The Saab 98 project, originally
referred to as X14, began just two years after the production
of the Saab 99 started. The X designation conjures up
a mystique in the project that was never really there,
but it did serve to open motor industry eyes to a new
concept termed by Saab as Combi Coupé.
The Combi Coupé was essentially a hatchback that
was a cross between a comfortable family saloon and an
estate car. Just into the new year of 1974, the Saab 99
Combi Coupé had been introduced and Saab was debating
the merits of applying the same concept to the Saab 96.
Saab 98
The design, led by Björn Envall,
was based on the floorpan of the Saab 95. The prototype was
assembled by Italian Sergio Coggiola who had also worked with
Saab on the styling of the Saab Sonett III.
The Saab 95 was already a practical family car positioned
in the market just below the Saab 99 and as such Saab decided
that the Saab 98 was not worth putting into production.
The only ever example of the Saab 98 sported a plastic grille
and was finished in a new colour for that model year, Sienna
Brown.
Model Years 1969 to 1984
The Saab 99 was the product of the "Gudmund"
project - so-called because the Saab board passed a resolution
on 2 April 1964, Gudmund's Day, to develop a new and larger
Saab.
The idea had, of course, already been explored down three
routes by Sixten Sason, Björn Envall, Rolf Mellde
and Gunnar Ljungström - four important characters
in the development of Saab. In April 1964 project F was
chosen.
Saab 99
Despite widespread enthusiasm within
Saab for the two-stroke engine it was decided that a four-stroke
unit was the only real choice. Without the means to embark
on its own costly development Saab had, in 1962, already turned
to Ricardo & Co., a British engine design firm.
A 1.2 litre in-line four had been proposed by Ricardo as a
replacement for the two-stroke 95 and 96 models, but these
plans were shelved. Saab had learned of Triumph's interest
in developing a new engine for its cars. Negotiations began
in 1963 but it was not until 18 February 1965 that a contract
was signed for Triumph to deliver 1.5 litre, later 1.7 litre,
engines to Saab.
The joint engine design was to be inclined at 45° since
Triumph was planning a V8 from the same basic engine design.
The Saab engine was essentially half of a V8.
For the purposes of testing a Saab
96 body, widened by 20cm, was mounted on the floorpan
of the forthcoming Saab 99. Four of these test cars, known
within Saab as "Toads"
were built, but that's another story! The Saab 99 was revealed
to the press and public on 22 November 1967.
Model Years 1979 to 1993
The Saab 900 was a model that spanned the entire 1980s
- being in production for some fifteen years! During its
lifetime over 900,000 units were produced, almost 50,000
of which were the successful and stylish 900 convertible.
Despite being an evolution of the 99, the 900 was not
merely a facelift. It had been given a new front section
and Saab was wanting to exploit new market sectors. This
was especially true of the United States - from 1982 Saab
enjoyed five years of increased sales, month on month,
without fail.
Saab 900 Convertible
Model Years 1985 to 1987
The Saab 90 was introduced for the 1985 model year to
fit into the range of models now offered by Saab: 90,
900 and 9000. All Saabs were now badged with the new Saab-Scania
emblem on the bonnet.
The Saab 90 was essentially a Saab 99 with a new rear
section that was identical to the new two-door Saab 900
that had appeared on the market just month earlier. This
provided more room for passengers and luggage.
A 1,985cc in-line four-cylinder engine pushing out 100hp
powered the Saab 90. It was available with either four
or five speed transmission.
