The Saab 900 was unveiled in 1979 as a replacement for the 99, from which it borrowed mechanics and chassis. With its nonconforming appearance, it based its reputation on its Swedish origins and the image its parent company had gained as an aircraft builder.
These characteristics played a key role during the entire marketing activity, which often employed commercials filmed on airport runways in order to bring the customers’ attention to increasingly relevant themes such as safety and innovation.
Promotional choices aside, Saab kept its promises and met the expectations with great build quality that gave its products a solid and concrete appearance.
Four engines available at launch: three naturally aspirated and one turbocharged.

Innovation
This was exactly one of the novelties Saab brought along: it was one the first car manufacturers that offered turbocharged engine options. Along with forced induction, the 900 boasted collapsible steering, an air filter and, a few years later, thanks to the 16V engine, an outstanding comfort level due to the improved power output.
In 1986 the Classic, as the first series was called, was facelifted. The restyling involved mainly the nose—more aerodynamic and modern-looking—and the bumpers, which were integrated, thus increasing the feeling of sturdiness.
Refined like few others, the Saab 900 followed no trends or styles typical of vehicles from that period. On the contrary, it suggested a different way of building cars, with a mindset to making every single component that was different from anything seen so far. I remember for instance that the ignition key, located in the centre console, could only be removed by shifting into reverse to avoid leaving the car parked in neutral. This approach was what won Saab a flock of loyal admirers who helped sales take off, and who still gather in the numerous dedicated clubs in spite of the sad end this marque met.