1980 SAAB 99 Turbo review from UK and Ireland

Exhaust is currently a combination of parts from 900's including a 9000 flexi pipe.

Loose wire to fan causing overheating.

Cylinder head threads for manifold have stripped, soon to be replaced.

New alternator.

An awesome machine!

Our 99T has led a sheltered life having lived on an old lady's drive for 15 years. It was purchased by a friend to restore who happens to own a garage. The car itself was bought from the said lady, brakes freed and then put in for an MOT for which it failed only on headlights.

Since we have bought it, not much has been done with regards to restoration due to lack of space (currently have a 900 T16S having a full rebuild and mods to take to around 300bhp, bye bye gearbox!). The car will then be lovingly restored with the addition of a stainless steel exhaust minus the huge backbox! After that, we have a 900T16S Convertible to go in.

Anyway, as for the 99T. This car never ceases to amaze me. Firstly, this car changed motoring history by utilising the full potential of a turbocharger for normal day use. Secondly it is such a beautiful machine! It is a 2 door in red (one of a approx. 400 in that colour I believe).

It is such a pleasure to drive, with the quirky offset steering wheel and the looks from other drivers and pedestrians. It has a commanding presence on the road, especially as those Inca alloys are mesmorising!

My only gripe is the seats. They are very comfortable, but they don't hold you so well when enthusiastic cornering takes place!

As for performance... what can I say? For an old car, this thing really moves. 145bhp and 174lbs ft of torque through a 4-speed gearbox is great fun. Around town it can be quite sluggish, however once at cruising speed this car can pull away from a lot of modern cars with ease. It can sit at 80mph all day although as the revs are high at this speed, I tend to sit at 60mph, enjoying the drive and knowing that I am driving piece of history.

Finally, I must justify my cost markings. Although this car hasn't cost much as far as parts go, it eats the petrol. Especially if you have an enthusiastic right foot, however on a long journey whilst taking it easy, I have managed approx 32-35mpg.

I love this car and it will take a lot of money to prise it away!