Saab

Since 1937 Svenska AEROPLAN Aktiebolaget builds military airplanes and cars since 1947 in the form of the Saab 92 with transversely lying two-cylinder two-stroke engine, 1956 as Saab 93, which is then fitted with a longitudinally arranged three-cylinder two-stroke engine. This Saab ties on the two-stroke engines and the streamlined body of DKW. 1959, the factories in Trollhättan (Sweden) expands and it is created one of the most typical faces of Saab, the Saab 96. This takes over from his predecessor the three-cylinder two-stroke engine, which is about the latest state of the two-stroke technology in Germany. The body has not been designed to produce optimal c_W value, but obviously has a large enough interior space and compared with its predecessor more glass surfaces. In addition, it is in the details so typical styled that we now recognize a Saab always immediately as such.

As a front-wheel drive had the 96 front independent suspension on wishbones and a crank arms axle, similar to the (later) torsion crank axle of the Audi 100. The torsion bars have since been replaced by coil springs. Mention should be perhaps the not very deviating three-speed transmission with column shift at this time
Saab benefits a part of its fame from the motor sport. The cars are for those days - especially as GT or sport version - good in performance and as early front-wheel drive ideal for rallies, particularly those with bad weather conditions. Therefore victories in the Rally Monte Carlo 1962 and 1963 are glorious memories.
From 1967 the two-stroke engine will be replaced by the Ford V4 engine . It is short enough and therefore do not excessively strain the lying longitudinally front-wheel drive, although of course a four-stroke engine is much heavier.

In 1968 the Saab 99 is presented. Just as with Volvo one is no longer so much interested in sporting achievements but more on security. The term "Swedish steel" will be well known. In fact,the reputation is not entirely unfounded, in 1971 are body cavity preservation, four disc brakes for active and better side crash protection for passive safety in this class absolutely not common. 1976 are still added the safety bumpers, also to see on the Saab 900 in the picture above. Better internal loading facility by folding rear seat back and a modern OHC in-line engine from Triumph complete the whole. For the first time Saab presents the transverse engine with chain driven transmission behind/under the engine. Towards the end of its construction period in 1978 the Saab 99 is even upgraded with a turbocharger. In total, the type 99 significantly contribute to the reputation of the firm. There are indeed expensive, but very balanced cars with little complaints. All this is also for the model 900 introduced in 1979 ...