The Saab 99 Combi Coupe : 1974 – 1978

Posted on 29. Nov, 2008 by Ryan in 1970-1979, 1980-1989, 99

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile:

The Saab 99 Combi Coupe or Wagonback as it was initially referred to in the U.S. arrived in 1974 following the Saab 98 prototype while it took on the additional characteristics of the 99.

The Saab 99 Combi Coupe was designed by Bjorn Envall and was produced in Uusikaupunki, Finland as well as Trollhattan, Sweden.

The Saab 99 Combi Coupe was a hatchback and known as the Wagonback in the U.S. and was Saab’s first designer, Sixton Sason’s final project of the 99, to be produced.

This model set the history books as the first true “hatchback” for Saab and the first model is on display today at the Saab Car Museum.

This model for SAAB came equipped with the following specifications:

Exterior:

1974 MY Combi Coupe / hatchback, three and five doors, five seats, 1,174kg/2,583 lbs, flip up forward hinged clam shell like hood, wrap-around windshield, hockystick shaped c-pillar, rear rubber spoiler on turbo models, halogen headlights
1976 EMS Version Added
1978 MY Inca wheels added to Turbo models, front and rear spoilers

Interior:

1974 MY New Front seats with integrated head restraights, new HVAC, new door skins, EMS included center armrest.
1976 MY Electrically heated rear window and adjustable rear view mirrrors and tinted windows.
1977 MY Turbo model included luxurious interior

Chassis:

Unitary steel body/ chassis with tubuar reinforcement to pillars, independent front suspension, coil springs and wishbones, rear tubular dead beam axle located by twin longitudinal arms and panhard rod, coil rear springs, telescopic shock absorbers, ATE Disc brakes, twin diagonal circuit braking, rack and pinion steering, 46.8 litre fuel tank, 155×15 tyres, 4.5″ rim.

Engine:

Four-cylinder longitudinally mounted, 83.5x78mm, 1,709, compr: 9.0:1, 80hp @ 5,200 rpm, 131.42Nm @ 3,000 rpm, Overhead valves, two valves per cylinder, ohc valve gear, overhead camshaft, chain camshaft drive, two-stroke, aluminium cylinder head, cast iron block, 5-bearing crankshaft, Stromberg CD type 175 carburettor, water cooling with thermostat controlled fan.

1974 MY Had a new 1,985cc 100hp engine with increased fuel tank, 99 EMS had Bosch Continuous injection system capable of 118hp.
1978 MY 99 Turbo introduced99 Turbo Engine introduced
1979 MY Larger Fuel tank made of polyetheylene, stronger rear axle, upgraded front suspension, semi metallic brakes, same bumpers as 900 models.

Transmission:

Front-wheel drive, four-speed gearbox, spiral bevel final drive, 4.22:1, automatic option (1970)

Dimensions:

Wheelbase 252.5cm/99.4″
Front Track 142cm/55.9″
Rear Track 143cm/56.3″
Ground Clearance 15cm/5.9″
Turning Circle 11.25m/36’11″‘
Length 473.9cm/186.5″
Width 169cm/66.5″
Height 142cm/56.25″
Performance Max Speed 105 mph/169 kph
22.5 mph/36.1 kph @ 1,000 rpm
Acceleration 0-60 mph 13.3 secs
Standing Mile 18.2 secs
Average Fuel Consumption 24.5mpg

Global Production:

Model Year – Units

1974 MY
1975 MY
1976 MY
1977 MY
1978 MY

Tags: aluminium cylinder head, Bjorn Envall, Finland, first designer, Max Speed, rear rubber spoiler, Sixton Sason, steel body/ chassis, Sweden, Trollhättan