My 99 Turbo!

I loved my little 'kemo-saaby'. I originally bought my 99 turbo in 1980, and it was my first 'very own' car. During the 3 years I had it, despite having covered thousands of miles, which included being used as a removal van when I relocated to Bristol from Kent, entailing numerous trips down the M25 and M4, that car never let me down once. However once settled into my new home and job, I was soon offered a very boring company car, which I thought sounded very glamorous so I accepted the new car, and reluctantly waved off my trusty 99 with its new owner.
Many years later, about 1990 I was driving down the road when I spotted 'my' car. I tried frantically to gain the drivers attention, but he either didn't notice me, or assumed I was some kind of nutter and deliberately ignored me! Anyway, after a little searching I found 'my' car parked up, and I left a note explaining who I was, and that if they ever wanted to sell the car, would they contact me. Of course, the driver, who I suspect was probably convinced I was some kind of stalker, never called!
Suffice to say, sometime later, a friend of mine saw 'my' car sitting on a garage forecourt for sale.
I went back for a look, and although the car was a little rusted, the body a bit more dented, and the upholstery in need of some surgery, I went for a test drive. The engine still sounded the same, but the bearings were worn, and the gearbox tired. Still, this car was my first love, and I bought it back.
I had to replace the bearings, oil cooler, a cracked head, and eventually the gearbox. The interior still needs some attention, but hey, its nothing that can't be fixed!
This car still has so much character and is really fun to drive, and is a testament to all the Saab turbos which have since followed.
My 99 has come home, and this is wear it will stay!

Saab 99 Turbo

The 99 Turbo was officially premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show of September 1977. The car shown was finished in pearl white, but this colour did not make it into production, although the original car can be seen at the Saab museum.
The background to the development of the turbo charged engine was the demand for more power from a two litre four cylinder engine, without increasing its fuel consumption. Saab solved the problem by fitting the engine with a light weight turbocharger that did not run under normal driving conditions. Only on flooring the accelerator does the turbocharger cut in, delivering a hefty power boost. Saab first generation turbocharged engines produced 145 bhp and gave the car a top speed of nearly 200kmh, with acceleration from 0-100kmh taking 8.9sec.
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.

We will go into greater detail the Saab 99 in future editions of the History of Saab.