If you’re a true car enthusiast with a passion for automotive history, the chance to own a fully restored 1978 Saab 99 Turbo should not be missed. Representing countless hours of dedication and hard work, this iconic classic car is now up for grabs, giving you the opportunity to own not just a vehicle but a captivating story of restoration.
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The Saab 99 Turbo: A Dream Come True
The story of this extraordinary Saab 99 Turbo begins in 1978 when the owner’s father brought home a brand new Cardinal Red Saab 99 Turbo. With its eye-catching Inca alloy wheels, dual spoilers, and a powerful 145 horsepower turbocharged engine, this car became the epitome of coolness in the eyes of a young boy. The dream of owning such a car was etched deep into his heart.
Fast forward to 2019, destiny intervened when a Cardinal Red 99cc, fully restored and freshly repainted, appeared on a well-known buy-and-sell website. Lacking any identification, the seller had to abandon the project due to the loss of their garage, with little knowledge of the availability of spare parts or other details. Seizing the opportunity, the current owner decided to buy it and fulfill the dream.
Luck was on the owner’s side when they stumbled upon another incredible find. A few months later, a seller from Örebro provided information about an original 1978 Saab 99 Turbo located in Karlskrona. Although it was rusty, the interior was well-preserved, and it had only 152,000 kilometers on the odometer. With a matching engine and gearbox, it was the perfect donor car.
A Tale of Dedication and Skill
Describing the extensive 450+ hours of work on this restoration project is a challenge, but here’s a summary: Starting with a 1978 body without a sunroof, the entire sunroof from the donor car was carefully transferred to the new body. The donor car’s identity was then meticulously transferred to the new chassis. The donor car was disassembled, and its parts were placed in well-labeled bags and boxes.
Salvageable parts were blasted and painted, bearings were replaced, and most bushings were renewed. The fuel tank underwent cleaning with citric acid, and a new pump, level sensor, and pressure accumulator were installed. New fuel lines and brake lines were mounted. A new NOS brake servo and aftermarket master cylinder were installed. The clutch and slave cylinders were overhauled with new gaskets. The radiator was overhauled with a new core.
The engine underwent a complete overhaul, including cylinder honing, minimal cylinder head planing, valve turning, and the installation of new bearings, piston ring sets, and a new packed water pump with a new bearing. The gearbox remained untouched, except for new oil and improved internal drive gears. An aftermarket exhaust system from Saab Club was installed. The headliner was replaced with a new one found through Saab Club. The rest of the interior is entirely original with minimal repairs.
It’s worth noting that the current owner is a mechanical engineer with 22 years of experience working on Saab gearboxes and a true Saab enthusiast. Since its completion a few years ago, the car has consistently received 5-star ratings from testing centers. This project is a tribute to the owner’s father, Stig, who ignited his son’s dream and completed a remarkable circle of passion and dedication. “A complete collection of documented build photos is available upon request.”
Impeccable Condition and Performance
The Saab 99 Turbo for sale is technically flawless, performing optimally when the engine and brakes are warmed up. With a recent 5-star inspection rating valid until May 31, 2025, you can enjoy worry-free driving for years to come.
The interior is exceptionally well-preserved and nearly in perfect condition, with only a small stain on the rear seat and a slightly loose speaker cover on the passenger side.
Externally, the car is in wonderful condition with no dents, rust, or damages. Some minor dust spots are visible upon closer inspection of the paint. It features beautiful Inca alloy wheels, including the spare wheel, and the tires have good tread depth.
The overall renovation of this car has been executed with the utmost professionalism and unwavering dedication. No shortcuts have been taken, ensuring an honest and comprehensive restoration. The result is a car that promises many joyful years of driving for its future owner.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Own a Piece of Automotive History
The Saab 99 Turbo made waves in the late 1970s, and it remains an iconic car in automotive history. Saab engineers were pioneers in taming and effectively utilizing turbo technology in everyday cars, and the Saab 99 Turbo was a groundbreaking success. Its turbocharged engine brought significant performance gains without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
Today, turbocharging is a standard feature in almost every modern car, thanks in large part to Saab’s innovation. Owning a fully restored Saab 99 Turbo from 1978 is a nostalgic journey back to the golden era of turbo technology and an opportunity to appreciate the engineering prowess of this legendary automaker.
Now is your chance to secure this exceptionally restored Saab 99 Turbo from 1978. It represents not just a car but a piece of automotive history meticulously brought back to life by a true Saab enthusiast and skilled mechanical engineer. With bidding already underway and the price estimated between 200,000 and 250,000 kronor, act quickly to become the proud owner of this timeless classic.
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by—drive into the future while cherishing the past with the remarkable Saab 99 Turbo. Place your bid and embark on a journey of driving pleasure, engineering excellence, and automotive history.
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I have many 99 turbo parts for sale.