1999 Saab 9-3 Viggen

Description

In 1998, Saab would take a page from the German playbook and introduce a specialized, high-performance version based on their new 9-3 platform. The 9-3 Viggen shared its name with the Saab 37 Viggen aircraft and marked the traditionally quirky Scandinavian automaker’s first attempt to compete with the likes of BMW’s M Division and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG. Only available in a three-door body style and in Lightning Blue for the 1999 model year, the Viggen is powered by a turbocharged, 2.3-liter inline-four boasting 225 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. Additional Viggen factory upgrades include a high-capacity intercooler, a performance-tuned ECU, and a high-flow exhaust system along with a thoroughly upgraded chassis and brake system. Today, the 9-3 Viggen is hailed by enthusiasts as one of the last ‘true’ Saabs and remains one of the fastest and best-performing production Saabs ever built. 

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Highlights

• Believed to be one of just seven 9-3 Viggens configured without a sunroof for use in the ‘Viggen Flight Academy’ — a two-day driver training course held at Road Atlanta, offered with every new 9-3 Viggen  — before being sold to a private owner

• One of 426 9-3 Viggens delivered new to the US in 1999

• Exceedingly rare hot hatchback offering impressive performance

• Finished in Lightning Blue over a two-tone, black and blue leather interior featuring embossed Viggen logos on the seatbacks, a 9-5 instrument cluster, and a redesigned steering wheel

• Signature exterior styling cues including an integrated front spoiler and rear skirt, a streamlined front grille, a polished exhaust outlet, and a rear spoiler 

• As per consignor, a replacement 2.3-liter ‘B235R’ engine (with a higher factory output of 230-horsepower) and five-speed manual transmission were sourced from a 2002 9-3 Viggen with an indicated 100,000 miles

• The replacement engine was equipped at approximately 114,000 miles, and the replacement transmission was fitted at approximately 110,000 miles

• Equipped with upgraded Abbott Racing Viggen Rescue Kit suspension components

• Showing 119,462 miles on the digital odometer at the time of listing

Features

• Alloy 17-inch five-spoke Viggen wheels

• Headlamp washers and wipers

• Rear decklid spoiler

• Exterior Viggen badging 

• Heated, power-adjustable front sports seats

• Automatic climate control

• Trip computer

• AM/FM/CD stereo

• Power windows

• Power-adjustable door mirrors

• Central locking

• High-capacity intercooler

• Performance-tuned ‘Trionic T7’ ECU

• Reinforced Mahle pistons

• Performance clutch and pressure plate

• High-flowing exhaust system

• Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes

• ‘Sports-tuned’ chassis with reinforced CV joints and driveshafts

Known Flaws

• Carfax report indicates that the 9-3 Viggen was involved in an accident in 2007 under previous ownership noting that, ‘Airbags did not deploy’

• Significant rock chips, scratches, and cracks in front spoiler

• Minor dent in passenger side door

• Front jack-point covers are damaged

• Paint flaking on wheels

• Front badge is sun-faded

• Typical cracks and wear on front seats leather upholstery

Included

• Original engine (suffered a damaged third cylinder at 114,000 miles prior to being replaced) and original transmission in need of a rebuild

• Crated collection of spare parts from a 2002 Viggen, notable items including: Five-speed manual transmission, set of 17-inch five-spoke Viggen wheels, front and rear suspension arms, front and rear brakes, rack-and-pinion steering system, brake master cylinder, ABS module, stereo and amp, climate control, DICE control module, black leather seats, interior trim and carpets, instrument cluster, airbag and airbag control modules, sunroof motor, ECU, headlight wiper motors, and steering wheel 

• Three keys

• Spare wheel

• Jack

• Lug wrench

• Additional items include: Saab Viggen logo t-shirt and ball cap, Euro-style Viggen front license plate, Viggen emblazoned shift nob, and a bottle of Single Malt Whiskey from the current owner’s distillery

Ownership History

The accompanying Carfax report shows long-term ownership history in Washington prior to being acquired by the current Montana-based owner in 2016. The current owner has added approximately 12,000 of the indicated 117,286 miles.

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Group Car Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner for this vehicle.

Contact: Jeff Inglis  Phone: 503.318.0620 email: jeff.inglis@broadarrowgroup.com