This is a 1985 Proton Saga. Designed by Halim Hassan, the Saga is a series of sedans produced by Proton Holdings Bhd. since 1985 over three generations. The name stood for "Safety Achievement Greatness Ability" but also referenced a red seed from a tree growing in the area.
The idea for the Saga came about from politician Mahathir Mohamad, who actively encouraged the development of heavy industries in Malaysia as part of a long-term vision for self-sufficiency and progress. Proton was started in 1983 as Malaysia's first car manufacturer, while development of the car as part of the National Car Project was underway. A co-development with Mitsubishi, the Saga was launched on 9 July 1985.
Produced in Shah Alam, the Saga is based on the 1983 Mitsubishi Lancer Fiore and used a 1.3L Mitsubishi 4G13 Orion inline-4 mated to either a 3-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual. A prototype using a 4G63 was driven by Mahathir across the Penang Bridge with the Malaysian flag in tow when the bridge opened. The car was soon after exported to numerous different countries, such as Bangladesh and the UK; an attempted break into the American market with Malcom Bricklin ended in failure. Over its production life the Saga received two facelifts and ended production in 2008, replaced by the next generation Saga. Some 1.2 million cars were produced. The Saga has since become a Malaysian icon.
Now this casting was designed by Fraser Campbell and introduced in the Compact Kings segment of the mainline. This is currently its only release although I expect a second recolor somewhere down the line.
