This 1978 Saab 99 EMS was purchased new in March 1979 at Global Imports of Atlanta, Georgia. It remained with its original owner until being acquired by the seller in August 2018. The clutch reportedly failed in 2003, and the car was stored inside until last year. Recommissioning by the seller included a new clutch, release bearing, slave and master cylinders, as well as relining the gas tank and replacing the fuel pump. It is finished in gray over red and powered by a fuel-injected 2.0-liter inline-four paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. This 99 is now offered with 1979 sales paperwork, service records, and transferable Georgia registration.
The Electronic Manual Special was Saab’s top-trim performance offering prior to Turbo production, and EMS badges can be seen at the front quarter panels. Each US model featured electronic fuel injection and a manual transmission. Optioned with a manual sunroof, this example was factory finished in Anthracite Grey Metallic and reportedly was repainted about 20 years ago. Corrosion is noted on the right upper window frame along with a crack in the front spoiler; these and other imperfections are detailed in the photo gallery below.
Factory soccer-ball alloy wheels are mounted with tires that reportedly were replaced under current ownership. A black rear window louver panel features Saab logos on each side.
The reddish orange interior has red carpeting, and lifting can be seen on the front seats’ cloth panels. The car was acquired with red fitted covers installed as shown in the gallery below. Additional photos show the rear hatch, which retains the hard cargo panel and spare tire cover.
The seller notes the addition of a 1980s AM/FM cassette radio installed under previous ownership. The dashboard shows wrinkling above the glovebox, and the A/C does not work. The 6-digit odometer shows 117k miles, although it has not been functional for an estimated 100k miles or more. The seller has added approximately 1,000 miles.
The 2.0-liter B-series inline-four is paired with a 4-speed manual transaxle. The car was reportedly parked in 2003 after the clutch failed, and the seller installed a new pressure plate, clutch disc, and release bearing, as well as slave and master cylinders. A 2003 receipt detailing the clutch diagnosis is presented in the gallery.
Underside images show the drive axles, exhaust, front and rear suspension, floor pans, and disc brakes. The seller reportedly cleaned and relined the gas tank prior to installing a used fuel pump. Suspension noise is noted by the seller, and aged bushings are visible.
The window sticker lists standard EMS equipment as well as the optional sliding sunroof and metallic paint for a total retail price of $8,823. A folder of service records is included in the sale, and highlights are depicted in the gallery. A photo of the 1979-issued Georgia title in the original owner’s name is also shown.