Why the Viggen remains a Saab icon
When Saab launched the 9-3 Viggen in 1999, it was a car unlike anything the brand had built before. Developed with Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), the Viggen was meant to showcase the high-performance potential of Saab’s turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The B235R 2.3-liter turbo produced 225 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque, all channeled through a five-speed manual gearbox.
The Viggen was not just about numbers. It carried an aggressive factory body kit, unique suspension tuning, and the kind of explosive mid-range power that made it unforgettable to drive. Around 4,600 cars were produced worldwide, making it a rare sight today. In Sweden, the most coveted version was finished in Lightning Blue, and only 75 examples in that shade were originally delivered to Swedish buyers. That fact alone makes this example highly desirable among collectors.
A tuned Lightning Blue with 270 hp
The Viggen already had a fearsome reputation in factory form, but the car now on Bilweb Auctions goes further. The owner has tuned the engine to deliver 270 horsepower, giving it sharper acceleration and a stronger mid-range surge. Supporting upgrades include a larger intercooler, a 3-inch exhaust system, a sport air filter, and lowering springs that not only improve handling but also give the car a more assertive stance.
Inside, the modifications are subtle. The original Viggen seats with embossed logos remain, while discreet auxiliary gauges for boost, oil pressure, and oil temperature have been added in the glovebox. These changes preserve the character of the car while giving the driver more information to safely enjoy the extra performance.
Service history and condition
Although this Viggen shows 272,124 kilometers (169,200 miles) on the odometer, the seller has invested heavily in ensuring its mechanical strength. Around 260,000 kilometers, the car received a new gearbox, new clutch, and new turbocharger, along with a timing chain replacement and a new ignition cassette. These are big-ticket jobs that typically worry future owners, but here they are already complete.
The seller also addressed long-term reliability by cleaning the oil pan to avoid sludge build-up, a known risk on early Trionic 7 engines. The braking system has been refurbished, with calipers restored and supporting components refreshed. On the cosmetic side, the rear quarters were repaired and resprayed to correct rust issues, though a slight color shift is visible compared to the factory finish. Minor stone chips remain at the front, and some light clear coat lifting can be seen at the rear crease. Despite this, the car presents very well, with its original Viggen fender badges and factory wheels still in place.
Inside, details often neglected on older Saabs have been corrected: the SID and ACC displays have been repaired, restoring pixel clarity, and new bulbs have returned proper night-time illumination to the instrument cluster. These may sound like small items, but they dramatically improve the driving experience and make the car feel complete rather than “unfinished.”
Auction details
The Viggen is currently featured in Bilweb Auctions’ September 2025 sale. The auction house has provided a guide price of 110,000–120,000 SEK (around $10,300–$11,300 USD). At the time of writing, bidding has already reached 105,000 SEK, and crucially, the reserve price has been met. This means the car will sell when the auction closes on September 18 at 12:00 CET. A 5% buyer’s fee (minimum 2,900 SEK) applies.
For Saab enthusiasts and collectors, this creates urgency. Not only is the car rare, but its current price is still within the range that makes it accessible to dedicated drivers who want a Viggen they can use, rather than just display.
Driving character: Stock Versus Tuned
Driving a stock Viggen is already an event. Period road tests describe the surge of torque once boost arrives, turning ordinary commutes into moments of drama. The steering wheel tugs in your hands, the turbo whistles, and the front tires fight to put down power. For many Saab drivers, those quirks are part of the appeal.
With its 270 hp tune, this Viggen sharpens those traits further. The acceleration is stronger, and the revised suspension helps balance the extra power. Thanks to the seller’s investment in mechanical integrity, the car should deliver its performance with more consistency and fewer headaches than a neglected example. In many ways, it represents the best of both worlds: authentic Viggen character with the reassurance of careful preparation and modern upgrades.
Market perspective
The market for Viggens has grown stronger in recent years, especially for Lightning Blue three-door models. In August 2024, a similarly modified Lightning Blue Viggen coupe sold for $16,500 on Bring a Trailer. Lower-mileage cars can fetch even higher prices, while less tidy examples tend to fall short of the 100,000 SEK mark in Scandinavia.
This car sits firmly in the middle: it has higher mileage, but with recent investment in a gearbox, clutch, turbo, and timing chain, it is effectively reset in the areas that matter most. Given the reserve has already been met at 105,000 SEK and bidding is still open, it’s realistic to expect a closing figure close to or even above the auction house’s top estimate of 120,000 SEK.
Why this Viggen stands out in today’s market
This 1999 Saab 9-3 Viggen in Lightning Blue represents more than just another Saab at auction. It’s a rare Swedish-market example, freshly maintained, carefully upgraded, and tuned to deliver 270 horsepower. The fact that the reserve has already been met shows that buyers recognize its value, and with two days remaining, the final price is likely to reflect its significance.
For Saab fans who have long dreamed of owning a Viggen, opportunities like this are becoming increasingly scarce. This car offers the chance to experience Saab’s wildest creation of the late 1990s in a form that is both collectible and genuinely enjoyable to drive.
More Saab standouts at Bilweb’s September 2025 auction
Alongside the Lightning Blue Viggen, Bilweb’s September Auction 4 features two more remarkable Saabs: a low-mileage Turbo X SportSedan and a single-owner 9-5 Aero SportCombi.
Find out how these three icons — Turbo X, Viggen, and Aero wagon — shaped the bidding war in our full report:
read the complete story here.
J’aurais bien aimer la trouver en bleu
Any aftermarket add on’s reduce value. Even increased hp.
Is it a Viggen or is it buildt like a Viggen?
Technically on the US market the VIGGEN is the 1999 model,2doors hatchbacks,with 235R power plant ,manual,5spoke wheels,no Traction Control and of course BLUE!With some front suspension updates ,the best sports car of that time!