At the same
time as Saabs engineers felt ready to get started on a new
model series, stricter collision safety requirements were announced by
the U.S. authorities. Cars were required to be driven into a barrier at
30 mph (about 50 km/h) carrying two passengers and luggage, without more
than one-fourth of the windscreen surround sustaining damage. Saab could
have passed this test by modifying the
Saab
99, but there was at the same
time a need for renewal without fancy trimmings. The answer was the Saab
900, half of it newly designed and half of the best from the Saab
99.
The basic body of Combi Coupe hatchback type is 12 cm longer than the
corresponding Saab
99, the wheelbase 5 cm longer. Its roadholding
was improved by redesigning a number of chassis components. Also new as
compared with the 99 was the facia. And under the right-handed grille on
top of the bonnet was a worldexclusive automotive innovation; a
ventilation air filter for the interior that traps dust, pollen and even
certain bacteria - good news for all those who suffer from allergies.
Right from the outset, the Saab 900 was offered with a comprehensive
range of engine alternatives - from the carburettor engine developing 100
bhp to the Turbo unit with 145 bhp. The Saab 900 in the museum us a GLE
version for the U.S. market with an injection engine. Its chassis serial
number is 00017. It was long used as a general purpose delivery vehicle
in the Trollhättan factory area before being pensioned off, dolled
up and put on show in the museum.