SAAB 99 TURBO (3-door), 1978
The Holy Grail?
The Ultimate SAAB?
SAAB’s original Turbo, in 3-door form, has attained almost mythical cult status. Now, nearly 50 years since its introduction, to say that one would have one’s work cut out actually finding one worth having would be something of an understatement.
XJN 591S was first registered on 15th March 1978, making this car one of the very first of the 750 cars ultimately imported into the UK by SAAB (GB) Ltd. Initially a demonstrator for the SAAB agent Continental Cars in Stansted (whose sticker is still in the rear window) the car was sold a few months later to a Mr John Smith of Broxted Hall Farm, just a few miles from Stansted.
Mr Smith, for the duration of his ownership (some 36 years), entrusted servicing and other maintenance to the supplying dealer, Continental Cars. It is unknown at what point the car was retired, but what is certain is that at that time the mileage was 60,987 miles and the Turbo was placed into clearly very dry storage in a barn at Broxted Hall Farm. Here it was to remain, seemingly untouched, until 2014.
The Turbo as discovered at Broxted Hall Farm, the home of its first owner, in 2014.
The mileage when ‘discovered’ in 2014 was 60,987 miles. The mileage today stands at 62,318 miles.
And so it was, the Turbo was sold to the fastidious gentleman who would go on to recommission this car with a sensitivity that must be witnessed to be believed. Himself a restorer of priceless Roman and Greek artefacts, his exceptional attention to detail was lent to the work carried out on the Saab. The majority of this work was entrusted to Two Stroke To Turbo, unequivocally by far the most able Saab specialists in this country. Sadly now disbanded after some 40 years in business, it is fortunate indeed it was they who oversaw the work carried out between 2017 and 2020; there is, in my opinion, no other ‘specialist’ who can hold a candle to Two Stroke’s knowledge, attention to detail and sheer ability. That said, there was a cost - and here, it’s worth remembering that the car required next to no body work repair. Even so, invoices are on file from Two Stroke totalling in excess of £30,000…
So, no bodywork repair was required, the interior is entirely original apart from the headlining which has been renewed and yet still bills totalling over £30,000. Just where was the money spent? The refinishing of the paintwork alone accounts for some £10,000, while the remaining £20,000 was spent getting everything else right. The entire mechanics of the car were gone through, seemingly, with a fine tooth comb and my word, does it show in every detail.
The history file contains the entire raft of Two Stroke invoices, as well as the original driver’s handbook, service pamphlet, Blaupunkt radio/cassette manual etc. and duplicate original sets of keys. The toolkit is complete and apparently unused.
Just 1,331 miles have been covered since Two Stroke To Turbo completed their work in 2020. Apart from regular servicing irrespective of the mileage, the only significant change since then has been the fitment of a complete, bespoke stainless steel exhaust system and today, the car remains as a highly original (just one example of this originality - the rear spoilers of the 99 Turbo and the very first 900 Turbos had no rainwater drain holes. XJN 871S still has its hole-free and utterly pristine rear spoiler) and yet impressively immaculate example of SAAB’s seminal original Turbo.
*****
PRICE
£ 48,500
07968 094741
The car is presently UK registered. It will be supplied with a UK registration document and a new MoT certificate.
