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1972 99 SSE Posted by Larry West [Email] ![]() ![]() ![]() |
(those who are on the Saab 99 list have already seen this, but i wanted to share with others...)
The 1972 99 SSE was a "special Edition" for the US market.
Back in 1972, Saab introduced the 99 EMS with the 2.0 liter engine in Sweden. It was painted in a special "introduction" color of Copper Coral Metallic. Saab USA's marketers really wanted this car over here, but Saab Corporate wouldn't let the 2.0 go to the states until the 1973 model year.
So, Saab's marketer of the time, who hailed from Chrysler, worked out what he could get, and put together one of the more obscure market-specific Saabs of all time.
He got the special Copper Coral Metallic paint, had the 1.85 liter injected motor installed, with a Borg Warner 35 Auto trans.
That's how they came from the factory.
Once they got to the US, though, then the, um, interesting, parts were applied. The SSE was given a treatment common in America, not so much in other markets, of a glued-on vinyl roof, accompanied by chrome trim. But the vinyl roof wasn't an ordinary vinyl roof. It was printed with a pattern not unlike heavily burled walnut. It went well enough with the paint color, but maybe wasn't a shining moment in Saab History.
The crowning addition was "SSE" badges in script on both C-pillars.
Saab AC was installed in at least some, perhaps all of them.
Maybe someone out there has some original marketing literature on the SSE!
Most of the pics at the link are of the 99SSE that I helped George M. rescue from a barn (garage, really) in NJ. There are a couple shots of one at Swedish Car Day that had a 2.0 motor installed.
Enjoy!
Larry West
99 SSE Photos on my Flickr site.
_______________________________________ Current: 2002 9-5 Aero Kombi Cosmic Blue 2000 9-5 SE sedan, Imola Red 1990 900S Rose Quartz, Auto Past: 1999 9-5 LPT Combi 1999 9-5 LPT sedan 2002 9-5 Arc 1990 900 5-speed 1986 900 turbo Convertible 1991 9000 turbo 1980 99 GLi 1986 900 turbo 1986 900 S 1991 900 turbo 1984 900 turbo 1976 99 GL
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