The 1986 Saab 90 stands as a unique chapter in automotive history, representing the closest Finland ever came to having its own car brand. This model, produced exclusively in Finland by Valmet Automotive, epitomizes a successful Nordic collaboration and holds a special place in the hearts of Finnish car enthusiasts.
As discussed in detail on Saab Planet, the Saab 90 was an ingenious blend of the Saab 99 and Saab 900, creating a car that was uniquely Finnish in spirit and design. Let’s dive into the intriguing story of the Saab 90 and its significance in the automotive world, enriched by insights from the Finnish Car Guys’ video.
Table of Contents
The Birth of the Saab 90
The Saab 90 emerged from a strategic decision by Saab to utilize existing components and designs from its other models, specifically the Saab 99 and Saab 900. Introduced in 1984, the Saab 90 was designed to be a practical, affordable, and reliable car that could thrive in the harsh Finnish climate. It featured the front section of the Saab 99 and the rear of the Saab 900, creating a distinctive blend that was both familiar and unique.
Insights from Finnish Car Guys
The video by Finnish Car Guys provides a rich narrative about the Saab 90 and its place in Finnish automotive history. The hosts highlight how nearly every family or their neighbors had a Saab, making it an integral part of Finnish culture. This connection was so strong that despite Saab not being originally Finnish, it was embraced as if it were a local brand.
A Finnish Pride
Finland’s role in the production of the Saab 90 cannot be overstated. The model was manufactured at the Valmet Automotive plant in Uusikaupunki, a facility known for its high standards and innovative approach to car production. This plant, which has produced a variety of cars over the years, from Talbots to Mercedes-Benz models, found a special place in the hearts of Finns with the Saab 90.
The pride associated with the Saab 90 stemmed not only from its local production but also from its embodiment of Finnish craftsmanship and resilience. The car was marketed with a sticker proclaiming “Saab from Finland,” symbolizing its national significance.
Petteri Virtanen’s Contributions
Petteri Virtanen, President of the Saab Club of Finland, provides a profound insight into this relationship. He emphasizes the pride and emotional connection Finns have with their Saabs, noting how the club, with over 4000 members, is the largest Saab owners’ club globally. The club’s activities, including the publication of the Saabisti magazine and organizing international events, keep this legacy alive.
The Unique Features of the Saab 90
The Saab 90 was renowned for its robustness and adaptability to Finnish road conditions. Key features included:
- Front-Wheel Drive: This provided superior handling and stability on icy and snowy roads, a common challenge in Finland.
- Durability: Built to withstand the Finnish climate, the Saab 90 was known for its longevity and reliability.
- Safety Innovations: Saab’s commitment to safety was evident in features like the ignition switch located between the front seats, a design meant to reduce knee injuries during collisions.
One of the most interesting quirks of the Saab 90 was its handbrake, which was connected to the front wheels instead of the rear. This unique feature often surprised drivers but was a testament to Saab’s innovative engineering.
Finnish Car Guys’ Perspective
The Finnish Car Guys delve into these quirks and features, explaining how they contributed to the car’s charm and practicality. They share anecdotes about the car’s unique handbrake and ignition switch, which were both safety features and conversation starters. These stories bring the technical details to life, highlighting the everyday experiences of Saab 90 owners.
The Legacy of the Saab 90
Despite being produced in limited numbers, with only about 25,000 units made, the Saab 90 left a lasting legacy. It was a favorite among Finnish drivers, often seen as a symbol of national pride. The car’s popularity was driven by its practicality, affordability, and the emotional connection Finns had with their locally made vehicle.
The Saab 90 also played a significant role in the larger narrative of Saab’s history. It represented a period when Saab was expanding its production capabilities and experimenting with new markets and designs. The collaboration with Valmet Automotive was a crucial part of this strategy, highlighting the benefits of cross-border industrial partnerships.
The Saab Club of Finland
The love for the Saab 90 and other Saab models is best exemplified by the Saab Club of Finland. With over 4000 members, it is the largest Saab owners’ club in the world. The club, led by President Petteri Virtanen, plays a vital role in preserving the heritage of Saab cars in Finland.
The club’s activities include the publication of the Saabisti magazine, organizing local gatherings, and hosting international events. These events attract Saab enthusiasts from around the world, creating a vibrant community of fans dedicated to celebrating and preserving Saab’s legacy.
Upcoming Events and Engagement
Petteri Virtanen also mentions the upcoming international gathering, set to bring together Saab enthusiasts from nearly 20 countries. These events are a testament to the strong community and enduring passion for Saab vehicles.
A Symbol of National Pride
The story of the Saab 90 is intertwined with the national pride of Finland. It represents more than just a car; it is a symbol of Finnish innovation, craftsmanship, and resilience. The Saab 90’s production at Valmet Automotive’s Uusikaupunki plant was a milestone in Finland’s industrial history, showcasing the country’s ability to produce high-quality, reliable vehicles.
This pride is further reflected in the emotional connections Finns have with their Saabs. The phrase “Saab is miestä,” which translates to “Saab is a man’s disease,” captures the deep-rooted affection and loyalty Finnish drivers have for their Saab vehicles. This sentiment, though originating as a light-hearted jab at Saab drivers’ enthusiasm, has evolved into a badge of honor for the community.
Finnish Car Guys’ Reflections
In their video, the Finnish Car Guys reflect on this sentiment, noting how driving a Saab in Finland is seen as a unique trait, almost a part of one’s identity. This cultural connection is a significant part of why the Saab 90 remains beloved by many.
The Future of Finnish Automotive Innovation
While the Saab 90 remains a nostalgic favorite, Finland’s automotive industry continues to evolve. Valmet Automotive has diversified its production, building modern vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the Porsche Boxster. However, the legacy of the Saab 90 endures, reminding us of a time when a small Nordic country left its mark on the global automotive stage.
Looking Ahead
Petteri Virtanen mentions his own experiences, planning to retire his daily driver Saab 9-3 and possibly considering modern vehicles produced in the same factory. This continuity highlights how the spirit of innovation and quality persists in Finnish automotive manufacturing.
A Testament to Finnish Ingenuity and Collaboration
The Saab 90 is more than just a car; it is a testament to Finnish ingenuity and the spirit of collaboration. Its story, from its inception in the Valmet Automotive plant to its lasting impact on Finnish culture, is a fascinating chapter in the history of automotive engineering. The Saab 90 continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts around the world, a symbol of what can be achieved when passion and innovation come together.
For more stories about Saab’s history and the legacy of models like the Saab 90, visit the Saab Club of Finland’s website and follow their activities on Instagram. The spirit of Saab lives on through the dedicated community of enthusiasts who keep the brand’s legacy alive.
Watch the Full Story
For a deeper dive into the Saab 90, watch the Finnish Car Guys’ video here. Their engaging storytelling and detailed insights provide a captivating look at this iconic model and its place in Finnish automotive history.
Hell yes! It’s time for the humble 90 to get some love! me and my brother had a blue one between 1997 and 2002. 🙂
The finns Saabs where built by high quality! Because finns works hard and drink hard ♥️
I had a Saab 99 super combi coupe, with twin carbs. Great car.
My first Saab was a 1970 99E. Since then I had 4 more Saabs. Now they are all gone, and I wish I had another one.
My favorite SAAB
Hell yes! It’s time for the humble 90 to get some love!
I`m from Finland and from my opinion the saab 90 was nothing special, it was besides a carburetor equipped low power model. It was Saab 900 that defined the Era of scandinavian cars in the 80`s in addition to volvo 240 and 740 if anything. Saab 900 i, 900 turbo and both in sedan and coupe was the hot ones, and finnish banks, military high ranks and goverment people used them. I myself have on army days personally opened a road beam to a black Saab 900 limousine with finnish defense commander as a passenger.
From my experiance the saab 90 for some reason seams to rust less than other saab models.
A safe and practical car that should still be in Production rather than the over priced junk they are producing today .
Kimmo Pakkala, speaking about Saab limousines, I own one 1986 built 900 CD, which was originally used by CEO of ”Valmet Työstökoneet”.
This CD model had all the options available during the time, including extended wheelbase, AC, cruise control, special inclined carpets, reading lights on the C-pillars, stabilizer bars both front and rear axle etc.
The automatic transmission and roof hatch were not available for this body with 16 valve turbocharged 175 horsepowers version.
Do you know is it stretched ? Because i cant tell from the photo, but i know that saab 900`s were stretched both sedan and coupe, about 12 centimeters, and here in Finland they called them with additional title ; Finlandia. I have been on one that was in use of person that was Valmet CEO, paper machinery. The defence minister limo I told at begin, was stretched with almost a meter and had additional side window.
Goodness I had a RHD model back in the 80s
Had a 1985, cursed myself ever since for letting it go
The 900i
Also
Made in Finland by Valmat
Měly jsme ve stejné barvě 900 sedan v automatu
I have one here in eastern canada
Saab 90 was my first car. Similar to this one found on the net (black paint, beige interior)
If you wonder what a Saab 90 cabrio would look like, like I did, I made this photoshop-rendering of what it would be like. I instantly regreted doing it, because now I want one 😅
Used one for a few years. Heavy steering as no power 😄. Quite outdated but lasted and lasted and…
A SAAB enthusiasts car, but not great in various ways…old fashioned dash, no power steering, slow 100hp engine. An odd thing to make, but certainly different.
Prefer the 99 nose. Would love to try a 90 one day to compare to similar era 900s.
That is the first car I drove. Looked OK on the outside, but the dashboard was old 99 style, really dated. At it was really slow on the road with only 100 hp!
They made a lot of models for SAAB in Finland! They were also better in build quality the finnmade Saabs🙂!
Hardly iconic. 90 was a dated budget car.
Ugle piece of shit the motor is put in backwords the ignition in on the floor because it was designed by drunks because they kep droping there keys. Volvo is much better car
must be some special model for the UK😂 there must be something seriously wrong with either you, your car or the driving were you live😂
I still have a 90 in the UK. Plenty fast enough for all sorts of roads and I am usually the one doing the overtaking! It was in fact better at accelerating than the family 900i.
the 1986 H engine was a great improvement compared to the 1982-84. If somebody claims that they have to downshift to 3rd gear to maintain 60 mph they either are lying or have never driven a Saab 90. It is always good for 115 mph on a strait road