1978 Saab 99 Turbo

Previously sold through us via Bring a Trailer, this 1978 Saab 99 Turbo is back on the market. Assembled by Saab-Valmet in Finland, it was imported to the US in 2020 by the current owner. Finished in the original Cardinal Red Metallic paint (confirmed by paint meter readings in the gallery), this car has 31,277 kilometers (19,434 miles) and comes with manufacturer’s literature, recent service records, a tool kit, and a clean New Hampshire title. Check out the full image gallery on Google Drive and the walkaround / driving YouTube video below!

The 1978 Saab 99 Turbo holds a special place in automotive history as one of the pioneers in turbocharging technology for mass-market cars. Introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1977, the Saab 99 Turbo showcased Saab's innovative approach to performance and engineering.

Developed from the Saab 99 model, the Turbo version featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, which significantly enhanced power and performance. With its turbocharged engine, the 99 Turbo could produce 143 horsepower, a substantial increase over the naturally aspirated versions. This performance boost allowed the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 9 seconds, which was impressive for its time.

The exterior design of the 1978 Saab 99 Turbo was marked by distinct features such as the Inca alloy wheels, Turbo badging, and often a rear spoiler. The car's aerodynamic design was complemented by practical elements like headlight wipers and a sunroof, which added to its appeal.

Inside, the 99 Turbo offered a blend of comfort and functionality, with high-quality upholstery, a driver-focused dashboard, and advanced features for its era, including a dash-mounted boost gauge.

The Saab 99 Turbo was also notable for its safety innovations. Saab was known for prioritizing safety, and the 99 Turbo incorporated features such as impact-absorbing bumpers and a robust chassis design.

The introduction of the Saab 99 Turbo marked the beginning of a new era for the Swedish automaker, setting the stage for future turbocharged models and solidifying Saab's reputation for engineering excellence and performance. The 1978 Saab 99 Turbo remains a classic, celebrated for its pioneering spirit and contribution to automotive innovation.

Click Here for the full image gallery on Google Drive

Car Highlights 

• Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four

• Four-speed manual transaxle

• 15″ Inca alloy wheels with 175/70 Vredestein Sprint Classic tires

• Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes (rear pads and rotors replaced in January 2021)

• Original Cardinal Red Metallic, front and rear spoilers, sunroof, front cowl scoop, headlight wipers, impact bumpers, mud flaps, pop-out rear windows, Turbo badging, Saab Sport & Rally decal on rear spoiler

• Red upholstery, woodgrain trim dashboard, heater, Saab Turbo-logo shift knob, locking glove compartment, Saab 99-branded all-weather floor mats

• 200-km/h speedometer, tachometer, clock, gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level, dash-mounted VDO turbo boost gauge

• Engine Rebuild: Reconditioned cylinder head, bored cylinder block, new water pump and pistons by Atecar Classics in Belgium

• Service in January 2021: Oil change, timing adjustment, turbo waste gate mechanism repair, new valve cover gasket, cooling fan switch, thermostat

• New lithium battery installed

• New clutch, throwout bearing, transaxle input shaft seal, clutch slave cylinder, replacement center exhaust section

• Fresh oil change completed in January 2024

Inquire via CabiglioGarage@gmail.com