1974 99 LE: A Tribute to a Legendary Saab

The reason I love Saabs begins with this photo. My grandfather’s first Saab, a 1974 99 LE, got him home during the infamous Blizzard of ‘78 after passing miles of stranded cars and severe winter weather. Here it is during the blizzard, being cleared off by snow.

He swore after that point that he’d always own Saabs, and he did until his passing in 2018. His last Saab was our 2010 9-3X, which is currently still in our family’s possession, and was the car I learned to drive on. Previous to that car, he owned several 900s, a 9000, an og 9-3 hatch, and a 9-5 wagon.

The car was a finished in Carolina Blue, with a matching blue interior. It was a two door coupe, as the wagon back debuted for 1975. Power was made possible by the updated Saab-made 2.0 liter B-Motor, connected to the Borg Warner 3-Speed automatic transmission. 

The blue 99 was the first front wheel drive car he owned. He bought it used from Lloyd Long Saab and Oldsmobile in Warwick, RI. Prior to Saabs, he bought exclusively bought Oldsmobiles, so legend has it he bought the 99 because it was the cheapest car on the lot - at an Oldsmobile dealer. 

With my first Saab also being a 99, it’s nearly a full circle moment. I’ve always loved the 99, but knowing that my grandfather fell in love with Saabs in a 99 too makes it a bit more special for me. Afterall, they’re fantastic little cars!