Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

The SAAB 95 was created in May of 1959 as a two-stroke seven passenger “estate” wagon that included rear-hinged suicide doors from older SAAB 93s and 93Bs and was built in the Linköping, Sweden factory due to capacity in Trollhättan and the V4 models began production in Uusikaupunki, Finland

This new model for SAAB was the most capable vehicle in terms of storage and passenger capacity, with the bench seat in the rear that folded away for two.

This model ran until 1966 when it was converted into model equipped with a V4 engine in 1967 that carried it all the way until 1978.

This new model for SAAB and came equipped with the following specifications:

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Photo Credit: Saab History

The Saab 94 (Saab Sonett I Super Sport) was created in 1956 of which only 6 were ever built even though it was originally planned to go into full-scale production as the first sports car for SAAB.

This SAAB Sonett I Super Sport project was lead in October of 1954 by SAAB chief engineer, Rolf Melde while incorporating designs from chief designer Sixten Sason where they were built in total secrecy from the public outside of the Trollhättan area within a barn in a small town called Åsaka. The SAAB Sonett I Super Sport or “So Neat” as translated was an open-top two seater sports car that was officially unveiled at the Stockholm Motor Show in February of 1956. These prototype sports cars got a lot of great press internationally, however the Sonett Super Sport project never got into production due to new regulations in motorsport two years later in 1958 that led to the opportunity to use standard vehicles with Sonett engines thus making the Sonett body, frame, etc. obsolete and unnecessary. As a result of this decision, the six Sonett I models became instant collectors items.

This production vehicle for SAAB came equipped with the following specifications:

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Photo Credit: Saab Automobile USA

In April of 1958, the Saab 93 GT750 (Gran Turismo) was introduced as a celebration to SAAB’s rally history.

The 93 GT750 was outfitted in both 93B and 93F models while featuring extra rally lights, chrome plated hubcaps as well as side moldings and GranTurismo emblems all around.

This model was the second production vehicle for SAAB and came equipped with the following specifications:

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Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

In late 1959 the 93F was introduced, following the 93B which featured front-hinged doors hence the designation of ‘F’ for front hinged doors.

The 93F marked the final year of production for the 93 and included the ability for SAAB to sell the remaining parts inventory prior to the new model launch.

This model was the second production vehicle for SAAB and came equipped with the following specifications:

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Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

On September 2, 1957 the 93B as the successor to the SAAB 93 (ninety three). One of the most noticeable changes in this model included the former two-piece windshield being replaced with a one-piece windshield.

The SAAB 92b also began with an option of a two-point seatbelt.

This model was the second production vehicle for SAAB and came equipped with the following specifications:

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Photo Credit: SAAB Motors Inc. – 93 Promotional Photo, New York, NY, 1956.

The SAAB 93 (ninety three), is the successor to the 92B and was produced in 1955.

This was also the first SAAB ever to be imported into the United States a year later in 1956 to the port of Hingham, Massachusetts, as well as Portugal, Spain and other countries.

The final year of this early model, it had the option of a two-point seatbelt by 1957.

This model was the second production vehicle for SAAB and came equipped with the following specifications:

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Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

In 1953 the SAAB 92A(ninety two), was replaced by the SAAB 92B and this model ran until 1956.

This model was the first production vehicle for SAAB and came equipped with the following specifications:

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Photo Credit: Saab Automobile USA

The SAAB 92A began production in December of 1949 as a 1950 model year after the first prototype was created a few years earlier known as the URSAAB 92001.

This model was the first production vehicle for SAAB and came equipped with the following specifications:

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As a follow-up to the previous writeup on the past and present Saab designers and their achievements, it was necessary to include a chronological up-to-date listing of Saab projects both production and concepts.

This listing includes each Saab project, year introduced along with each designer and/or engineer that contributed to the given project.

This list is a work-in-progress, so any additions and/or modifications that you see necessary below, please add your comments to ensure correctness and accuracy.

Photo Credits: Saab Automobile

Design Contributions by Model

SAAB Scandia 90 (1946-1958)

Bror Bjurströmer

SAAB 91 (1947-1966)

A.J. Andersson

SAAB 92001 (Prototype) (1946/1947)

Sixten Sason

Gunnar Ljungström

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It is the right time to bring Saab Automobile’s “rightsizing” philosophy to the forefront. As of late, there have been mixed rumors about the state of the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept being produced with both non-turbo’d and larger than 4-cylinder engines. I was told at the Detroit International Auto Show this past January that the 9-4x will be the halo vehicle for E-85 in North America and would be produced with none other than a Saab 4-cylinder BioPower engine.

To set the record straight, it has been indicated that Saab Automobile’s philosophy holds true that all Saabs will be “right sized” from here on out.

“Rightsizing” equates to more output through smaller physical displacement. This definition is Saab’s powerplant heritage starting with the very first SAAB 92. In fact the term “right sizing” relates to Saab Automobile’s answer to what they call “responsible performance”, so it would imply than the opposite of this would be simply irresponsible performance.

To clarify, the equations go like this:

Responsible Performance (Right Sized) = Small engine + high torque

Irresponsible Performance (Wrong Sized) = Large engine + low torque

It is my hope that this “right sized” philosophy will remain as indicated, because frankly, it has to because it is not only in line with Saab’s powerplant heritage, but it is what the market demands today, smaller engines with higher output, not vice versa.

I hope you enjoyed the video above that features Knut Simonsson, Saab Automobile Sweden’s global product director, at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show where he describes Saab Automobile’s “Rightsizing” philosophy.