The Saab 99, introduced in 1968, marked a pivotal point in the history of Swedish automaker Saab, helping establish the brand’s reputation for innovation and durability.

Designed under the direction of Saab’s chief designer Sixten Sason, the 99 was built with a focus on safety, aerodynamics, and durability in harsh weather conditions, reflecting Saab’s roots in aircraft manufacturing.

Its robust construction included a pioneering use of a wraparound windshield and headlamp washers, both of which were designed to improve visibility in adverse conditions.

Early models were powered by a Triumph-sourced 1.7-litre engine, but Saab later developed its own in-house powerplants, including a 2.0-litre and, eventually, a turbocharged version, making the Saab 99 Turbo one of the first mass-market turbocharged cars by 1978.

The turbo variant was a game-changer, solidifying Saab’s reputation for high-performance engineering.

The 99’s design and engineering innovations laid the foundation for f...