***Vendor supplied images***

Highlights

This Indian Yellow 99 will certainly brighten your day
Solid car that is mechanically strong
Non-Turbo 99s like this are becoming very rare and sought after
Original interior in great condition
Tax and MOT exempt

The Appeal

After years producing unusually styled but popular cars, the 99 was Saab’s tilt at the mainstream. Although being a Saab it retained enough quirky and clever features to keep traditional buyers engaged.

The 99 was long lived and continuously improved. In 1972 it gained safety ‘impact; bumpers and in 1973 Saab introduced the ‘Lux’ budget model.

This eye-catching Indian Yellow - actually bright orange - 1976 99 appears to be a low mileage car with a well preserved interior. The vendor has invested in new fuel lines and carburettor overhaul and says it is mechanically very good. The bodywork could do with attention but with non-turbo models of these innovative cars becoming very rare, it seems an engaging and worthwhile project.

The History and Paperwork

First UK registered 4th May 1976
VIN records confirm that this is a 1975 built car - number 37,881 of 41,732 built that year
Finished in very attractive Indian Yellow (aka bright orange), colour code Y11B
Lux models were launched from 1973 with the 1.85l slant four Saab engine
This model is unusually badged as a 2litre Lux model
At the time of writing we did not have sight of the car’s service or maintenance records
The car is not registered on the DVLA MOT database so we assume it has been off the road since at least 2018

The Interior

Evocative period-appropriate brown cloth interior in good, original condition
Dashboard in very good condition with nice sliver of wood-effect vinyl
Period-correct radio/cassette
Seats are in good condition with some age-related deterioration
Rear seat appears to be somewhat sun faded but front seats retain their colour
Headlining appears to be original and is pinned up
C-post trim panels are missing
Manual window winders all round
Original brown vinyl door cards, some marks on the nearside rear door trim
Original brown carpets in generally good condition
Classic Saab high backed front seats with foam headrest infill on driver’s seat
Spare wheel on boot with cover
Boot trim complete and in good condition
Original two-spoke Saab steering wheel

The Exterior

Vivid Indian Yellow paintwork certainly makes this stylish car stand out
Bodywork and trim are complete but in need of restoration
The buyer should expect to undertake some restoration to put this car back on the road
Bodywork appears solid but with obvious deterioration
The deterioration appears to mainly affect the bodywork rather than the underside
Photographs of underside usefully provided and showing some areas of corrosion:
- Floorpans appear solid
- Boot floor appears solid
- Some rust on the sill ends
Door bottoms in generally poor condition
Some surface rust on sills
Bodywork has some microblistering such as on the nearside rear ‘hockey stick’ panel
Rear bumper appears to be slightly misaligned
Car is fitted with ‘moon’ stainless steel wheel trims
Original steel wheels supplied with car and in boot
Chromework and delicate chrome highlights mostly complete in good condition
Some chrome wheel arch embellishers missing
Lights and glasswork in good condition, some deterioration on offside headlamp to note
Saab dealer fit mudflaps
Bonnet rear edges, a common weakness on these cars, appears to be good
Poor repair to tops of both front doors
Scuttle below windscreen in good condition
Some deterioration of inner front edge of bonnet

The Mechanics

Badging indicates that this car is fitted with the 1985cc ‘slant four’ Saab engine
Single Stromberg carburettor model with manual choke
Fuel lines replaced prior to auction
Carburettor cleaned in preparation for sale
Vendor says that the car runs very well
Power output of around 90bhp
4spd manual gearbox
Engine ancillaries likely require replacement or refurbishment
New exhaust system boxed in boot
At the time of writing we did not have sight of this car’s service or maintenance records

Summary

The Saab 99 set a benchmark for safety and sure-footed drivability in the medium size saloon market of the 1960s and 70s. While the Turbo cars rightly grab attention, standard versions are becoming rare yet also have many of the same qualities.

This Indian Yellow 99 certainly grabs attention. Complete and very original with a great interior and mechanically running well, it looks a worthy candidate for a very interesting rolling restoration project.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.