1981 Saab 99 Turbo – Project Profile

We’re still, despite the fact it was nearly a decade ago, a bit… salty about the demise of Saab. Saab was great. It was like that mad, full-on, wild cousin you’d see at Christmas. It was cool, but it couldn’t be tamed or told what to do in any way (just ask General Motors), it was a bit silly, it was captivating and when it left, you couldn’t stop thinking about it. We all wanted a bit of the action. We all wanted a Saab. Many of us still do, and rightly so. Largely because Saab was synonymous with forced induction, and that all started with the Saab 99 Turbo. And happily, that’s what we have here.

When it landed in 1977, it was the world’s first mass-produced turbocharged petrol car. It was a wild, exciting new flavour of motoring. It had a boost gauge protruding proudly from the dash for heaven’s sake! A Ford Cortina could only dream of such fun. It was fast, it was exciting if unusual to look at, it was safe and it was an utter riot to drive. Sadly though, it was also made from metal that would rust as soon as it was looked at, and as such, it’s a rare beast today. But don’t worry, as we’ve got a 1981 Saab 99 Turbo for auction, and the best bit is that it’s no reserve!

What is it? 

What we have here is a 1981 Saab 99 Turbo, finished in red with complementary tones of rust, it’s covered 152,000 miles and it shows. But, worry not, because the four-cylinder turbocharged heart of this machine beats strong and fierce. The engine was rebuilt in 2015 apparently, and it wears an upgraded TurboDynamics blower. there’s no smoke, it starts on the button and despite looking a bit tired, the car itself is solid, It’s been a regular at various marque specialists over the years and has been kept strong. It’s a car that has been enjoyed rather than weighed down with forty coats of wax. In the pursuit of being able to fire up and chase the horizon, this Saab 99 has wanted for nothing. It now just needs you to take it to the next level.

Why is it a project? 

The front spoiler is broken, the paint is mismatched, there is surface rust in places, and dents and small dings. The alloy wheels need a refurb, the seats are faded, the headlining is in need of replacement. It’s all visual stuff. This 1981 Saab 99 Turbo needs a cosmetic restoration. Stick the key in and turn it, and you’re away. It will need a service and fresh fluids and filters, as it’s not been in regular use for a while. However, you don’t need to do a full nut and bolt job on this. New paint, new interior, some other aesthetic bits, job done.

What should you look for? 

Have a look at the auction listing and you’ll find all the information you need along with 157 pictures. Or 157,000 words if the old saying is to be believed. We’ve been in it, under it, next to it, on top of it, beside it. And each time, we’ve been sticking our lens right in there. It’s a tough job, but we don’t mind doing it for you.

What should you do with it?

Give it a light mechanical tickle; fluids and filters and all that. Then bust out the paint and get it looking fresh again. This handsome old Saab 99 still cuts a dash, but imagine it with perfect, gleaming bodywork and a fresh interior. Or even better, imagine it with bucket seats and a roll cage – the 99 was a famous rally car after all. Get all that done, and then just enjoy the old thing. The spool and consequent pull from the turbo is addictive, the looks and admiration will be endless and the smile on your face will be damn near permanent.