In 1937 Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget
(abbreviated SAAB) was founded as the national manufacturer
of military aircraft.
Following the end of the Second World
War, they realised that expansion beyond the aircraft industry
was necessary, and the decision to design cars was a logical
one. Their lack of experience was to prove an advantage, as
their expertise gained from aviation gave Saab a unique position
in which to provide a fresh approach for each problem. Fifteen
aircraft engineers were selected to develop the company's
first prototype car. They worked purely on their own experiences
and know how, and as a consequence were not trapped within
the conventional car design mentality.
In 1947 the Saab 92 prototype (projects
90 and 91 being designated for aircraft) was presented to
the press. It was a car like no other, with front wheel drive,
a transversely installed two stroke engine, an exceptionally
strong safety cage and the aerodynamic shape of a wing. It
was dubbed the Saab 92001.
In 1949 production began of the Saab
92, with over 20,000 cars built until production ceased in
1956. The first series produced Saab had a lower drag coefficient
than many of today's cars!
In 1955 the Saab 93 was a radically
redesigned car with a three cylinder engine, a new transmission
and tubeless tyres.
There have been sports cars, such
as the Saab Sonett I, II, and III with fibreglass bodies;
where series I was an open top model. There was the Saab GT
750, which with twin carburettor and 57 hp (with tuning kit)
produced a startling turn of speed for its day. There was
the practical Saab 95, the dependable Saab 99, the prestigious
Saab 900 Turbo and the stunning Saab 900 Convertible, all
of them milestone leading to today's impressive model range.
