Saab 99

The Saab 99 is a landmark model for the Swedish brand, produced from 1968 to 1984. It laid the groundwork for the first generation of the Saab 900, which is essentially an updated and extended version of the 99. With 588,643 units sold, the Saab 99 is the second most popular model in the company’s history.

The development of the 99 started in the mid-1960s, culminating in the prototype’s unveiling in Stockholm on November 22, 1967. Production began a year later. The new car from Trollhättan, known for its post-war automobile division and prior military aircraft production, quickly gained popularity due to its mechanical robustness and distinctive design. This design, refined by Sixten Sason, a key figure in Saab’s early years, continued with minimal changes in the Saab 900 until the late 1990s.

The 99 featured a streamlined two-door, two-and-a-half-box design with a unique “hockey stick” rear pillar, a trait recognizable even to non-enthusiasts. However, the most significant change was under the hood. For the first time, Saab moved away from two-stroke engines, adopting the Triumph-sourced “Slant-4,” a longitudinally mounted 1,709 cc four-cylinder four-stroke engine with 80 hp. In 1971, this engine was enlarged to 1,854 cc for the four-door version but was later phased out due to reliability problems.

In Scandinavian markets, the 99 was seen as a reliable family car, known for its comfort, advanced safety features, and suitability for long-distance travel, especially appreciated for its efficient heating system during winters. Elsewhere, particularly in the United States and Europe, it was recognized as an original sedan that combined the advantages of front-wheel drive with a unique and well-finished interior.

The 1974 introduction of the 99 Combi Coupé, with its extensive cargo space, was another milestone, leading to its success and influencing the 1978 Saab 900. The 99 also pioneered the central tunnel ignition lock, a safety feature that became a Saab hallmark, preventing knee injuries in frontal collisions. This innovation helped establish Saab’s reputation for quality, reliability, and distinctive design, making the brand popular among professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and architects, a tradition continued by the Saab 900.