Saab
Born from Jets: The Uncompromising Spirit of Aerospace Innovation
Introduction
Saab’s story is one of the most unique in automotive history. It began not as a car company, but as an aerospace manufacturer (Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget). After WWII, the company used its engineering expertise to build cars, applying aircraft principles to automotive design. This resulted in vehicles that were aerodynamic, safe, and front-wheel drive—decades before they became industry standards. Saabs were always different, often quirky, and built with a stubborn commitment to logic and safety that created a fiercely loyal following, even as it ultimately contributed to the brand’s commercial challenges.
| Detail | Information |
| Founded | 1945 (car division) |
| Parent Company | Saab AB (Aerospace) |
| HeadQuarters | Trollhättan, Sweden |
| First Car | Saab 92 (1949) |
| Core Philosophy | Functionality, Safety, Aerodynamics |
| Status | Defunct (1949-2014) |
Iconic Saab Engines
- Saab Two-Stroke (1949-1968): The unconventional start. A two-stroke, two-cylinder engine that required adding oil to the fuel tank, used in the early Saab 92, 93, and 96 models.
- Saab H Engine (1967-1981): The V4 oddity. A Ford Taunus V4 engine, mounted transversely for front-wheel drive, used in the Saab 96, 95, and Sonett.
- B-Slash Engine (1978-2009): The Saab-designed inline-four. An overhead-cam engine developed by Saab, famously used in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms in the 99 and 900.
- HPT (High-Pressure Turbo) Engine (1980s-2000s): The performance king. A highly developed turbocharged version of the B2xx engine, known for its robust construction and massive tuning potential.
Legendary Saab Models
- Saab 92 (1949-1956): The teardrop. The first Saab car, featuring an incredibly aerodynamic body shape influenced by aircraft design.
- Saab 96 (1960-1980): The rally winner. The car that made Saab famous, especially in rallying. It was agile, durable, and successful in competition.
- Saab 99 (1968-1984): The modern classic. The car that defined the modern Saab with its advanced engineering, including the introduction of turbocharging to a production car in 1978.
- Saab 900 “Classic” (1978-1993): The icon. The car that became synonymous with Saab for a generation, with its distinctive shape, practical hatchback, and cult following.
- Saab 9000 (1984-1998): The executive flagship. A large hatchback developed with Fiat and Lancia, known for its immense practicality and the powerful Aero model.
- Saab Sonett (1955-1974): The sports car. A low-volume, fiberglass-bodied sports car, showcasing Saab’s willingness to experiment.
The Aircraft Influence
Saab’s aircraft heritage wasn’t just a marketing gimmick; it was baked into the DNA of every car. This influence was evident in countless details: wind tunnel-tested aerodynamics for efficiency and stability; wrap-around windshields for better visibility; cockpits designed around the driver with aircraft-like green lighting and logically grouped controls; and a relentless focus on structural safety, inspired by aircraft fuselage design. This unique approach resulted in cars that were often an acquired taste but offered a rational, safety-conscious, and deeply satisfying ownership experience that no other brand could match.