Saab 99.

1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984

Model Year 1977 99L, 99GL, 99EMS and 99GLE
Chassis No.s 99771000001 to 99771036086 (Swedish built)
Chassis No.s 99772000001 to 99772008024 (Swedish built)
Chassis No.s 99776000001 to 99776018461 (Finnish built)
Chassis No.s 99777000001 to 99777004788 (Belgian built)

In August 1976 Saab stirred up somewhat of a sensation with its announcement that it intended putting into production a turbo version of the 99. Although not available to customers until the end of 1977, test cars were available to journalists as early as Spring 1977 - an EMS version with hatchback body and numbered 900 to 999.

The existing 99 model range gained larger front lamp clusters including side reversing lamps on markets that permitted them. Saloon models also gained new, larger rear lamp clusters and rear view wing mirrors had a larger glass area and were now encased in black plastic. All models were now prepared for radio installation with pre-wiring for loudspeakers.

1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984

Model Year 1978 99L, 99GL, 99EMS, 99GLE and 99 Turbo
Chassis No.s 99781000001 to 99781027837 (Swedish built)
Chassis No.s 99782000001 to 99782011345 (Swedish built)
Chassis No.s 99783000001 to 99783002208 (Swedish built)
Chassis No.s 99786000001 to 99786013650 (Finnish built)
Chassis No.s 99787000001 to 99787001800 (Belgian built)

Excepting preheating of induction air and an oil cooler for the automatic gearbox, most changes were cosmetic. Differences between markets included DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that came on with the ignition for the Swedish market to catalytic converter and Lambda sensor being fitted for cars destined to the United States.

The 99EMS was now available as a three door hatchback in additon to the two-door saloon - but not all variants were available on all markets. A twin-carb 108hp 99 GL was the substitute where the 99EMS was not available.

The 99 Turbo was officially premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show of September 1977. The car shown was finished in a pearl white colour that did not make it to series production.

The 99 Turbo was not featured in the 1978 model year brochure ...it had a brochure all of its own! Equipped with Inca alloys that signified turbine blades, special front and rear spoilers and a more luxurious interior - the 99 Turbo was a very special car.

The performance was particularly impressive, too. 0-100kph over in just 8.9 seconds and overtaking from 80 to 110kph in fourth gear was completed in 7.4 seconds.

1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984

Model Year 1979 Saab 99GL, 99GLE and 99 Turbo
Chassis No.s 99791000001 to 99791001493 (Swedish built)
Chassis No.s 99792000001 to 99792006401 (Swedish built)
Chassis No.s 99793000001 to 99793010090 (Swedish built)
Chassis No.s 99796000001 to 99796008264 (Finnish built)

The number of variants of the 99 model declined with the introduction of the new Saab 900. Most remaining Saab 99 models were to be found with two or four door bodies, a three door hatch being retained for Sweden to fill the gap left by the outgoing 95V4 in the preceding model year.

A larger fuel tank made from polyetheylene, a reinforced rear axle, modified front suspension and semi-metallic brake linings were revisions for the 1979 model year. From the beginning of 1979 a twin-carb four door variant appeared and all four door models were given the sme bumpers as the 900. A special 2 door 99 turbo, available in Marble White or Acacia Green metallic, was sold on the Swedish, German, Swiss and Dutch markets.

1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984

Model Year 1980 99GLS, 99 GLi, 99GL, 99 Turbo
Chassis No.s 99803000001 to 99803013361 (Swedish built)
Chassis No.s 99806000001 to 99806013808 (Finnish built)

Low down side mouldings renewed the appearance of this years 99 - much needed renwal for a car in production for some eleven years. Inside, the 99 was now equipped with the same seats as the 900, complete height adjustable head restraints.

The power output from the different models was as follows: 99GL with 100hp carburettor engine, 99 GLS with 108hp twin-carb engine, GLi auto (certain markets only) pushed out 110hp and the 99 Turbo was good for 145hp.

1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984

Model Year 1981
Chassis No.s Information not available

The 99 now inherited both front and rear seats from the 900 along with a new steering wheel and wing mirrors that could be adjusted from the inside.

The 99GL variant was now offered with just the single carburettor and a special edition of 1,600 118hp 99 GLi models with a superior specification was made for the Nordic markets. This specification included electrically adjustable wing mirrors and tinted windows.

1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984

Model Year 1982
Chassis No.s Information not available

Installed in the 900 since MY1981, the H engine ow powered all Saab 99s. The H engine had a camshaft driven distributor, fewer moving parts, a new engine block and a reduction in weight of 12kg. Output was 100hp at 5,200rpm.

A new grille, wider side mouldings and new wheels were the changes that were externally visible.

1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984

Model Year 1983
Chassis No.s Information not available

The 99 grew into a more rugged looking car courtesy of new bumpers, larger side mouldings and a new grille similar to that of a 900.

Saab continued it's safety and environmental innovations by fixing rear fog lamps as standard and, in a world-first, fitting every model with asbestos free brake linings. The interior, too, was renewed with a new central console. The sunroof was an optional extra for five speed cars.

1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984

Model Year 1984
Chassis No.s information not available

A breakerless electronic ignition system, fitted earlier to the 99 turbo, was now fitted as standard to all cars. The headroom available for front passengers increased by 20mm by the lowering of the front seats by the same amount. The front passenger now had additional creature comforts with the seat now having automatic electric heating.

1984 was the final year of the 99. The same car was renamed 90 in the following year. To date 588,643 units of Saab 99 were manufactured spanning 1967 to 1984.