Saab Daihatsu
| Company type | Company (automaker) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Saab 96 |
| Founded | April 1, 1945 |
| Fate | Continued production of successor models alongside Saab 99 until late 1984 |
| Successor | Saab 900, Saab 90 |
| Headquarters | Trollhättan , Sweden |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Sixten Sason (designer) |
| Products | Automobiles, including Saab 99 |
The Saab 99 represents a model introduced by the Swedish automaker Saab Automobile between 1968 and 1984, marking their initial venture into a segment larger than the Saab 96. While it was classified as a D-segment or large family vehicle within Scandinavia, in other regions it was positioned as a specialized compact executive car. Production took place in both Sweden and Finland, with the model eventually succeeded by the Saab 900, although the 99 remained in production alongside its successor for some time. In late 1984, the Saab 90, a simplified update utilizing many components from the 900, replaced the 99.
Development
On April 2, 1964—known as Gudmund's day in Sweden—the Saab board initiated Project Gudmund after years of preparation. This initiative aimed to create a new, larger automobile to expand Saab’s offerings beyond the smaller Saab 96. The resulting vehicle was the Saab 99, designed by Sixten Sason, and officially revealed in Stockholm on November 22, 1967.
Initial prototypes were fashioned by splitting a Saab 96 lengthwise and expanding it by approximately 20 centimetres (7.9 in), forming what was nicknamed the Paddan (The Toad), serving as a covert representation of the new project. Subsequently, to maintain secrecy, the first body shell of the Saab 99 bore a "Daihatsu" badge, a name cleverly assembled from existing letters on the Saab Sport's badging.
Production of the Saab 99 was not limited to Saab’s own facility in Trollhättan; from 1969 onward, certain versions were also manufactured by Finnish company Valmet Automotive in Uusikaupunki. During the final five years of this production period (1979–1984), manufacturing occurred concurrently with Valmet’s assembly of the Finnish-built Talbot Horizon, which shared comparable high-grade velour upholstery with the Saab 99.
Although Saab engineers had an affinity for their established two-stroke engines, they determined that a four-stroke powerplant was necessary for this model. Consequently, they selected a 1.7 L (later upgraded to 1.85 L) engine sourced from Triumph Motor Company. This power unit was based on the same Triumph Slant-4 engine found in the Triumph Dolomite, but Saab fitted it with a specially developed Zenith-Stromberg CD carburetor tailored to their specifications. A limited number of Saab 99s were equipped with a V8 engine from the Triumph Stag, but this option was eventually discontinued in favor of turbocharged engines that powered later versions like the 99 Turbo.
Although plans for a three-door estate variant existed from early on, it never reached production. In 1971, work resumed on an estate model—this time envisioned as a five-door vehicle—partly inspired by considerations for a combi coupé.
Description and reception
The initial powerplant in the original Saab 99 was a four-cylinder inline engine inclined at a 45-degree angle. This 1709 cc unit, sourced from Triumph, delivered 87 PS (64 kW; 86 hp) SAE gross power at 5500 rpm. It was cooled by water in a conventional manner, but unlike most vehicles of that era, it utilized an electric fan for cooling.
Triumph later enlarged the engine to 1.85 L, coinciding with the February 1971 launch of the four-door Saab 99 (99CM4 series), which featured the bored-out 1854 cc engine. However, Saab encountered reliability issues with these Triumph engines and opted to develop their own powerplant. Starting in September 1972, the Saab B engine with a displacement of 1985 cc was introduced. Throughout the production span of the 99, various engine improvements were implemented, including the addition of fuel injection on select variants.
The Saab 99 employed a front-wheel-drive layout with its engine mounted longitudinally but reversed, a design reminiscent of earlier pre-transverse setups such as the Citroën Traction Avant. This configuration positioned the clutch or output shaft towards the front, situating more engine mass behind the gearbox to reduce front-end weight bias. Power was transmitted to the gearbox below via a triplex chain. While front-wheel drive was relatively rare when the 99 debuted, it was a hallmark feature for Saab.
Its bonnet was hinged at the front and extended over the front wheel arches. The windscreen featured a deep wrap-around design uncommon for its time. The sharply angled A-pillars contributed to outstanding visibility for the driver. Aerodynamically, the vehicle achieved a drag coefficient of 0.37, notably lower than many contemporaries which ranged between 0.4 and 0.5. The chassis incorporated passive safety elements including deformation zones at both front and rear.
Due to American regulations mandating sealed beam headlights, U.S. versions were fitted with a distinct front end featuring four round lamps instead of the two rectangular units seen elsewhere. This "US front" style gained popularity among European customizers and vice versa.
Early models retained the freewheel transmission from the Saab 96; however, this feature was removed when the larger 1.85 L engine arrived, likely because of increased power demands on the drivetrain. The parking brake operated on the front wheels.
The Saab 99 marked Saab's final factory-supported rally car effort, initially in EMS specification and subsequently as the Turbo model. The Saab 99 Turbo stood out as one of the earliest family cars equipped with turbocharging following the Oldsmobile Turbo Jetfire from 1962-63; other turbocharged vehicles at that time tended to be specialized and challenging to drive. Popular Mechanics ranked the Saab 99 Turbo second in its all-time top ten turbocharged cars list.
In a 1968 review by the UK's Mass Motorist magazine, they praised the 99 for being comfortable, well-crafted, enjoyable to drive, and well-equipped—suggesting that competitors should take note. They identified its primary rivals as the BMW 2002 and Alfa Romeo Giulia but argued that Saab had an edge over these models and could become a class leader if equipped with a more powerful engine.
Australia's Wheels magazine in July 1978 highlighted that during top-gear acceleration tests, the Turbo version nearly matched or exceeded any five-seater globally between 60 km/h (37 mph) and 160 km/h (99 mph) in fourth gear. Similarly, Modern Motor (August 1978) remarked that experiencing such sustained strong acceleration from a modestly sized 2.0 L engine in a relatively heavy car was almost unbelievable.
Popular Science noted that while priced comparably to Peugeot or Volvo models, it achieved fuel economy on par with smaller cars like the Colt or Dasher; furthermore, its small four-cylinder overhead-cam engine delivered agility comparable to V8 engines. They also stated no American engine since 1968 matched its drivability.
A police variant of the Saab 99 was produced as well. Its bonnet design posed challenges for applying police livery because it wrapped around and covered the wheel arches; thus paintwork had to extend onto this panel rather than being confined to just fenders as on other vehicles.
The sedan version included a heating duct aimed at defogging the rear window, controlled by a lever situated between front seats. The ignition switch was floor-mounted and also served to lock the gear lever instead of locking the steering column; removing the key required selecting reverse gear first.
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1970 Saab 99 four-door side -
Late (1982) SAAB 99 four-door sedan -
1983 Saab` 99 GL featuring facelifted grille similar to Saab 900 -
UK-specification 1974 Saab 99 EMS -
US-specification 1974 Saab 99 EMS -
Saab 99 Turbo equipped with 'inca' wheels -
1978 Saab 99 Turbo combi coupé body style -
Seats specific to the 99 Turbo model -
The first factory-produced stretched Saab 99 'Finlandia' limousine
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Models
- E—Launched in 1970 and initially available only by special order rather than from dealer stock, the 99E featured electronic fuel injection with a four-speed manual transmission, offered exclusively as a two-door model at first. This variant housed a 1709 cc Triumph engine delivering 87 PS (64 kW) through Bosch Type-D Jetronic fuel injection, replacing the earlier Zenith-Stromberg carburetors. The carbureted version generated 80 PS (59 kW). Fuel efficiency was rated at 7.8 L/100 km (33 mpg) when cruising at speeds between 105 and 110 km/h (65-70 mph).
- EMS—Debuting in 1972, the EMS (Electronic fuel injection Manual transmission Special) represented a sportier trim originally offered only as a two-door. Between 1972 and 1974, it utilized Bosch D-jetronic fuel injection, switching to Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection from 1975 onward, though the "e" suffix remained in the model name despite this change. The EMS became available in a three-door 'wagonback' body style in 1977, following its introduction for standard models in 1974 (and in the USA by 1978). It featured a stiffer suspension setup and was offered in various colors over the years: yellow or copper coral metallic in 1973; Sterling Silver or Sunset orange in 1974; black or Sterling Silver during 1975–1976; black, Sterling Silver, or Cardinal red in 1977; and Sterling Silver or Cardinal red in 1978. Its new Swedish-built engine displaced 1985 cc, producing 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) and reaching a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph). Only the grille badges differed from basic models during 1973 and 1974. Additional enhancements throughout its production included quicker steering, upgraded interior trim, distinctive soccerball wheels, carpeted luggage compartments, and front air dams.
- SSE—Marketed in the US 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 was powered by a 1.85-litre Triumph engine.
- X7—Introduced in 1973 as an entry-level model sold solely in Sweden and Denmark. It lacked self-repairing bumpers and included seats identical to those found on V4 Saabs but without electric heating elements. The heating and ventilation system was simplified, and amenities like the clock, cigarette lighter, glove compartment, and rear window defogger were omitted.
- L—Short for Luxe, this budget-friendly trim arrived in 1973 equipped with the 1.85 L engine.
- LE—Fitted with the same fuel-injected engine as the EMS model; production years are uncertain but confirmed at least from 1974 onward.
- GL—Denoting Grand Luxe.
- GLE—Standing for Grand Luxe with E representing INJECTION rather than executive,Cite error: Closing
</ref>missing for<ref>tag - Petro—A multifuel powerplant capable of operating on gasoline or kerosene fuel blends produced between 1979 and 1981 exclusively at Uusikaupunki for sale only within Finland. This engine was developed as an alternative amid rising fuel costs where Saab lacked a diesel option within its lineup.
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), achieving 0–100 km/h in 11.6 seconds and 0–160 km/h in 41.0 seconds, with a top speed of 175.6 km/h.
- Saab 99 Turbo generates 143 hp (145 PS/DIN), accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and from 0 to 160 km/h in 26.2 seconds, with a maximum velocity of 196.7 km/h. The U.S. model for 1978 featured a reduced power output of 135 hp.
- Saab 99 Petro offers 85 hp (DIN), with a 0–100 km/h time of 16.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 km/h.
References
- Auto, motor und sport issues nr4.4 (24-1971) and nr8 (1979).
History
The Saab 99 made its debut on November 22, 1967.[1] Initial production commenced in autumn of 1968 with only 4,190 units manufactured that year.[2] Production volumes increased substantially in the following years, particularly in 1969 and again in 1970 when the four-door variant was introduced. The interior saw enhancements in comfort and style during 1970, including a redesigned steering wheel. Upgrades were also made to the exhaust system, now constructed from aluminum, alongside modifications to engine mounts and drive joints. March of that year marked the launch of the 99E model, which was equipped with a three-speed automatic transmission option and powered by a 1.75 L engine featuring electronic fuel injection, producing approximately 87 PS (64 kW; 86 hp).[2] Notably, the 1970 Saab 99 became the first passenger car sold in Sweden with standard headlamp wipers, predating their mandatory implementation by two years.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
In the following year, the engine was upgraded to a larger and more robust 1.85 L unit delivering 86 PS (63 kW; 85 hp) for carbureted versions and 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) for models with fuel injection. The smaller 1.75 L engine remained available only with carburetion. Additional features introduced included headlight wipers, enlarged rear-view mirrors, and an extra air intake below the grille. The dashboard underwent a redesign incorporating updated instrumentation.[2]
By 1972, the smaller engine option was discontinued entirely. Power outputs increased to 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) for carbureted variants and 97 PS (71 kW; 96 hp) for fuel-injected models. The Saab B engine with a displacement of two liters was also introduced this year. Significant updates included new impact-resistant plastic bumpers capable of absorbing collisions up to 8 km/h (5 mph), reinforced suspension components with stiffer dampers, and an electrically heated driver’s seat. January saw the release of the EMS (Electronic-Manual-Special) model—a sportier version initially offered as a two-door but later expanded to include the wagonback body style from 1974 in Europe. This variant featured firmer suspension tuning along with optional silver or copper metallic paint finishes and employed Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection on its 1985 cc engine, delivering 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) and reaching speeds up to 170 km/h (106 mph).
For the American market, Saab developed the special SSE model as an interim offering before EMS availability; it featured a vinyl roof in black or burled walnut patterns, an automatic transmission supplied by Borg-Warner, and was powered by the Triumph-sourced 1.85 L engine.
In 1973, Saab introduced an economical two-door variant named the 99L equipped with the same 1.85 L engine producing 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp). Other models transitioned to using the Swedish-built two-liter engine delivering 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) in carbureted form while export-oriented LE versions employed electronic fuel injection generating 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) power output. Interior ceiling materials were updated along with door protective bars and a new black grille design. A simplified version called the X7 was marketed in Northern Europe.[2]
The three-door hatchback combi coupé debuted in January of 1974 (known as "Wagon Back" in the U.S.) featuring an extended length by approximately 11 centimetres (4.3 in)* compared to the sedan model. Updates for that year included redesigned front seats and steering wheel; EMS variants received exclusive interior treatments. Safety enhancements such as inertial reel seat belts were also incorporated.
Brake system improvements were introduced in 1975 with the handbrake now acting directly on primary brake pads rather than on separate drum-style pads within rotors. Two powertrain choices were offered: a carbureted engine producing 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) and a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injected version rated at 118 metric horsepower (87 kW) output. Additionally, February saw introduction of a Zenith-Stromberg dual-carburetor setup delivering 108 metric horsepower (79 kW), exclusively available on combi coupé models which also adopted a unique grille design that became standard across all variants.[2]
No significant changes occurred in model year 1976 aside from adding a self-adjusting clutch system and adaptations to meet stricter emissions standards. Several models gained electrically heated rear windows while luxury-oriented four-door sedans designated GLE were offered featuring power steering, automatic transmissions, fuel injection, upgraded upholstery, and rear seat armrests. That year also marked introduction of five-door combi coupé versions.[2]
Increased lighting cluster sizes were implemented on front assemblies and sedan tail lights for model year 1977 alongside revised bumper rubber trims. A fleet of "One Hundred series" Turbo test vehicles—primarily three- or two-door EMS configurations but including some four- and five-door units—were distributed globally for evaluation mainly by police forces within Sweden, Finland, and Switzerland.
The turbocharged Saab 99 Turbo launched in 1978 initially as a combi coupé-only offering featuring Garrett AiResearch-designed turbochargers powering its two-liter engine rated at 145 metric horsepower (107 kW), enabling top speeds near 200 km/h (124 mph). Distinctive styling elements included alloy wheels as well as front and rear spoilers.[3] This model significantly repositioned Saab within automotive markets becoming an iconic technological milestone; by early ’79 over ten thousand turbocharged units had been produced successfully expanding Saab’s market reach.[3] Additional features introduced that year included optional sunroofs while EMS variants became available as three-door combi coupés in select markets.
By model year ’79 combi coupé options were discontinued due to overlap with newly launched Saab 900 which exclusively used this body style; consequently, the Turbo switched to two-door sedan configurations although production numbers remained low. Mechanical updates included revised rear axles, plastic fuel tanks replacing metal ones, new wheel designs, and four-door models adopting bumpers similar to those on Saab’s newer models—these bumpers were extended to two-door cars starting with the ’80 model year.[4] In ’80 safer seats sourced from Saab’s newer vehicles were installed along with low-mounted side protection strips; spare tires were replaced by emergency units while interior carpeting reverted from rubber back to textile materials after several years.[5] The twin-carburetor variant returned briefly on Sweden’s market as the ’99 Super’ featuring four doors and automatic transmission.[4]
The twin-carb Super ended production in ’81 but was replaced by new engine options: both ’99 GL’ (100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp)) and ’99 GLi’ (118 PS (87 kW; 116 hp)) were offered paired with four-speed manual gearboxes; GLi featured extra luxury appointments like power side mirrors but remained exclusive to Northern Europe where approximately sixteen hundred units were built that year alone.[2] All models received updates such as redesigned rear seats upholstered in velour fabric, new rearview mirrors, refreshed steering wheels, plus adoption of front axles shared with Saab’s larger models.
In ’82 Scania-produced H engines enabled all vehicles to run on standard-grade gasoline (93 octane). Both two- and four-door GL versions gained availability of five-speed manual transmissions while exterior changes included blacked-out window trim surrounds and new wheel designs.
Minor technical refinements followed during ’83 including adoption of grille styling akin to Saab’s larger models along with blacked-out B-pillars on two-door versions.[6] Brake pads transitioned away from asbestos materials while five-speed equipped cars received low-resistance tires mounted on wider rims necessitating repositioning of rear axles.[6] Further subtle upgrades arrived for ’84 such as electronic ignition systems, lowered seating positions coupled with more upright steering wheels; interval wipers became standard on five-speed variants marking this as the final production year for the Saab 99 before being succeeded by both Saab’s new smaller model—the Saab 90—and its larger successor—the Saab 900.
Overall production reached a total of approximately 588,643 units; when including Saab 90 numbers combined output rises to around 614,003 vehicles produced.[2]
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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