In many different Saab models and quite a number of special versions, we present to you today a very rare, perhaps the rarest edition of the Saab 90 – ie Saab 90 Lumikko. In short, let’s remember the rare model 90 – Saab 90 is a car that was produced only from 1984 to 1987, and production took place in Uusikaupunki, Finland. Practically, the Model 90 was a continuation of the 99 model, and it is easily recognizable visually because the front end was taken from the Model 99, and the rear part from the 900.
The Saab 90 had a larger tank and luggage space of 99ke but was a smaller car than the Saab 900. It was only available as a two-door sedan variant, it had a 2.0L H engine (100hp / 74KW). The gearbox was available with 4 and 5 speeds (manual only). A total of 25,378 units were made, and it was only available in some European countries.
Saab 90 Lumikko
The name of the model comes from the Finnish word “Lumikko” which means “Weasel” in English. This interesting wild animal has fur that is usually brown in color, but in winter its fur becomes extremely white in order to fit in better with the winter, snowy environment. White as a synonym for its ability in such conditions is given to this small Saab edition of the 90 model.
The Saab 90 was truly a base model and no accessories were available other than the metallic paint, sunroof and power steering mentioned. In order to improve the status of this base model without much additional equipment, SAAB importer Scan-Auto decided to take part in a competition held in 1985 by the local car magazine “Tuulilasi” (“Windshield“).
The idea of the competition was to make some changes to the standard serial car with as little money as possible, and to make those changes very attractive and acceptable to potential buyers in order to decide on that model. The limit was set at 10,000 Finnish marks at the time, and BMW 316, Volvo 360, VW Golf and a few Japanese cars, and of course SAAB importer Scan-Auto with Saab 90 participated in the competition.
That 1985 Saab 90 put by Scan Auto was equipped with an Airflow skirt set, 900 Aero three-spoke aluminum wheels and a turbo spoiler on the tailgate. All of these, like the entire car, were painted white. The car’s bumpers, mask, mirror backgrounds, air intake guard, door handles, locks and taillight frames and the space between them were also painted white. Hence the name “Lumikko” – or “The White Weasel”.
A Saab leather steering wheel, a laminated console with additional gauges and Saab speakers were also inserted. Whole “package” was complemented by the Finlandia sunroof, but in addition to these “cosmetic” changes, there was no upgrade of the engine and no increased power, it was just an aesthetic moment.
Based on the votes of the audience, out of all the listed competitors, “Lumikko” redesign won.
Scan Auto also wanted to improve the sales of the 90’s, as well as increase publicity, and the actual 90 Lumikko model was developed from the 1986 model of Saab 90. In The background of this model was Erkki Kölhi and Raimo Latva. 10 cars from the Saab 90 series are equipped with all white details, rear Turbo stabilizer and Aero rims, and body parts are painted white in line with the pre-Lumikko. In addition, “Lumikko” signs were installed on the sides and tailgate. The brands came from truck refrigeration equipment sold by Scan Auto.
The cars were equipped in Tampere and were completed for Tampere “Scan Scan”‘s 20th anniversary on 1985. In honor of the occasion, a parade was held across the center of Tampere in all ten Lumikko. At the party e.g. Simo Lampinen showed the handling of a new car in his own style, the Seat Malaga, and of course the first Saab 90 Lumikko were sold, which were sold well at the beginning, but the last ones had to wait for their buyer for almost a year.
Certainly, several of these 10 special “Lumikko” cars “survived”, and these cars are still owned by members of the Finnish Saab Club.
