Saab 93

This article is about the 1950s car. For the 1990s and 2000s 93, see Saab 9-3.
Saab 93

Saab 93
Overview
Manufacturer Saab Automobile
Also called
  • Saab 93b
  • Saab 93f
Production 1956-1960
Assembly Sweden: Trollhättan (Trollhättan Assembly)
Designer Sixten Sason
Body and chassis
Class Compact
Body style 2-door coupé
Layout Longitudinal front-engine, front-wheel drive
Related
Powertrain
Engine 750 cc Saab 2-stroke I3 (gasoline)
Transmission 3-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,489 mm (98.0 in)
Length 4,007 mm (157.8 in)
Width 1,581 mm (62.2 in)
Height 1,448 mm (57.0 in)
Kerb weight 787 kg (1,735 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor Saab 92
Successor Saab 96

The Saab 93, pronounced ninety three, was an automobile manufactured by Saab that was first presented on December 1, 1955. It was styled by Sixten Sason and had a longitudinally-mounted three-cylinder 748 cc Saab two-stroke engine giving 33 hp (25 kW). The gearbox had three gears, the first unsynchronised. In order to overcome the problems of oil starvation on overrun (engine braking) for the two-stroke engine, a freewheel device was fitted. In 1957, two-point seatbelts were introduced as an option. The 93 was the first Saab to be exported from Sweden, with most exports going to the United States. A Saxomat clutch and a cabrio coach (large cloth sunroof) were available as options.

On September 2, 1957 the 93B was introduced. The original two-piece windshield was also replaced with a one-piece windshield.

In 1957, Erik Carlsson finished 1st in the Finland Rally in a Saab 93, in 1959 he was 1st in the Swedish Rally, also in a Saab 93. However, Saab was not the first Swedish manufacturer to win the Swedish Rally. Saab's long standing Swedish rival Volvo had beaten them consecutively in 1957 and 1958 with the PV544.

In late 1959 the 93F was introduced, featuring front-hinged doors from the Saab GT750. 1960 was the last year of production for the 93. The 93 was replaced by the Saab 96, although the two models were sold side-by-side for the earlier part of the year. A total of 52,731 Saab 93s were made.

Racing history

1956

1957

1959

1960

2008

2010

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Saab 93.