17 November 2020
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Following on from the success of its two earlier Viggen releases, DNA Collectibles has announced the coupe version of Saab's special 1998 9-3 as a future 1/18 scale resincast.
Launched in 1998, only 4,500 of the Saab 9-3 Viggen were produced. Thanks to its 255 bhp, 2.3-litre turbocharged engine it was really fast. The name Viggen pays homage to the 1960s Saab 37 Viggen jet fighter.
Following on from the success of its two earlier Viggen releases, DNA Collectibles has announced the coupe version of Saab's special 1998 9-3 as a future 1/18 scale resincast. It will be available in not just one, but three different colours.
Having made the decision to make the model, the team at DNA turned to its sizeable fanbase on social media, and conducted a poll as to which colour to replicate. The decision was so close that DNA has opted to produce the top three in differently-coloured versions, at the same time - Lightning Pearl Metallic Blue with blue and black interior, Monte Carlo Yellow with black and dark grey interior, and Black Metallic with black and dark grey interior.
DNA Collectibles is dedicated to details and realism, and the exterior reflects this perfectly. The authentic body shape is complemented by specific features, such as the sun roof, the triangular yellow Viggen badges on the front wings, and the “Saab” and “93” badges on the bootlid. Focusing on the wheels, in addition to the typical 5-spoke rims, the brake disks are grooved - correct for this model, but unusual for a production Saab.
Parts are manufactured separately, rather than being incoprorated into the main mould, to bring as much realism as possible and to level up the overall quality. An example of this is the photo-etched, perforated front grille with a visible intercooler. The antenna, the side mirrors, the door handles, the spoiler and the oval, chromed exhaust pipe are also separate parts added to the main body. Finally for the exterior, there are very realistic engraved headlights and taillights, where you can actually see the bulbs, embellished by small wipers.
Moving inside, there is a very convincing and realistic silver dashboard, where you can see very tiny details like the buttons, the speedometer, and the air vents. The ignition is placed close to the hand brake just like on the real car. There are also numerous separate parts inside, like the steering wheel with the Saab logo in the centre, handbrake, central mirror, gear lever and photo-etched speakers integrated into the door panels. The seat belts are made of real fabric with photo-etched buckles. DNA Collectibles has also reproduced the typical sports seats in detail.
The models shown here are pre-production prototypes, so there will be updates and improvements prior to the final models being released. Just 320 of each will be produced, with each chassis individually numbered. Due to ship during the second quarter of 2021, you can save 10% (£125.99 instead of £139.99) by placing a pre-order at www.dnacollectibles.com.