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1958 Saab 93B

Founded in the late 1930s to manufacture aircraft, Svenska Aeroplan AB (SAAB) diversified into automobile manufacturing at the end of World War II. The first model was the '92' introduced in June 1947. The SAAB 92 shared many similarities to the pre-war DKW, with a front-wheel drive configuration and equipped with a transversely mounted twin-cylinder two-stroke engine. The streamlined body was the result of the company's aeronautical background, achieving a Cd of only 0.32, making it the world's most aerodynamically efficient production car at the time. Additional advanced features included the all-independent torsion bar suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and Lockheed hydraulic brakes.

The design of the 92 was so successful that it was progressively developed, lasting until the end of the 1970s, latterly as the '96.'

The Saab 93

The Saab 93 was the company's second production automobile, and was introduced on December 1, 1955, and remained in production through 1960. The 93 was replaced by the Saab 96, although the two models were sold through the earlier part of the year. A total of 52,731 examples of the '93' were built.

Mechanical Configuration

The Saab 93 rested on a 98-inch wheelbase platform and had an overall length of 157.8 inches, a width of 62.2 inches, and a height of 57 inches. A longitudinally-mounted three-cylinder 748 cc Saab two-stroke engine produced 33 horsepower and was mated to a three-speed gearbox; early examples were unsynchronized. The two-stroke engine suffered from oil starvation on overrun (engine braking), so a freewheel device was installed. Optional equipment included a Saxomat clutch and a cabrio coach. Two-point seatbelts became optional in 1957.

The Saab 93B and 93F

Saab introduced the 93B on September 2, 1957, distinguished by having a one-piece windshield instead of the original two-piece unit.

The 93F followed near the close of 1959 and gained front-hinged doors sourced from the Saab GT750.

Motorsports

The Saab 93 had a very successful motorsports career, particularly in rally competitions in Germany, Norway, and Sweden. They also participated in the Mille Miglia, Great American Mountain Rallye in the U.S., 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland, the Rallye Adriatique in Yugoslavia, Lime Rock Rally in the U.S., the Finnish Snow Rallye in Finland, and the Rallye Atlas-Oasis in Morocco.

In 1959, a Saab 93 placed 2nd in class and 12th overall at the 24 Hours of LeMans. Carl Otto Bremer won the Finnish Snow Rallye in Finland. Erik Carlsson placed 1st in the Finland Rally in 1957 and won the Swedish Rally in 1959.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe

The Saab 93 was manufactured in Sweden from 1955 to 1960. They were the first Saab model brought to the United States. This example is powered by a 750cc, 3-cylinder, 2-stroke (oil and gas mixed) engine offering 38 horsepower. It has its original floors, and it has been repainted in its original color.

by Dan Vaughan

The Saab 93 was produced from 1956 through 1959 and was followed for a short time by the Saab 96F. The 96F brought new updates but also provided an opportunity to reduce the supplies of the old product. The 93 was replaced by the Saab 96.

The Saab 93 was first shown on December 1, 1955, and was styled by Sixten Sason, a designer working at Saab since 1939. Under the hood was a longitudinally-mounted three-cylinder Saab two-stroke engine of 748cc capacity and producing 33 horsepower. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed gearbox with the top two gears being synchro-meshed.

The Saab 93 was a very important model for the Swedish company because it was the first Saab to be exported, with the majority making their way to the United States. The Saab 93 received much attention in motorsports as it was a formidable contender in rally events. In 1957 Erick Carlsson finished first in the Finland Rally. In 1959 he finished in first in the Swedish Rally.

Two-point seatbelts were optional in 1957. A Saxomat clutch and a larger cloth sunroof were also optional and offered for an additional price.

The Saab 93B was introduced on September 2nd, 1957, bringing mild aesthetic improvements, including a two-piece windshield replacing the one-piece unit.

The Saab 93F was introduced in 1960 and was the final designation for the Saab 93, with a total of about 600 examples being produced. The Saab 93F would be replaced by the Saab 96. The 'F' brought with it new front-hinged doors similar to the ones found on the Saab GT750. Mudguards at the rear wheels and a large capacity cooling system could also be found on the 93F.

In total, there were 52,731 examples of the Saab 93 produced. They were replaced by the Saab 96.

by Dan Vaughan