The Saab 99 is no stranger to the pages of this website, particularly given the gin and tonic fueled purchase of the Draken. The number of available Saab 99s on the market at any given time is very limited given the number produced. My personal theory is that some savvy Saab collector is storing them in a giant multi-level warehouse in preparation for their inevitable ascension to overpriced collector classic status, but the sad truth is that many have been welcomed to the crusher's warm embrace on the way to being reborn as can openers, un-galvanized fencing nails, faux-antique wagon wheels and other things that rust slower than a 99. However, if you keep your eyes open you will occasionally find a good one, like this 1979 Saab 99 Coupe offered for $3,500 in Rhode Island via craigslist.
The color of this Saab 99 was vexing me, so I emailed DT's resident director of car color nomeclature -- Kaibeezy. The Beez had previously identified the Saab shade of paint on the Draken as "spleen," so naturally he identified this one as "lymph node."
Between the rancid custard colored fenders is a 2.0 liter 16-valve inline-4 cylinder engine that has been transplanted from a later model Saab and makes about 130 horsepower without the benefit of a turbocharger. It is probably a great upgrade from the original carburetor fed 8-valve in this classic.
The interior in this 99 looks worn, but not totally destroyed. It has the desirable Saab sport steering wheel and a 4-speed manual gearbox.
It isn't a wagonback, but with a set of soccer ball wheels would this thing look sharp? tips@dailyturismo.com
Coupe? Saab actually used the word coupe?
ReplyDeleteAwful body kit, stupid wheel/tire combination. Otherwise a nice find if the engine swap was done well.
ReplyDeleteThat body kit looks almost SPG-ish. I don't hate this car. 6/10, would drive if the floors/spare tire well were ok.
ReplyDelete" It is probably a great upgrade from the original carburetor fed 8-valve in this classic."-By '79 the 8v was fuel injected by the same Bosch system found in many European vehicles of the era from Mercedes to Porsche.
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