1957 Saab Quantum I

This is Walter Kern's first Quantum, named the I/II and built in 1959. Walter Kern was working at IBM at the time and used his spare time and computer resources to engineer a chassis. This began the Quantum series cars built using a Saab 96 two-stroke engine and suspension parts. Full commercial production never occurred since the vehicles were apparently lacking quality, and Saab of Sweden was reluctant to provide aid.

The first Quantum, the Quantum I, was created as a prototype and displayed as a rolling chassis. The second Quantum, Quantum II, was given a Saab two-stroke 750 cc three-cylinder engine which was water-cooled. With the addition of three Solex 34W carburetors, it was capable of producing nearly sixty horsepower. The two Quantum II vehicles created could race from zero-to-sixty mph in around sixteen seconds and had a top speed of about 155 km/h.

The Quantum III was a rebuild and redesign of the Quantum II. Only two examples were created. The Quantum IV was available as a kit car and had been redesigned to accommodate a single passenger. The final version of the Quantum car, the Quantum V, was created in 1965, with only one example being produced.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2006