With greetings from Trollhättan - Saab 99 EMS 1:43 from IXO

Finally there are Saab supplies in 1:43 scale again. After this preferred collection size almost threatened to get lost in the flood of 1:18 innovations, the Saab 99 EMS from IXO is now rolling onto my desk. That fits, because in the circles of Saab collectors and fans the 99 is experiencing something of a small renaissance. Interest in the model series is growing, prices are affordable, and well-preserved vehicles are in demand. I took a closer look at the Saab 99 EMS from IXO.

Saab 99 EMS by IXO 1:43
Saab 99 EMS by IXO 1:43

Saab 99 EMS

In 1972 the new Saab 99 EMS came onto the market. A new, original Saab engine, from the company's own engine factory, with Bosch D-Jetronic was the highlight. The departure from the Triumph engines previously found in the 99 was initiated. The development is said to have come directly from the motorsport department and was (defused) taken over into the series. The 99 EMS was Saab's last factory rally car before the company retired from motorsport.

Orange dominates - zeitgeisty cool!
Orange dominates - zeitgeisty cool!

The image of the 99 EMS is high. The Saab is not only visually a sporty vehicle. The front spoiler and the aluminum rims as clear insignia ensure a clear appearance. Low-profile tires complete the look. The 99 EMS has a sports steering wheel and more direct steering. 3.4 turns from lock to lock, instead of 4.1 on the less sporty versions, deliver a more agile driving experience. Firmer springs on the rear axle and Bilstein shock absorbers on all wheels ensure a sportier chassis.

Liked small details
Liked small details

Saab 99 EMS as a miniature from IXO

Can the model car convince like the original from 1972? The miniature surprises - positively. Even the packaging, in a 70s orange, puts you in a good mood. Is it a coincidence, or does someone have a good hand for the era? It doesn't matter, because you have to like what's in the packaging too. Beautiful details, great workmanship, you won't find anything to complain about.

The first generation 99 EMS does not yet have a black radiator grille
The first generation 99 EMS does not yet have a black radiator grille

The red interior is very contemporary, even small details such as the lettering on the mud flaps are well taken. There is little to say, except that a successful new release is rolling into the showcases.

One explanation for the successful appearance of the Saab, which is made in Bangladesh and not in China, is perhaps the fact that the Saab Museum was involved in the realization. A sticker on the packaging indicates this. The seal of quality for the 99 EMS from IXO. There will be more colors in the future, the variants have been announced, but the delivery times are still open.

The Saab model is available from specialist dealers for around €23,00 to €24,00. The value for money is definitely right. Aero X Club members can purchase the miniature in the Aero X Club Store order at an even lower price.

4 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline feedback
View all comments
Ken Daniel
2 years earlier

What I've only noticed now, but was there a reason why the tank cap was (still) on the left side of the 99?

Volvoab Driver
Volvoab Driver
2 years earlier
Reply to  Tom

Wrong way driver at gas station

Fuel caps are actually logical and the better choice on the left, especially when driving on the right.

Think for a moment. Why are we standing to the left of the petrol pump in right-hand traffic? We cross the traffic in a bottleneck. We cross it at driveways and exits and at the gas stations themselves. Traffic jams (except on the street), honking and bullying occur at least at peak times, are the logical consequence of the fuel filler cap on the right in right-hand traffic ...

Besides that. In 1955, a study was commissioned by the state, and the conversion to right-hand traffic was decided by parliament in 1963 and was binding...
Although it was only carried out in 1967, Saab had planning security for the tank cap of the 99 for many years.

I think it's quite banal that the gas cap was still considered correct on the driver's side. Short distances and even better in terms of traffic management than ever before. I wish all vehicles had their gas cap on the left when driving on the right. That just seems logical to me...

Volvoab Driver
Volvoab Driver
2 years earlier

Lots of Chrome...

The original was also available in 1972 with less, wasn't it?
1968 to 1975 was an exciting and contradictory phase in Swedish car construction and styling with regard to chrome ...

Motor journalists and buyers were equally divided into two factions. One faction wanted as little chrome as possible (because cars without were perceived as sportier and more modern) and the other faction was still very attached to chrome - as an expression of value, of "premium" one would say today ...

An exciting model. I personally prefer a 99 with less Chrome. The gap between the shell hood and the horizontal beading from the A-pillar to the rear are made of one piece in sheet metal and paint. This was excellently and modernly drawn...

But how do you fasten a decorative strip in a gap? This was only possible below the shell hood or the beading and was then done exactly the same way and not differently.

But she doesn't belong there. A decorative strip belongs ON the beading and as far outward as possible. Otherwise and underneath, it no longer provides any protection for paintwork and sheet metal (e.g. door bumps in narrow parking spaces) ...

For me personally, the 96 is a car that at some point had far too little chrome and the 99 is one that too often was sold with far too much superfluous trim. Personally, I prefer him to be as nude and modern as possible. Incidentally, it also serves to preserve ...

From today's perspective, the additional drill holes that were added to the wheel arches or horizontally for a continuous decorative strip on the body have only one purpose: Accelerated rusting! ! !

Of course it's not a dogma, but personally I would avoid as much decoration as possible on every classic car. If it wasn't standard and subject to a surcharge, then get rid of the pacifier. Simply weld, sand, seal and paint the excess holes in the body. If it's still original, there's no loss at all, but umpteen construction sites less. Just a thought...