Saab 99 Turbo (1978 – 1981) Review

The launch of the Saab 99 Turbo marked the moment the Swedish carmaker became truly cool. During its lifetime, the Saab 99 had received regular upgrades, first a larger version of its slant-four engine, then fuel-injection to create the effective EMS sports saloon. However, in 1978, the Saab created a legend – the 145bhp 99 Turbo.

It was an early adopter of forced-induction, and the fast but laggy 99 Turbo hit the market at just the right time – the second energy crisis of 1979 witnessed many people trading down from larger cars, and the seemingly economical new car offered all of the pace without the fuel consumption of the multi-cylinder opposition.