Saab 99 Turbo. A classic Swedish icon in Auto Motor Klassiek 5-2026

The new edition of Auto Motor Klassiek It is on the shelves at the newsstand, or is already in your home. This month, too, the magazine is once again filled with wonderful articles about classic cars and motorcycles. One of the cars that undoubtedly catches the eye is the Saab 99 Turbo, the car that was considered by national and international journalists at the time to be a turbo breakthrough for passenger cars. We drove a 1979 model and delved into the history of the car, which was created under the leadership of Per Gillbrand.

The 99 Turbo, surprising participant in the report.

The report involving the car came about in a surprising way—at the end of January. The intention was, in any case, to visit Saab Specials in Meppel, also with a view to the end of business operations. Two Classic 900s were ready to be subjected to a test. We were asked if it 'could also be a 99'. Yes, that was no problem either. When it turned out to be a Turbo, the format of the story was already set in advance. A white 99 Turbo with a two-door body was waiting for us, and the car from 1979—with 300,000 kilometers on the odometer—suddenly became the protagonist of the report, which was filmed against the backdrop of snow-covered farmlands around Meppel and on the A32. You can, of course, read the driving impressions in the story.

History of Development

We delve extensively into the development history of the Saab 99 Turbo and highlight the choices initially intended. Furthermore, we describe the laboratory test cycles and discuss the practical tests, in which racing drivers such as Stig Blomqvist and Per Eklund also played a role. Naturally, you will read in the story that Saab did not cut corners regarding development and reliability testing. You will also read much more, for example, about the fact that the Saab 99 Turbo was the last car from the Swedish manufacturer to participate in rallies. The story of this illustrious Saab model is extensive and offers eight pages of history and impressions. And last but not least: in the story, we naturally also pay attention to the history and closure of Saab Specials in Meppel, which may soon continue in a different capacity.

Packed with beautiful themes

In addition to the Saab story, you will read more this month—much more. You will find buying advice on the Audi 80 and 90 from the years 1986–1991. Furthermore, you will read a report on the Skoda 120 GLS, which was manufactured in its home country of the Czech Republic. Chrysler's TC by Maserati is another topic that transforms the car from unknown to beloved. There are reports on the conversion of a Volvo Nilsson hearse into a camper, and you will read a retrospective account of the 1931 European Tour with a clear Ford focus. Naturally, and true to tradition, engines are also covered again. This month, you will read stories about the BSA B Round Tank and the Vincent HRD. And as if that weren't enough: the regular features are included again, and we are making plenty of room for our advertisers. As you can see: this is another issue worth having in your home. And we are bold enough to say that classic reading pleasure also in Auto Motor Klassiek Issue 5-2026 is guaranteed again!