Saab was a Swedish automobile manufacturer from 1945 (post-war) to 2016 when they ran out of money. To expand its market share by selling larger cars, Saab launched the 99 Series in 1968, and it remained in production until the mid-1980s. It was large by European standards, but not so much when exported to consumers in the U.S.
The 99E was designated as such because it came with electronic fuel injection rather than carburetion for the delivery of gasoline to the engine. This sweet survivor from 1972 seems to be in excellent condition and has collected a few trophies at car shows. Located in Booton, New Jersey, this Swedish sedan is available here on Facebook Marketplace for the tidy sum of $12,450.
The 99E entered the picture in 1970 For propulsion, Saab installed a 1709cc engine known as the “Slant-4”. Considering its size, the 99E was an economical car on the highway, capable of 33 mpg with a 4-speed manual transmission and traveling at 65-70 mph (typical interstate speed limits). These cars were known for their reliability, which explains the condition of the seller’s unit at 156,000 miles. No mention is made of any major work done or needed, so it’s offered as a turn-key automobile which could be great for families needing a second set of wheels. Or you could take it to shows on the weekend.
We’re told this import has only had two owners in its 52 years and all its service records have been kept dating back to when it was new. No attempts have been made by anyone to keep the Saab in anything other than stock condition and the seller says it runs as good as it looks. As a show winner, this Saab’s ownership is called “stewardship” by the seller, something that I find especially cool. The “steward” is in no hurry to part company with this 99E (I don’t blame him or her), so don’t expect any movement in the price. Our thanks to Barn Finder “Gary” for this great tip on a vintage car from “across the pond”.
Always loved the looks of these. I really miss the time when European cars were vastly different in design than US output.
Not real sure this one is worth the ask. Seller needs to remove the seat covers and the gawd-awful floor mats so we can see what’s under them. Does look like he took the time to clean up the engine bay at least.
Hi JDC – that’s my 99E. Wow – it’s made the big time now on BF! Thanks for your comments. The seat covers installed by the first owner have preserved the upholstery for 50+ years; a picture underneath is on my listing. FYI pre-‘74 seat material was delicate if not covered. The period correct jute floor mats likewise preserve the perfect carpet underneath. I sure hope this isn’t ever turned into a DD but preserved for posterity. I’ve owned 99s for 44 years and happy to answer any questions you may have.
My apologies. I can’t access Facebook Marketplace to see the other photos.
This is nothing more than a very used car. In that era, not too many cars went that far. 156,000 miles was considered junk. Who knows what needs replaced, but it won’t be cheap. Yes, these were interesting at the time but I can think of many other nameplates from the time that would be more interesting. One would really need to love that Saab to buy it.
Dave Brown, respectfully yours is a very uninformed opinion.
When I went to college in New Hampshire in the mid-1970s, these cars were everywhere!
the sports car sedan (executive car?) 900 was a classic (see wiki) 20 yrs newer. While Subi was known as the 4WD go to, these were for the turbos. A sports car sedan (“executive car”) it has too many pluses to name. SAAB made a mistake w/the console placed key, tho, as mericans are multi-tasking (rush rush for every thing) and alota crap can fill up the key slot (food/coffee).
My ex had 1 and it was “nor’ european durable” (I called my wolwo a ford, her 900 a cheb just to geta reaction) as well as “quick”. And it’s demise @ 10 y/o was a thievery and joy ride that totaled it 50 mi away. She went to ID the body and cried for days as to the condition they left it in from just 36 hrs. ’Sa fine car David. Knewa fella that ran a construction co from one, 300#s of 9 ft 2Xs hauled in the lift back on occasion…
Thanks for the memories! Growing up my Dad’s car was a 1974 99LE coupe, white with orange interior, that he bought in the Fall of ’74 as a dealer leftover. Car was a little tank, but sadly ours had an appetite for clutches. Overall a good little car but with a couple of very annoying features. The seat fabric was a cloth that had a propensity for catching on your skin, and like I think all ’74 cars it came with an incredibly annoying feature(I believe it was called a seat belt starter interlock or something similar) that wouldn’t let you start the car unless you were wearing your seatbelt, and then had the world’s most awful buzzer if you dared take off the belt for any reason while the car was running.
My mother had a Crayola crayon green colored one with green interior it was a 1978 I think and it was a fun car to ride in as a kid. It was my mother’s favorite car she ever has owned.
I owned a 77 SAAB 99 with the mechanical fuel injection and that car ran like a Swiss Watch (pun intended). I replaced the pads and rotors and didn’t realize that they had to be pressed back on rather than hoping the nut would pull the CV shaft in. Wiped out the bearings almost immediately. The second time with bearings replacement went great and I put many thousands of enjoyed miles.
I’ve owned Saab 99s since the mid 70s and I can vouch for the condition of this one -Kurt has been an amazing caretaker. I’ve said for a while that they are not particularly reliable, but if you keep after the little stuff they are durable as rocks. Last I knew even the AC worked in Kurt’s 99 so kudos to him for the way it’s been kept and for the amazing originality. Five of them on my property now and two more stashed nearby, lol!