The History of Saab

Certainly, longtime admirers of the light-winged Swedish car know in detail the history of creation and development of SAAB. However, for those who have recently fallen in love with this car, easy to accelerate, easy to drive and stable on any track, it will be interesting to know some details - old and not so old. In particular, do you know, that the official symbolics of this brand has already undergone changes twice. And all because of the fateful turns in the development of the famous company.

This epithet is not abstract and is not used in this context in connection with the above-mentioned characteristics. The fact that on the hoods of the first cars of this brand 'spread' two wings of the flying plane, which, of course, is also not by chance. The abbreviation 'SAAB' means Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget. Translated into English, it sounds like a Swedish joint stock company for the production of aircraft. It was in the postwar years the company has been converted to the production of civilian cars, but initially - in 1937, when the world was very restless - the company was to produce military aircraft. The goal was justified and in the air battles of World War II in the armament of some countries Saab bombers have become famous as the fastest.

The end of the war made adjustments to the future plans of many companies focused on weapons, SAAB was not left out. According to the famous aircraft designer Gunnar Lungström, who was the 'brain' of the Saab company at the time, the closest to the aircraft industry in terms of profile was the automotive industry. Together with the colleagues 'on shop' and with the German engine designer DKW Hans Muller, attracted to work after the disappearance from the market the same company, they have developed the first car Saab, which by content is very similar to the German small cars mentioned above, and externally openly stands out against the other cars original aerodynamic design. Without slyly thinking, Saab called their child Saab 92.001 after the last 91-th model of the produced aircraft.

Perfect in profile, the car from the front reminded a little frog because of 'inflated' doors and traditional in those times Saab green color. With which, in fact, Gunnar Lungström himself agreed. This was in 1946. In the process of improvement, the Saab acquired a more powerful engine (25 hp), independent suspension, and a new body in the same aerodynamic style, which made it extremely stable on the track, impressively beautiful and roomy. At the same time, the car easily accelerated and held speeds up to 100 km/h.

Totally 20 test cars were produced, which never made it out of the factory gates. And only in June 1947 Saab 92, namely its modification 92.002 was presented to the public with a statement to go into mass production. The serial production itself began on December 12, 1949. By the way, even during the testing Saab test engineers, decided to bet on the power, ergonomics and stability of the car, delegating their crew, namely Ralf Mild and Saab 92, in winter sports competitions, held at that time in Sweden, and did not go wrong. Unexpectedly for all, including the company representatives, these competitions ended in complete triumph for SAAB.

In 1955, was presented Saab 93, which became a 'pass' to the foreign market. In 1956 at the Stockholm Show with a claim to another sporting victory was shown Saab Sonett (power - 57.5 hp, speed up to 160 km / h, weight - 500 kg). In 1959, the production of the first 'station wagon' Saab 95, designed for a comfortable journey of seven passengers or for cargo weighing 0.5 tons, has been launched.

By the way, about safety. Improving the cars Saab made an accent on it and the comfort of the driver and passengers. In the 60's there were seat belts, reinforced door beams, ventilated brake discs, heated seats, practical windshield wipers to ensure proper visibility, and bumpers, which were equipped with cars were self-repairing.

In 1968 the light-winged airplane, which had been the symbol of the company for long thirty years, 'flew off' from the hood of Saab, giving way to two intersecting rings, located one above the other. In the resulting three fields the names of the two Swedish companies Saab and Scania-Vabis are harmoniously placed, along with the traditional Swedish symbol - the crowned lion's head.A S

The new symbolism was a reflection of another turn in the history of the company, namely its merger with the mentioned Scania-Vabis, which at that time was engaged in production of trucks. As a result, the production area increased significantly: the new corporation owned 12 plants in Sweden.

Developments of Saab company of that time are also the APC system, which allows to regulate turbocharger pressure, and a revolutionary turbocharged 16-valve engine. Do not forget to use Saab VIN decoder in order to avoid potential problems when buying a used car.