Saab History: From simple airplanes to innovative cars

What sets Saab apart from other car brands are its clean, aerodynamic lines, efficiency and functionality, and innovations beyond people’s expectations of what a car should deliver. Such characteristics have been very much illustrated by the evolution of Saab vehicles from the first prototype to the present car models.

Saab was founded in 1937 in Trollhättan, Sweden as a national manufacturer of military aircraft. An acronym for “Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget” (The Swedish Aircraft Company), Saab was initially intended to produce high-performance jets before World War II. As the war was ending, it was clear that the demand for military aircraft would decline. After considering other alternatives, Saab deemed it a logical decision to move into the passenger car market.

The very first Saab car was developed in 1947, which was handmade by a team of 16 aviation experts, only two of whom had a driver’s license. Called the Saab 92, the automobile carried a streamlined steel-bodied two-door saloon with a two cylinder two-stroke engine, front-wheel drive, and a sturdy passenger cage. Interestingly, the Saab 92’s profile closely resembles an airplane wing.

Nobody at the Saab had prior experience in car designing, but the results were surprising—the Saab 92, for instance, showed one of the most aerodynamic features ever designed. Over 20,000 Saab 92s were produced between 1949 and 1956. Through the years, Saab’s distinct aviation background has led to many firsts in the automotive industry.

Saab has always carried the reputation as a pacesetter in the car industry, with numerous innovations—in terms of car durability, passenger comfort, and environmental protection—to boast of. An experimental car named “The Monster” or the Saab 93 model was created in 1959. It has two three-cylinder engines, mounted transversely in the engine bay. In 1971, Saab introduced electrically-heated seats and self-repairing bumpers in passenger vehicles. Six years later, Saab designed ventilated front seats, which allows air to “breath” and keeps drivers more comfortable in hot weather. It is the first time that such a feature was presented for passenger cars. In 1978, Saab launched another world-first—the passenger compartment air filter. Another milestone in Saab history is the unveiling of the durable vehicle 9-2X in 2004. It is the first model to offer an all-wheel drive that can handle almost any weather conditions. Most important and groundbreaking among the innovations is Saab’s introduction of world’s first CFC-free (chlorofluorocarbon) air conditioning in 1991.

Saab also pioneered in inspiring modern car designs. The Saab 9X, which is part coupe, part roadster, is voted “Concept Car of the Year” at the Geneva Motor Show in 2001. It was also named “Best Concept Car” in the 2002 European Automotive Design Awards. Last year, the Saab Aero X concept car was introduced at the Geneva Auto Show and was recipient of the “Best in Show” award by AutoWeek Magazine. It only shows the Saab philosophy that a high-performance car can be both versatile and practical.

Like most car brands, Saab also ventured in creating sports cars starting in the 1950s. Its first ever—the Sonett—had a speed of about 160 kilometers per hour. This three-cylinder, fiber glass-bodied model was supposed to go into series production, but only six were ever produced. This open two-seater competition sports car made sensation at the Stockholm Motor Show in 1956.

The 1960s saw two historic victories for the Saab vehicles. The Saab 96, with Erik Carlsson as the driver, twice won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1962 and 1963. No one had achieved that feat since the 1930s. The production version of the winning cars was the Saab Sport, later called the Monte Carlo 850.

In 1999, Saab launched a powerful car—the Viggen—for sports car aficionados. A Swedish term for thunderbolt, the Viggen has a special chassis and a high output turbocharged 2.3-liter engine. However, it was only in 2005 that Saab produced its first sport utility vehicle, the Saab 9-7X.

Sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, the markets of Saab include the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, and Germany. In the 1990s, the company changed ownership and became Saab AB. Soon after, Saab cars became popular for their dependability and high standards.

Also visit: The Saab History