The 1978 Saab 99 Turbo

The Saab 99 Turbo was one of the first 'family cars' to be fitted with a turbo after the 1962-63 Oldsmobile Turbo Jetfire; other contemporary turbocharged automobiles were 'specialised' vehicles and were difficult to drive. Popular Mechanics lists the Saab 99 Turbo as number two on its Top Ten list of turbocharged cars of all time.

The Saab 99 turbo was introduced In 1978 and was only available as a Combi-coupé until the next year. The turbocharged two-liter engine produced 145 PS (107 kW; 143 hp) giving the car a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). The turbochargers were designed and built by Garrett AiResearch. In terms of appearance, it received distinctive alloy wheels and front and rear spoilers. The 99 Turbo repositioned Saab in the car market and it came to be regarded as an iconic and technologically significant model of its era. By early 1979, over 10,000 turbo-engined Saabs had already been built, as Saab successfully entered a new market segment. Other news for 1978 included the availability of a sunroof, and the EMS became a three-door Combi-coupé in some markets.

Our 99 Turbo

The car was repainted in 1984, while more recent work included the installation of a Euro headlight conversion, reupholstered red seats, new headliner, and fuel accumulator. Bodywork was repainted in 1984 in black. The car would have been equipped with DOT-mandated quad round headlights when new, though a European-market headlight conversion was conducted under previous ownership. Louvers have been installed in the clamshell hood for improved cooling.