Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Saab

The Saab car company, officially known as Saab Automobile AB, was a Swedish manufacturer known for its innovative engineering, aircraft-inspired design, and quirky yet beloved vehicles. With origins in the aviation industry, Saab brought a distinctive approach to automotive design and built a loyal global following, particularly for its turbocharged and safety-focused vehicles.

Origins in Aviation (1937–1947)

Saab’s story begins with Svenska Aeroplan AB (Swedish Aeroplane Company), founded in 1937 to produce military aircraft for Sweden. After World War II, the company sought to diversify its product line and entered the automotive industry to meet growing civilian demand for vehicles.

Saab 92 Prototype

In 1945, development began on Saab’s first car — the Saab 92. Designed by aircraft engineers, it featured aerodynamic styling and front-wheel drive, quite rare at the time. The prototype was unveiled in 1947, marking Saab’s entry into the automobile market.

Early Models and Innovation (1949–1960s)

Saab’s first production car, the Saab 92, was launched in 1949. It had a two-stroke, two-cylinder engine and a highly aerodynamic body. Despite modest power, it offered excellent handling and became popular in Scandinavian markets.

Saab 93 and 96

The Saab 93 (1955) introduced a three-cylinder engine and laid the foundation for rally success. The later Saab 96 (1960) became a legend, especially in rally racing, and was produced until 1980. Both helped build Saab’s reputation for rugged durability and performance in harsh conditions.

Rallying Success

Drivers like Erik Carlsson brought international acclaim to Saab in rally competitions, winning events like the Monte Carlo Rally and RAC Rally in the early 1960s, often against far more powerful cars.

Engineering Focus and Aircraft Influence

Saab’s background in aviation influenced everything from aerodynamics to ergonomics. The company emphasized safety, innovation, and driver involvement.

Innovative Features

• Early adoption of front-wheel drive and crumple zones
• Wraparound windshields and clear dashboard layouts for pilot-like visibility
• Unique “key between seats” ignition to reduce leg injuries in crashes

The Birth of the Turbo Era (1970s–1980s)

Saab became a pioneer in turbocharging with the launch of the Saab 99 Turbo in 1978. It was one of the first mass-produced turbocharged cars, combining performance with daily usability.

Saab 900

Introduced in 1979, the Saab 900 became the brand’s most iconic model. The Turbo version especially captured enthusiasts’ attention for its torque-rich performance and quirky Scandinavian charm. It became a cult favorite and a symbol of intellectual, unconventional motoring.

Saab 9000

The Saab 9000 (1984) was co-developed with Fiat, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo, sharing a platform but featuring Saab’s own turbocharged engines and emphasis on safety. It was Saab’s attempt at entering the luxury executive segment.

General Motors Era (1989–2010)

In 1989, General Motors (GM) purchased 50% of Saab’s car division and acquired full control by 2000. Under GM, Saab received more global exposure but also faced increased platform sharing and loss of engineering independence.

New Models

• Saab 9-3 – Launched in 1998 as a compact executive car, replacing the original 900.
• Saab 9-5 – Introduced in 1997 as a larger, more luxurious alternative to the 9000.

While some purists criticized these models for GM-derived components, they still retained Saab’s design language, safety features, and turbocharged performance.

Struggles Under GM

Despite some sales success, GM struggled to position Saab within its global brand portfolio. Lack of investment and internal conflicts led to delays in new models and dwindling market share.

Collapse and Brief Revival Attempts (2010–2016)

In 2010, GM sold Saab to Spyker Cars, a small Dutch sports car company. Spyker attempted to revive Saab’s independence and restart production.

Bankruptcy and NEVS

Financial problems persisted, and Saab declared bankruptcy in December 2011. In 2012, the company’s assets were acquired by National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS), which intended to relaunch Saab as an EV brand.

NEVS produced a small number of electric Saab 9-3 models, but due to trademark restrictions and limited market success, the Saab name was eventually retired from new vehicle production.

Legacy of Saab

Saab remains one of the most beloved defunct car brands in the world. Its blend of safety, performance, turbocharged engines, and unique design language earned it a fiercely loyal following.

Iconic Elements

• Turbos – Saab helped popularize turbocharging as a mainstream performance technology.
• Safety – Consistently ranked among the safest cars of its era.
• Engineering Integrity – Saab prioritized innovation over trend-chasing.

Saab Enthusiasts and Clubs

Numerous Saab owners’ clubs remain active globally. Events, preservation projects, and restorations continue to celebrate Saab’s contribution to automotive history.

Conclusion

Saab may no longer produce cars, but its legacy lives on through passionate owners, innovative engineering, and a catalog of vehicles that dared to be different. Saab was never about blending in — it was about doing things the right way, the Saab way.