[{"id": 5176723, "authorName": "johnsaab99", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/johnsaab99/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "this is a Very nice example of an Original '72 SAAB.\r\nI've parked my SAAB next to this car at Maryhill, Wa.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1602529302, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5176778, "authorName": "Kdrahn", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kdrahn/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Wow. What a time capsule. Could we see full upholstery photos, please? The back seat upholstery is very faded. Is it quite fragile or has is it been used recently so we know the stitching and fabric isn\u2019t likely to split soon? My first experience with SAAB and front wheel drive was a brown \u201873 EMS 2 door. Amazing cars. Tempting, for sure.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1602529710, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5176937, "authorName": "Frost", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/frost/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Ignition key in the floor, vague shift linkage, and mine had weird electrical gremlins. Absolutely loved that car, the most solid, secure, winter-beating vehicle of its time!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1602530933, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5177039, "authorName": "JustJustin (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justjustin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I can add photos of the rear seat more later today. It seems to not be brittle yet but does has some fading. As far as the electrical issues by the key I\u2019ve never experienced any with the car.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602531594, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5177209, "authorName": "gMBmw", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gmbmw/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "For a moment I wondered who would add an aftermarket 3rd brake light, but it's so fitting for a safety-conscious Saab owner! \r\n\r\nVery cool to see in this condition and configuration. Will be watching this auction!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1602532599, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5177339, "authorName": "kbatdorf", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kbatdorf/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I love it, love it, love it. Justin's grandfather clearly loved it, too.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1602533228, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5177371, "authorName": "mjclaxden", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mjclaxden/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is a really spectacular car for being nearly 50 years old. My dad had a '72 99e VIN 99722028257. He gave/sold it to my uncle...likely in the crusher now. My uncle has Alzheimer's and the last registration was in 1997...How I wish I had that car now! Simple driving. Just simple, pleasurable driving.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1602533401, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5177711, "authorName": "JIMMY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jimmy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What a sweet 99E ! You never see these early 99's in this original condition. This one being a 4 door and A/C equipped is super rare. It really shows that it was well cared for by a Saab lover.\r\nThe design of the 99 was drawn by Sixton Sason in 1964. The 99 was first sold in 1968 in Sweden, and '69 in the USA. This car is pretty amazing for it's time, 4 wheel disc brakes, Overhead cam fuel injected engine and front wheel drive. And there is it's practical side for 5 passengers, a large trunk and a fold down rear seat. And one of the strongest body shells ever. The only thing these early 99's lacked was reliability. But Saab sorted that out in a few years, this car with it's 1.85 Swedish built engine is a big improvement. \r\nIf you have ever driven one of these it's hard to believe it was available 50 years ago.\r\nGLWTA !!", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1602535229, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5177722, "authorName": "JIMMY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jimmy/", "bidAmount": 1972, "content": "$1,972 bid placed by JIMMY", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602535293, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5178214, "authorName": "Paddan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/paddan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@JIMMY - the 1,85 engine in this 99E is still the Triumph/Ricardo engine; the Saab-built B engine didn\u2019t appear until MY73. \r\n@JustJustin - please post pictures of the outside and inside bottoms of the doors and bottoms of both sides of the sills along with the four jacking points and the rear mud flap areas where the chrome meets the paint. Do you know if paint is original or a respray of the original color (Amber Code Y8B)? GLWA!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602537948, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5178232, "authorName": "JustJustin (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justjustin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@paddan ya I will try to get those photos today for you. And paint it original to my knowledge. My grandfather just kept good care of the paint", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1602538170, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5178418, "authorName": "Rich_Truett", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rich_truett/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Saab's requirement that the engine be installed backwards, caused Triumph to change the location of the water pump -- and thereby set in motion a chain of events that broke a million wallets (and hearts) and sowed the seeds of Triumph's downfall.\nThanks, Saab!\nP.S. For at least the 50th time on BAT: Ricardo had NOTHING to do with the development or design of the Triumph slant 4. It was designed by Lewis Dawtrey, Triumph's chief engine engineer. Look it up, guys...", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1602539175, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5178562, "authorName": "bauerb", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bauerb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "my first car was a green Saab 99 2 door. not as nice as this one...", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1602540313, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5178598, "authorName": "Paddan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/paddan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Rich_Truett - correct, but Ricardo did arrange for Saab to cooperate with Triumph during the development, hence my reference. By the way, I have always wondered whether the 1,85 Saab engine is better to have today from a general parts availability standpoint than the Saab B engine. I\u2019d imagine some TR7 stuff including the ever-feared water pump could fit. But maybe I\u2019m wrong.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1602540703, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5178627, "authorName": "AEA", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/aea/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "You never see Leyland-engine 99s anymore. This one is better than most I've seen in the past couple decades.\n\nThe Boman car radios were made primarily for European and Japanese imports (and \"captive imports\" like the Capri, Ford Courier, Chevy Luv and Dodge Colt) in the 60s/70s and were well made units, though not quite up to the standards of German or Japanese aftermarket car radios. A working example today is lightyears better than a surviving Kraco, Craig or Spark-O-Matic car radio of this era.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1602541153, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5178787, "authorName": "Trguy75", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/trguy75/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Love a British designed engine in a SAAB 99. Brings back great memories of my 99 I had in high school. and AC to boot! GLWTA", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1602543940, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5178993, "authorName": "Carmalarky", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/carmalarky/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This bring back memories. I worked at a Saab garage in the 80s and we saw 99s all the time, but even then, rarely in this kind of condition. Respect to the owner for taking such good care. The interior fabric does get crispy over time, but seems like a small issue for such a complete and original-looking car. \r\n\r\nThey're not fast, and can be mechanically finicky, but very satisfying to drive with good steering and brakes coupled with comfortable seating and visibility. Having owned a 1977 99GL 5-door in the 80s, I appreciated their thoughtful engineering, and still own a Saab. GLWTA, I hope this finds a caring new owner.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1602547940, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5179250, "authorName": "Rich_Truett", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rich_truett/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I'm just curious about one thing on this engine: On all the Triumph versions of the slant four, and the Stag V-8, oil is added to the engine via the valve cover's twist off cap. \r\nHow do you add oil to the Saab version of the slant four?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602553852, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5179281, "authorName": "Paddan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/paddan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Rich_Truett - the oil filler neck is the capped funnel sticking up near the distributor.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602554465, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5179286, "authorName": "JIMMY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jimmy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Rich_Truett - You add oil at the top of the breather tube - large round flat cap between air filter and distributor. If you left the cap off it did not spray oil everywhere.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1602554581, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5179299, "authorName": "JIMMY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jimmy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This car has some fascinating details. That center A/C console is cool! And the a/c compressor mounting is a piece of work. Believe it or not, there is an alternator under that A/C compressor and exhaust manifold. It even has an air cooling duct on it. \r\nThese cars also have defroster ducts to blow air on the rear window. \r\nThis was also the first year for the black rubber bumpers.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1602554913, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5179469, "authorName": "Rich_Truett", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rich_truett/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@JIMMY and @Paddan\r\nThat's interesting. \r\nOn the Triumph engine that's where a freeze plug is installed.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602558829, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5179826, "authorName": "delpilot", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/delpilot/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "First car I ever bought was a 1976 Topaz yellow 99gl. Paid $1500. I remember reading through the owners manual and being amazed with how solid they were built for safety. I lived in MA and my dad kept telling me to make sure to check the antifreeze so that the engine doesn't freeze. I didn't and it did. To this day, still my favorite care I've ever owned. So much fun to drive. If I hadn't just bought a scout, I'd be a player on this one. It looks like a great rig. GLWA and good luck to the winner!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1602589467, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5179849, "authorName": "Paddan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/paddan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@delpilot - my first car too was a \u201876 Topaz Yellow 4 door. One year only color. I bought it in 1980 for $2400 plus traded my Motobecane moped at the local Saab dealer. It had 90k miles, dealer added A/C that was freezing cold and a Blaupunkt Frankfurt radio. It leaked oil like a sieve. One of the mechanics drained the wrong oil plug and neglected to refill the transmission with oil after a service and the transmission seized on me. But the dealer stood behind it and rebuilt the transmission. It cut through snow even better than my succeeding C900s which were very good in snow by the way.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1602591161, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5180127, "authorName": "Tdskip", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tdskip/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I recently bought a fundamentally solid but slightly neglected and stored for a long time 1970 199EE, and it is a very interesting design. Easy to use around town and it will happily run 75 miles mph on the highway. Visibility due to the greenhouse architecture is outstanding. Individual preference is very obviously, but for me it\u2019s just about a perfect sweet spot between feeling vintage and being usable in modern conditions. \n\nI do worry a bit about parts availability but the later the year the easier it is, and the sob owner community while small by comparison to the other manufacturers of the same era that I own is enthusiastic and HUGELY supportive.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1602597212, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5180582, "authorName": "Ken_H.", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ken_h.-user/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I had the identical car while living in Wash State in '88. Sadly, it was an automatic .... a fatal mistake. Still loved it, but not as much as my former 96. GLWTA", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602604299, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5181672, "authorName": "bauerb", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bauerb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "AC in a 72 Saab is impressive", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1602614742, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5181983, "authorName": "mazdax605", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mazdax605/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I love this! I love the color, the unique SAAB body design. Everything!! I have never owned a Swedish car, but I want to someday. Very cool. Good luck with the sale. Probably a fun car to drive, maybe not some much fun to work on. Looks like the engine is in the engine bay backwards.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602616060, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5182134, "authorName": "kbatdorf", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kbatdorf/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "You're right, @mazdax605, the engine does sit backwards, above the transmission. That makes it easy to change the clutch without removing the transmission, but hard to change the alternator and AC belts.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602616913, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5182209, "authorName": "TheOMDude", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/theomdude/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Oi! Where do I start? Not fast? I tuned my '74 LE by ear with the distributor cap bolt loosened and beat a 2002tii. These were skiers' cars. Gotta love early heated seat adopters! I passed a line of fishtailing station wagons uphill on my way to Badger Pass in Yosemite, and drove over the pass from Breckenridge to Park City when the sign said the road was closed. On the way we stopped to help a couple of gals stuck to the axles in their Toyota Land Cruiser get back on the road. They were about a third of the way into a case of Michelob and didn't offer us any, so when they proceeded to get stuck again we left them for the next suckers to help. Was that bad?", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1602617436, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5183714, "authorName": "J.Lush", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/j.lush/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What a little sweetheart of a SAAB. So much built-in character all in the name of Swedish practicality. My first \"adult\" car was a '78 99GL in whatever that caramel color was called. Bought it in the late summer of '80 or '81 and had no clue heated seats were even a thing. The first cold morning of Autumn brought them to life and scared the h*ll out of me for a few reasons (thought something was on fire, thought I'd peed myself, etc.). There is no switch that you use to turn them on you see, they are thermostatically controlled depending on cabin temperature. How flipping simply brilliant is that? Sadly, it left a few years later with my first wife who was also my first love. Kind of a double whammy. In a fit of nostalgia a few years back I went looking for another 99. I was really surprised at how few and far between they are anymore. My search ended in Canada where I found a Marble White over green '80 99 TurboS that was originally delivered in Stockholm where it spent much of its life. The \"S\" designation comes from a factory kit that adds water/methanol injection to cool the charge temperature thereby allowing you to crank up the boost. So my advice to any of you that are waxing nostalgic for a long gone Swedish love - here's your chance....", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1602625276, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5185459, "authorName": "mr.mcvay", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mr.mcvay/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Greetings Sir, I hope this message finds you well. What are the chances of coming across the river and looking at this in person?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602683289, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5185621, "authorName": "bonjo2661", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bonjo2661/", "bidAmount": 3000, "content": "$3,000 bid placed by bonjo2661", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602686153, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5185632, "authorName": "mmalamut", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mmalamut/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hi \r\nLooks like there is no AC compressor belt\r\nDoes the AC work", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602686266, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5185709, "authorName": "JustJustin (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justjustin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@mr.mcvay I\u2019m not sure how that works but contact me directly", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602687195, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5185724, "authorName": "JustJustin (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justjustin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@mmalamut my grandfather hadn\u2019t had a belt on it for since I was young. So to be honest I\u2019m not 100% sure if it does. I know it worked back in the day though.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602687329, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5185785, "authorName": "mmalamut", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mmalamut/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@justjustin\r\nAppreciate your quick reply \r\nGood luck on your sale\r\nMight bid\r\nBest \r\nMike \r\nMalamut Auto Museum", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602688167, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5185822, "authorName": "JustJustin (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justjustin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@mmalamut of course. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602688595, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5185912, "authorName": "Gary_S", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gary_s/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I'm going to suggest that the AC most likely does not work, otherwise why would he have removed the belt? The good news is, it's a fairly simple system and the York piston compressor is very robust and likely fine. There are lots of sources of info and parts for vintage AC systems, so it should not be a huge deal to get it working again. If the condenser and evaporator are good and not leaking, then flushing the system, replacing the receiver-dryer and expansion valve, and recharging it should get it going. You can charge it with R134A at this point and it will work but maybe not quite as well as it did with R12. There are also alternative \"R12 replacement\" refrigerants, just please don't use one that's flammable! The old R12 hoses will likely leak with new refrigerants, but again it's not terribly hard to get those remade with new rubber - pretty sure my NAPA store can do that. Good luck!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1602689873, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5186039, "authorName": "Keith_Price", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/keith_price/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Any trunk under floor shots available? Fuel pump mounting? Thank you.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602691901, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5188833, "authorName": "Fitzgerald", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fitzgerald/", "bidAmount": 3100, "content": "$3,100 bid placed by Fitzgerald", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602710360, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5189750, "authorName": "JustJustin (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justjustin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Here are the bottoms of the doors and jams like asked. Also in the photos are the 4 jack points under the car. I will get a trunk shot shortly", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1602719981, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5189808, "authorName": "JustJustin (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justjustin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Trunk photos are here", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602720987, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5189918, "authorName": "Jacques1960", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jacques1960/", "bidAmount": 5000, "content": "$5,000 bid placed by Jacques1960", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602722883, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5189920, "authorName": "Jacques1960", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jacques1960/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Uffdah !", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1602722898, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5189915, "authorName": "Paddan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/paddan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thank you for the additional photos. Can you post a video of it starting and driving? Does it have any mechanical needs other than the likely non-op AC?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602722903, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5190537, "authorName": "kalio1979", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kalio1979/", "bidAmount": 5500, "content": "$5,500 bid placed by kalio1979", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602740150, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5190859, "authorName": "RoscoePDogg", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/roscoepdogg/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The preservation here is just unreal. WOW!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602766432, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5191104, "authorName": "VolvoguyKC", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/volvoguykc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "There is nothing like the original. GLWA", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602769982, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5191252, "authorName": "Gary_S", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gary_s/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Just a beautiful car, so glad that the original owner prized it and kept it in this condition! The listing says \"The five-digit odometer shows 50k miles and is believed to have rolled over.\" Do the service records mentioned support that (by showing mileages above 50K)? I could believe from the condition that the car has 50K. On the other hand I also know that it's possible to keep a car this nice for 150K, and from what we can see this was the type of owner who could do that! Given that, I don't think we should be worried about the mileage one way or the other. Thanks and good luck, glad to see the Saab 99 getting some love!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1602772547, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5195264, "authorName": "JustJustin (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justjustin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I tried to attach a video to the comments but its not letting me. if you would like to comment me directly i can send it to whom ever wants it. \r\n\r\nalso @gary_s the car does have 150xxx on it. my grandfather has written documentation from when he changed the oil on the mileage the car was at for each change.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1602806544, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5199793, "authorName": "JustJustin (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justjustin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ALZpHik_7HoyCT6fs66Yt7oD_c-mRKE_/view?usp=drivesdk", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1602882447, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5199807, "authorName": "JustJustin (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justjustin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Posted a video of the car starting and running for those who wanted it. I will try to post a in car video of it driving tomorrow as well.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1602882517, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5200595, "authorName": "Beyfon", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/beyfon/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "A slightly off topic story from the mid -80\u2019s when I knew a girl who had a -73 Saab 99 X7. The X7 was a rare \u201cstripper\u201d model that for the most part was clearing Saab\u2019s parts bins of left-over parts from earlier years. So it came with the 1.85L Triumph engine, the chrome bumpers, older seats etc. There were also stranger \u201ccost savings\u201d that must have cost more to do the change than what the savings amounted to such as deleting the glove box lid and putting blanking plates over the ventilation outlets in the dash. \r\n\r\nNow, her car had a hitch, and I needed a car with a hitch for towing a car trailer up to my parents farm some 200 miles away. So I borrowed the Saab. I no longer recall what car I was towing, but it ended up being one of the warmest summer days of the year so I didn\u2019t get too far until I could see the temp gauge start creeping up towards the red area. Now, those Triumph engines were quite famous for overheating, blowing head gaskets and being a pain to repair ( the head bolts are mounted at a steep angle into the block and had the habit of snapping when you wanted to take the head off. If more than one would snap now you just couldn\u2019t lift the head of. \r\n\r\nWith all those horror stories in mind and the fairly heavy car trailer to blame for the car running hot I had no other option than to turn the heater on full blast, and running the heater fan to give some extra cooling. It helped, and the temp needle stayed in the safe range for the whole trip. But anyone familiar with old Saabs will testify that the heater is darn effective, and on a hot summer day it truly turned the car into a rolling sauna. \r\n\r\nAfter the weekend I returned the car, and mentioned that challenge to keep the car happy when the girl says \u201coh, right! I forgot to tell you that the temp gauge is off. It always goes into red, but I have had it checked and it\u2019s only the gauge that reads too high!\u201d \r\n\r\nOther than that memory, I am quite fond of the 1.85L engine. Peppier than the 1.7L but much smoother and less gruff than the in-house 2.0. So in many ways a sweet spot for the 99.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1602893655, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5201094, "authorName": "ColtTheBolt", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/coltthebolt/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I\u2019m currently restoring a \u201873 99E here in Washington, and this car gives me some confidence in preserving the D-jetronic fuel \r\nsystem rather than convert to the later K-jetronic. Scrolling through BaT and am so excited to see this car and the incredible condition it\u2019s in. Good luck with this one and hope it stays in the pnw!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1602904947, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5201515, "authorName": "Gary_S", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gary_s/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Beyfon - Funny story about the X7 (which was a weird beast indeed)! I believe that they actually did run hot (and have the attendant problems) but there was really nothing the company could do to fix that, so they issued a service bulletin directing technicians to install a resistor in the wire from the temperature sensor to the gauge which did nothing to change the temperature of the engine but made the gauge read lower. So you probably did the right thing by running the heater! I still do that in my '64 Saab 2-stroke almost every time I go up a long hill.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1602939444, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5201612, "authorName": "Paddan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/paddan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Gary_S reminds me of a story told in Mike Cook\u2019s excellent book, Triumphs in America with regard to the Stag, which essentially had two of these engines tied together to create a V8: \u201cThe first item on the dealer predelivery check list was pouring a can of Bars Leaks into the radiator!\u201d I owned Mike\u2019s ex 1980 TR7 Spider which ran normal even in summer heat.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602941812, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5202105, "authorName": "VegasJeff", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vegasjeff/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Who ever knew there were Saabs born with Triumph engines? You ain't gonna get information like that, or the commentary on maintenance, repairs, and history, on carsandbids, baby. I just glanced at this entry and the last couple comments and thought, \"I better get another cup of coffee because I need to read this whole thread.\" Which I have now done. Great insight, an amazing survivor car from a favorite marque, and I'm ready to start the day. GLWTS!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1602953097, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5202778, "authorName": "JustJustin (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justjustin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dQM2zsGKMsGEULPmBcwBQudA1Sl7T3GO/view?usp=drivesdk", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1602973504, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5202781, "authorName": "JustJustin (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justjustin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Here is a video of me driving the car from the inside.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1602973522, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5203132, "authorName": "robdisner", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/robdisner/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I sure hope you\u2019d be driving the car from the inside!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1602988060, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5203362, "authorName": "BBK", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bbk/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Back in 1976 or so, I was working summers in a lumber mill in Idaho to make money for college. One of the guys who also worked summers had an almost identical Saab 99. He and I took a trip to Spokane, WA in his almost identical 99 and he let me drive it for a bit. I was blown away at how wonderful it was to drive and since that time, have admired the early Saab\u2019s like this amazing example and all Saab\u2019s for that matter. I never have owned a Saab myself and have always thought about buying an older Saab like this car as that drive I took 44 years ago made an indelible impression on me for the rest of my life. I wish I had room for such a wonderful car as this one but alas, do not, otherwise I would be a bidder here. I love this car and I believe that whomever wins this car, will be a very lucky person indeed!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1603002714, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5203497, "authorName": "jmelzer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jmelzer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I owned the twin to this car forty years ago. Same color but not the same condition. My Saab was used and abused before it came to me. But it was a great ride, handled well - enough to get a speeding ticket on a narrow, twisty stretch of road in Philadelphia. It was not without a few quirks. The brakes caught fire on one occasion and on another the ignition switch stuck and the starter motor ran until I disconnected the battery. But I loved the car. It was quiet, comfortable and great in the snow.\r\nI gave it to my younger brother who wrecked it by broadsiding a drunk who ran a red light. The car was totaled but my brother and his girlfriend unbuckled their seatbelts and walked away unhurt. GLWA", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1603026372, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5203502, "authorName": "Gary_S", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gary_s/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Paddan, the story about the Saab engine deriving from the V-8 is a bit of an urban legend - actually Saab and Triumph jointly commissioned Ricardo engineering to develop a new 4-cylinder to be used by both marques. So really it was an all-new design and was first used by Saab. I don't recall if Triumph used it in other cars before the TR7. After a couple of years Saab was so unimpressed with the reliability that they took the design in-house and developed the 2.0 liter \"B\" slant 4 engine. It shares a lot of architectural features but is in every way much stouter than the 1.7/1.85 engine (although to be fair many of the issues with the 1.7 liter had been worked out by 1972. The Saab engine endured in many forms all the way to 2009 when the last engines based on that original design was built.\r\n\r\nAlso, (tangentially) the story about adding Bars Leak gives me a little PTSD - my son has a V-12 Jaguar, and the service procedures for that call for two doses of Bars Leak whenever servicing the cooling system. Basically that eventually fills the cooling jacket and radiator with sludge, which led to us becoming expert V-12 mechanics. I understand why they recommend it, with about 4,000 connections in the cooling system it's pretty much impossible to not have a leak somewhere, but in the long run it's a bad idea.", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1603026615, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5204410, "authorName": "BART-BC", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bart-bc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Saab used a triumph engine block that was standard on the the TR7 \r\nWhen we worked on the old 99 saabs with the British Leyland engine blocks (Truimph) . \r\n Our cheap part source was truimph compared to Saab. ( water pumps)", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603056398, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5205083, "authorName": "JIMMY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jimmy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "In the early 80's I rebuilt a Stag V8. I worked at a shop that was a JRT service center, so I called the tech line to see about Stag parts. They knew we were a Saab dealer too, so the first thing they said was \"get the Saab Water pump!\" And then they said they had plenty of engine parts, and I might as well replace everything! \r\nWhen it was all done I discovered what a cruiser the Stag was, and that a good running 99 was faster and more fun!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1603081819, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5205174, "authorName": "mrguts", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mrguts/", "bidAmount": 5600, "content": "$5,600 bid placed by mrguts", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603093900, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5205359, "authorName": "Patrick01", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/patrick01/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Triumph engine. Who'd thunk? I've never experienced SAAB ownership, but have ridden in a few of that vintage and older back when. Always thought they were such an odd, yet endearing car. Nice example!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603113099, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5205371, "authorName": "Paddan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/paddan/", "bidAmount": 5700, "content": "$5,700 bid placed by Paddan", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603113336, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5205437, "authorName": "jbjlock26", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jbjlock26/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "JIMMY, Absolutely right that one wouldn't believe these were on the road 50 years ago! The combination of ride, handling, and quickness wasn't duplicated by mainstream vehicles for years to come. \r\n\r\nMine was a 2 door twin to this in British Racing Green. Being the first year for the rubber bumpers, it looked like many of the more recent ones, and I picked up a set of the full wheel covers of 74 vintage. The paintwork on mine was gorgeous as long as I kept wax on it, as this was before the days of clear coat. With reasonable care, these cars would never rust! Inside, the 72 vintage headliners were much superior, if not as stylish as the newer Saabs that adopted the molded headliners that would droop with age. The 72 looked like VW perforated vinyl.\r\n\r\nThe 2.0 engine that Saab derived from this Triumph engine was indeed beefier, notably with a double chain for the OHC. \r\n\r\nThe clutch hydraulics were a weak point on these cars. I started rebuilding the slave cylinder as a routine maintenance about the same as spark plugs.\r\n\r\nMy A/C worked until it erupted in a geyser of freon around the firewall, and being a college student, removing all the system was the cheapest route. Turning the heat control on a very cold day was the end of the heat, as it used plastic in the control on the end of the cable. A plumbers valve under the hood gave me some control again!\r\n\r\nOne of the scariest moments was one night in the middle of nowhere, it died completely, no lights, nothing. Started it back up and everything functioned. Looked at it in the light in the morning, and every wire in the vicinity of the alternator had the insulation melted off! \r\n\r\nThe car lasted until a couple weeks prior to my college graduation, when it failed to start for good. Several weeks later, after I bought a new Honda Civic (yes I learned some lessons besides wrenching) on a warmer day it fired right up, and my dad put it for sale in the newspaper!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603114464, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5207342, "authorName": "HJ47", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/hj47/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Has the car been smoked in?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603135141, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5207427, "authorName": "JustJustin (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justjustin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@HJ47 no the car was not smoked in so there is no stale odor of smoke.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603135547, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5207459, "authorName": "justdrive", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justdrive/", "bidAmount": 5800, "content": "$5,800 bid placed by justdrive", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603135643, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5208017, "authorName": "Anonymous", "authorUrl": "", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Reserve not met on 10/19/20 at $5,800", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603138620, "type": "bat-bid-reserve"}, {"id": 5208053, "authorName": "justdrive", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justdrive/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Let\u2019s talk...", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603138812, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5208065, "authorName": "JustJustin (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justjustin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Contact me", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603138842, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5208089, "authorName": "bringatrailer", "authorUrl": "", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@justdrive - Since you were the high bidder at the close of the auction, we will send your contact information to @JustJustin in hopes that you two are able to work out a deal. We wish you luck!\r\n\r\n-BaT", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603138933, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5208551, "authorName": "justdrive", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justdrive/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Contact me", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603140438, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5208689, "authorName": "JIMMY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jimmy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "It's a really nice car, but what do you do with it? Take care of it, because there are almost none left in this condition. If I had a Saab museum this would be right by the front door!\r\nI hope you make a deal Justin, your Grandfather was a great person!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603140867, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5209567, "authorName": "Rich_Truett", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rich_truett/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Gary_S\r\nWe've already established -- many times -- that the slant 4 engine designed by Triumph, engineered by Triumph and built by Triumph -- had no input or influence from Ricardo.\r\nI repeat: NONE.\r\nFor the zillionth time: The Triumph slant 4 was designed by Triumph's chief engineer, Lewis Dawtrey. \r\nLook it up, please -- and stop posting inaccurate information. It muddies the waters needlessly.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603145589, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5210005, "authorName": "Gary_S", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gary_s/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Rich_Truett\r\nThe 1.7 L and 1.85 L engines were most certainly produced for Saab by Triumph and later used in the TR7. Every source I can find, however, discusses the involvement of Ricardo with Saab in the development of 4-stroke engines as early as 1963, and Lindh (\"The First 40 Years of Saab Cars\") specifically says that \"Saab handed over the drawings and prototypes produced by Ricardo, and it was decided that the new engines would be built by Triumph, Saab assuming main responsibility for the test programme\". In August of 1969, Road and Track reported \"it is an English engine, developed by Ricardo in England and made 'under contract' by Standard-Triumph\". The Wikipedia article on the Triumph Slant 4 engine says the engine was designed by Dawley as you say, but also says that the connection between Saab and Triumph was made by Ricardo. And Triumph didn't put the engine into any of their cars for 4 years during which all the problems were worked out by Saab and their customers and by which time it was pretty different than it had been in 1969. At best it's a great over-simplification to say that Ricardo was not involved although the whole story is complicated. Anyway, no offense, inaccuracy, or confusion intended - I have been following the story for 40 years and Ricardo has been part of every single thing I've ever read about it.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1603154168, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5210547, "authorName": "snydert", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/snydert/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I really loved my 73. Had it many years, and loved it in winter. I had bought four studded snow tires and was disappointed in mild winters. Broke several clutch forks, and learned to grind some metal off the ball pivot area, before installation, so that they could be replaced without removing the tranfer shaft and throwout collar. Became a really quick repair. Oh yes, the 2 liter engine was great.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603166987, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5216601, "authorName": "oldcarjunky", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/oldcarjunky/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Justjustin,\r\nDid you find a buyer? If not, pm me.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1603275609, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5216874, "authorName": "JustJustin (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justjustin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@oldcarjunky will do", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1603286212, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5339670, "authorName": "Saab9_", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/saab9_/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hi JustJustin, have you sold this? Please let me know, thanks @Justjustin", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1605661496, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5339751, "authorName": "JustJustin (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/justjustin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@saab9_ I did just sell it yes", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1605662203, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5477897, "authorName": "mhen400", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mhen400/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I drove this exact model and color car when I was in high school. Awesome car.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1608252466, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 7071980, "authorName": "Saab9_", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/saab9_/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "oh man I should have bought this car! this is I think my favorite car of all time...and I've spent a sick amount of time looking at 99/900 over the last ten years...", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1633907931, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 12313284, "authorName": "CWL2373", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cwl2373/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I owned this same car in college in 1994...except it was a 2 door model. Had a lot of work done to it. Leaky clutch...had to keep adding fluid and pumping it up until the slave cylinder was rebuilt. Eventually, the head gasket developed a leak and I couldn't afford to fix it so I sold it. :( Wish the car had come into my possession a few years later when I had a full-time job and a lot more money. It was great and I would do anything to find another clone of it, in near mint condition. They are hard to find now.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1693274554, "type": "comment"}]