Per Gillbrand – The Father Of The Saab Turbo

Posted on 18. Aug, 2008 by Ryan in 2000-2009, Company

2008 marks the 30th anniversary of turbocharging for Saab Automobile, which is why this is the theme of this year’s 2008 Saab Owners Convention.

The individual responsible for the engineering of the turbocharger from the SCANIA division of Saab-Scania to the Saab Car Division then, was none other than Saab engine guru Per Gillbrand. Gillbrand, often described as the father of the Saab turbo, has a very simple explanation for his commitment to turbocharging.

“All engines have an oil pump, a fuel pump and a water pump”, he said. “So why not an air pump, which is all a turbo really is? I think it’s odd that all engines don’t have one!”

As you may know, Per Gillbrand will not be at the 2008 SOC, but Sten Wennlo will. In lieu of Gillbrand’s presence, I have provided you a video produced in 1978 shown below, when the first production model Saab 99 Turbo was produced, we hear Per Gillbrand describe exactly how a Saab Turbocharger works.

I think you will find this video very educational and informative as we approach this year’s 30th anniversary of the Saab Turbo.

Having personally attended a seminar by Per Gillbrand at the 2007 Saab Festival in Sweden last summer, I can attest he really knows his turbine powered engines!

Tags: Automotive Component Group, car, engine, saab, saab 99, Sweden