Marque: Saab - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand

The challenge of producing a car that was externally smaller, yet internally more spacious, than the 900 was met by Saab with the Swede’s new 9000, which made its debut in the spring of 1984. The new model employed a transversely mounted two-litre engine, and, compared with the 900, incorporated a longer wheelbase and wider track. The Turbo version (with 16 valves, twin overhead cams and turbocharging) provided exceptional performance; a useful feature was Automatic Performance Control (APC), enabling the car to run on petrol of varying octane ratings. The 9000 has always been widely acknowledged to be a particularly roomy car, with good ergonomics and generous provision too for luggage. Highly practical hatchback and comprehensively-equipped saloon versions were offered.

Later turbocharged versions were fitted with ‘Eco Power’ light pressure turbo engines, for lively performance and good drivability plus commendable fuel economy. The 9000 was discontinued in 1998, by which time the new 9-5 had made its debut. Best models are the performance ones for future status.

Saab’s first estate car appeared in the spring of 1959, in the form of the new, three-door 95. This versatile machine offered up to seven seats - including two (folding) rear-facing seats, located in the load compartment. A notable feature of the 95 was the air wiper, designed to direct air over the rear window, to keep it cl e a n . Under the bonnet was a three-cylinder two-stroke motor, of 841cc. The 96 saloon was announced in the autumn of 1960, and driven by the 841cc two-stroke engine.

Compared with its predecessors, the car featured front-hinged rear doors (as with the 95), and a redesigned rear end, with wider seats, a larger boot, a bigger rear window and restyled lamps.

The 96 consolidated Saab’s prominence in international rallying; fast production versions of the two stroke model included the triple carburettor Saab Sport/Monte Carlo 850 (this version celebrated Erik Carlsson’s successes driving Saabs in the Monte Carlo Rally)

Saab s 99 was introduced to the press in late 1967. Radically different in styling terms from the well-respected 96, the new, more boxy styled 99 was powered by a Ricardo-designed, Triumph-built overhead camshaft four cylinder, 1.7-litre engine. The newcomer featured numerous built-in safety systems, including strengthening members incorporated within the screen pillars, diagonally-split, dual hydraulic circuit brakes, and a heating system which was unusually capable of despatching mist and ice from the side and rear windows (in addition to the windscreen). The 99 was launched in Britain in the autumn of 1979. A larger (1854cc)motor arrived in 1971, with Saab s own two litre engine following in 1972. The three door 99 Turbo (which made its U.K. debut in 1978) was the world’s first mass-produced turbocharged car to be offered to the public. It offered practicality and superb performance for the time. The 99 continued in production until 1984 (the 900 having arrived in 1979).

Far too overlooked in the UK, the 95 is a very agreeable alternative to the Minor and its ilk. Unveiled in May 1959 the 95 Station Wagon was actually in advance of the 96 saloon derivative and came with a rear-facing third row of seats for full seven seating. Very early models have the ‘suicide’ front doors from the earlier 93 model but these were replaced early in the 95’s run. Dual circuit brakes were fitted to all Saabs in 1962 and the two-stroke engine lasted until ‘68 but was supplanted in 1966 by the Ford-designed V4 power plant first seen in the Corsair and Transit. Heated front seats became available from 1973 but the four-on-the-column and freewheel gear change lasted until the end of production. The third row of seats were deleted for 1975 – sadly – and UK imports of the 95 ceased in ‘76, although Swedish production continued for another two years. For those seeking a very reliable and offbeat pioneer ‘people carrier’ the 95 is ideal transport – if you can find one, that is.