SUDBURY'S Saab in Swindon is helping commerorate 25 years of Saab turbocharging with the exclusive 9-3 turbo anni- versary model.

Back in 1977 Saab introduced a car that permanently changed the face of performance motoring and went on to become an automotive icon.

The legendary 1977 Saab 99 Turbo was the world's first usable, reliable turbocharged car, and inspired a host of imitators over the next 25 years.

Throughout the past quarter century, the manufactuer has refined and perfected the turbocharged engine.

Indeed, it can fairly be said that Saab is the marque that is most synonymous with the word turbo.

Today, Saab is the only car maker to offer a full range of turbocharged models in the UK market.

John Sudbury, dealer principal at Sudburys Saab, explained the association between the classic 99 and the anniversary model.

"The distinctive lines of the original 99 Turbo are still as apparent in today's Saab 9-3, and the exclusive 9-3 Turbo Anniversary model clearly evokes the spirit of the original car. The first UK market 99 Turbos were only available in black as three-door Combi-Coupes.

"Similarly, the new Anni-versary model is also offered only in black with a svelte three-door Coupe body.

"Just 175 of these special cars will be produced exclusiuvely for the UK market; 175 matching the original number of the 99 Turbos first imported into Britain.

"With the exception of transmission choice, manual or automatic, the specification of all 175 cars will be identical."

Each Turbo Anniversary model is based on the 9-3 2.0T Coupe, and has a 2.0 litre full-blown turbo engine developing 185 bhp.

The model has an exclusive body-styling kit and distinctive 17-inch alloy wheels.

Mr Sudbury said: "The extra specification of this exclusive 9-3 adds more than £2,200-worth of additional equipment.

"Yet the retail price of this last-of-the-line threee-door Saab Turbo is just £20,795, only £500 more than the standard 9-3 2.0T coupe on which the model is based."

Additional equipment includes sports body styling kit, 17 inch alloy wheels and sports tuned chassis, teflon facia panel, full leather upholstry and sports leather steering wheel.

Contact: Sudbury Saab, Dorcan Way, Swindon, 01793 414200