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 Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2024