History

In the mid 1960's Saab decided to produce a larger family car to complement their existing range of (then) two-stroke 95 and 96 models. Negotiations with British car maker Triumph led to the production of the 1709cc engine slant four engine. After a rigorous testing programme the Saab 99 went on sale in two-door saloon form in 1968. The car was modern, safe, attractive and practical. The only criticisms being the notchy gearchange and the leisurely performance of the 1709cc engine.

1968 - The 99 goes on sale in two-door 1709cc form. The freewheel device is carried over from the 95 and 96 V4 models.

1969 - US sales begin.

1970 - Production begins in Finland as well as Sweden. 4-door model (Saab's first) introduced. Auto models with fuel injection and 1854cc engine introduced.

1971 - Saab introduce their new headlamp wash/wipe system - this later becomes a legal requirement for Swedish cars and wins the Swedish Automobile Association Gold Medal for safety. 1854cc engine now available with manual gearbox in the four door cars. Cars are now painted using the 'electrodip' technique of primer painting.

1972 - 1972 is a very busy year for the 99! A thermostatically controlled, automatic heated drivers seat is introduced. Self repairing rubber bumpers which return to their original shape after impacts of up to 5mph. The range-topping EMS (Electronic Manual Special) model is also introduced in this year with the new 1985cc engine in injection form. The 1709cc engine is discontinued as is the freewheel device.

1973 - Another new safety innovation from Saab - side impact protection bars in the doors. A new type of headlining was introduced (yep, this is the one that goes saggy a few years down the line!!). Out goes the chrome grille and in comes a new plastic one. The Saab aeroplane logo is also replaced by plain text. Halogen headlights now standard on all 99's. Saab logo on boot lid is changed from all-metal to a silver edged black version. 1854cc now only available in the base 2-door cars.

1974 - Big news for this year as the Combi-coupé model is introduced. A three door hatchback with an enormous load carrying capacity. The back end of this later formed the basis for the classic 900 model. This year Saab also introduced the first seats with integrated head-restraints. 1854cc engine is phased out leaving the 1985cc motor powering the entire range.

1975 - The 1985cc engine now has a higher compression ratio with 100bhp in carb form. Larger fuel tank introduced. 99EMS now has mechanical rather then electronic injection: power up from 110bhp to 118bhp. 2.0 auto now features twin Stromberg carbs with 108bhp on tap.

1976 - A five door Combi model is now available. L models superceded by GL models. A 99 5-door becomes the one millionth Saab in March of this year.

1977 - EXCITEMENT!!! The Turbo model is introduced in this year. The press go loopy, everybody's happy! Also, all models gain larger front lamp clusters, larger rear ones on the saloon as well. Chrome mirrors are replaced by black plastic ones.

1978 - No more 99 5-doors.

1979 - The Saab 900 is introduced, causing the 99 range to be trimmed back a little. No more Combi-coupé models. Turbo is now a two-door instead of a combi. Larger bumpers are introduced, these are so big they double up as a useful seating area.

1980 - 99 gets the same comfy seats as the 900 - joy!

1981 - New internally adjustable wing mirrors. GL and Turbo only models now. The 99 enters "The wilderness years"

1982 - B-series engine now replaced by the lighter H-series - power output is the same at 100bhp. No more Turbo models now. Just the carb-only GL model. The 99 has now become more of an entry-level Saab with most attention focusing on the 900. 5 speed gearbox is now available as an option.

1983 - A new grille design. Asbestos-free brakes on the 99 and 900 range (another industry first for Saab). 5 speed box is now standard on the 99, along with a tachometer and intermittent wipers.

1984 - The 99 bows out, albeit now with electronic ignition, lower front seats and improved steering wheel angle (i.e., less like driving a bus!). Saab decide to drag the design kicking screaming into the mid 1980s by changing the back end to that of the 900 saloon and renaming it the 90. The model line up now follows a logical pattern: 90, 900, 9000. For more info on the Saab 90 visit Tone's Saab 90 site

1985 - 5-speed Saab 90 has a front spoiler.

1986 - Wing mounted side indicators added to the 90 (yes, I'm struggling now....)

1987 - The 90 ceases production.

Home