverage, influencing Finnish political and business elites to adopt similar vehicles, prompting Saab-Valmet to produce comparable models locally. Kekkonen’s original Wallenberg Special is now exhibited at the Uusikaupunki Automobile Museum, which also documents Saab’s history alongside other makes and specialized models developed or manufactured at Valmet’s plant. This tradition continued with the Saab 900 Finlandia launched in 1979, later marketed from 1982 as the Saab 900 CD primarily as four-door sedans rather than five-door combi coupés. One long-wheelbase five-door combi coupé known as "The last Saab Finlandia" was delivered to Finnish paper industry leader Metsä Group in 1983.[2]
- Petro — A multifuel engine capable of operating on gasoline or kerosene, produced between 1979 and 1981 at Uusikaupunki exclusively for sale within Finland. This development responded to rising fuel costs by offering an alternative to diesel engines absent from Saab’s lineup at that time.
Performance
- Saab 99E 1.85L delivers 95 hp (DIN). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 14.6 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 161.5 km/h.
- Saab 99 EMS produces 118 hp (DIN), accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.6 seconds and from 0 to 160 km/h in 41.0 seconds, with a top speed of 175.6 km/h.
- Saab 99 Turbo generates 143 hp (145 PS/DIN), achieving 0–100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and 0–160 km/h in 26.2 seconds, with a peak velocity of 196.7 km/h. (In the U.S., a 135 hp version was available only in 1978.)
- Saab 99 Petro delivers 85 hp (DIN), accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in 16.5 seconds, with a maximum speed of 155 km/h.
References
- Auto, motor und sport issues nr4.4 and nr8–1979.
History
The Saab 99 was unveiled on November 22, 1967.[3] Initial production began in autumn of 1968, with only 4,190 units manufactured that year.[4] Production volumes grew substantially during 1969 and again in 1970, coinciding with the launch of the four-door variant. The interior received an upgrade in luxury and design in 1970, including a redesigned steering wheel. Additionally, the exhaust system was switched to aluminum construction, and both engine mounts and drive joints were updated. March saw the introduction of the 99E model, equipped optionally with a three-speed automatic transmission and powered by a 1.75 L engine featuring electronically controlled fuel injection that produced 87 PS (64 kW; 86 hp).[4] Notably, the 1970 model was the first passenger car sold in Sweden with standard headlamp wipers—two years before they became mandatory.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
In the following year, the Saab 99 received a larger and more robust engine: a carbureted version delivering 86 PS (63 kW; 85 hp) from a 1.85 L displacement and a fuel-injected variant producing 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp). The smaller 1.75 L engine was then offered exclusively with carburetion. Additional enhancements included the introduction of headlamp wipers, enlarged side mirrors, and an extra air intake beneath the grille. The dashboard was redesigned to incorporate new instrumentation.[4]
By 1972, the smaller engine option was discontinued. Power outputs increased to 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) for carbureted models and 97 PS (71 kW; 96 hp) for those with fuel injection. The Saab B engine's larger two-liter displacement became available this year as well. A significant update involved new plastic bumpers capable of absorbing impacts up to 8 km/h (5 mph) without deformation. Suspension components were stiffened and fitted with stronger dampers, while an electrically heated driver's seat was introduced as an option. January marked the debut of the Saab EMS (Electronic-Manual-Special), initially offered only as a two-door sportier configuration but later expanded to include the wagonback body style starting in 1974 for European markets. This model featured firmer suspension tuning and optional metallic paint finishes in silver or copper tones ('bronze'). Its engine displaced 1985 cc and utilized Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection producing 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp), enabling a top speed of approximately 170 km/h (106 mph).
To cater to U.S. customers before the EMS became available there, Saab introduced the special '99 SSE' model featuring either black or burled walnut vinyl roof coverings and equipped with an automatic transmission supplied by Borg-Warner. This variant retained the Triumph-sourced 1.85 L engine.
In 1973, Saab launched an economical two-door version named the '99L' powered by the same 1.85 L engine delivering 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp). Other models were equipped with Sweden-produced two-liter engines producing 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) when carbureted; electronically fuel-injected LE models generated 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp), primarily intended for export markets. Interior ceiling materials were updated along with door protection bars and a new black grille design. In Northern Europe, a stripped-down variant called '99 X7' was also marketed.[4]
The combi coupé body style debuted in January 1974 as a three-door hatchback (marketed as "Wagon Back" in the United States). This version extended length by approximately 11 cm (4.3 in)* compared to the sedan model. New front seats and steering wheel designs were introduced that year, while the EMS received an exclusive interior layout tailored specifically for it. Safety improvements included fitting inertial reel seat belts.
Brake system enhancements arrived in 1975; notably, the handbrake mechanism was modified to act directly on primary brake pads rather than separate drum brake pads within rotors. The lineup consisted of two variants: a carbureted engine rated at 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) and a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injected version producing 118 PS (87 kW)*. February saw the addition of a Zenith-Stromberg twin-carburetor model exclusive to the combi coupé body style delivering 108[convert: needs unit name] output. The combi coupé's distinctive grille introduced in late-1974 was extended across all models.[4]
While no major revisions occurred during the following year (1976), Saab implemented a self-adjusting clutch system and adapted engines to meet stricter emissions standards. Several models gained electrically heated rear windows as standard or optional equipment. The luxurious four-door sedan variant '99 GLE' debuted featuring power steering, automatic transmission, fuel injection, premium upholstery, and rear-seat armrest comfort features. Additionally, Saab introduced a five-door combi coupé variant.[4]
For model year 1977, front light clusters were enlarged along with rear tail lamps on sedans; bumper rubber strips received updates as well. A fleet of "One Hundred series" test Turbo cars—primarily based on two- or three-door EMS variants—were distributed internationally for evaluation purposes; some four- and five-door versions were also produced mainly for police testing in Sweden, Finland, and Switzerland.
The turbocharged iteration named '99 Turbo' was launched in 1978 exclusively as a combi coupé initially; it featured a turbocharged two-liter engine generating 145[convert: needs unit name], achieving speeds up to approximately 200[convert: needs unit name]. Garrett AiResearch engineered and manufactured its turbochargers. Distinctive alloy wheels alongside front and rear spoilers visually distinguished this model.[5] The introduction of the Turbo marked an important milestone for Saab by repositioning it within automotive markets as an innovative leader; by early 1979 more than ten thousand turbocharged units had been produced.[5] Additional updates for that year included optional sunroof availability and EMS models becoming available as three-door combi coupés in select markets.
In 1979, Saab discontinued combi coupé options for the model as its successor—the Saab 900—was offered exclusively in this body style; consequently, the Turbo shifted to being offered solely as a two-door saloon though production numbers remained low for this configuration. Changes included modifications to rear axle design, replacement of metal fuel tanks with plastic units, updated wheels, and adoption of new bumpers similar to those fitted on Saab's newer models; these bumpers were also applied to two-door variants starting from model year 1980.[6] That same year brought safer seat designs borrowed from the Saab 900 along with protective low-mounted side strips.[7] The spare tire was replaced by an emergency-use unit; interior carpeting reverted from rubber back to textile materials after several years.[6] For Swedish markets only, twin-carburetor versions returned briefly labeled as '99 Super,' offered exclusively with four doors and automatic transmissions.
The twin-carb Super ceased production after model year 1981 but was replaced by new engine options: '99 GL' producing 100[convert: needs unit name] and '99 GLi' delivering 118[convert: needs unit name], both paired with four-speed manual gearboxes. The GLi offered additional luxury features such as power-adjustable side mirrors but was available only in Northern Europe with roughly sixteen hundred units produced overall.[4] All remaining models received updated rear seats upholstered in velour fabric along with redesigned rearview mirrors, steering wheels, and front axles derived from Saab's newer platforms.
Incorporating Scania-built H engines starting in 1982 enabled all variants to run efficiently on gasoline rated at ninety-three octane or higher; both two- and four-door GL trims gained availability of five-speed manual transmissions that year as well. Exterior updates included blacked-out window trim surrounds plus new wheel designs.
Minor technical refinements took place during model year 1983 such as adoption of grilles resembling those on Saab's contemporary models along with blacked-out B-pillars on two-door versions.[8] Brake pads transitioned to asbestos-free formulations; five-speed-equipped cars received low-resistance tires mounted on wider rims requiring repositioning of rear axles.[8] Further small changes followed into early-1984 including electronic ignition systems, lowered seating positions, more upright steering wheel angles, plus interval windshield wipers exclusive to five-speed models—marking this as the final production year for the Saab 99 before being succeeded by both Saab’s new compact model—the Saab 90—and its larger sibling—the Saab 900.
Overall production totaled approximately five hundred eighty-eight thousand six hundred forty-three units; when including Saab 90 figures this number increases to six hundred fourteen thousand three.[4]
WRC Triumphs
Manufacturing Figures
| Year | Units Produced | Year | Units Produced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 | 25 | 1976 | 72,819 |
| 1968 | 4,190 | 1977 | 60,316 |
| 1969 | 19,411 | 1978 | 45,851 |
| 1970 | 29,755 | 1979 | 22,443 |
| 1971 | 35,136 | 1980 | 17,108 |
| 1972 | 45,001 | 1981 | 13,381 |
| 1973 | 52,065 | 1982 | 20,006 |
| 1974 | 62,637 | 1983 | 17,187 |
| 1975 | 64,167 | 1984 | 7,145 |
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