The Saab 93 (pronounced ninety-three) is the second production automobile that was manufactured by Swedish automaker Saab. Styled by Sixten Sason, it was first presented on December 1, 1955. The 93 was powered by 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.[1] 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.

Saab 93
Saab 93
Overview
ManufacturerSaab Automobile
Also called
  • Saab 93b
  • Saab 93f
ProductionDecember 1955–1960
AssemblySweden: Trollhättan (Trollhättan Assembly)
DesignerSixten Sason
Body and chassis
ClassSmall family car (C)
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutLongitudinal front-engine, front-wheel drive
DoorsSuicide doors (93 and 93b)
Conventional doors (93f)
Related
Powertrain
Engine750 cc Saab 2-stroke I3 (gasoline)
Transmission3-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,489 mm (98.0 in)
Length4,007 mm (157.8 in)
Width1,581 mm (62.2 in)
Height1,448 mm (57.0 in)
Kerb weight787 kg (1,735 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorSaab 92
SuccessorSaab 96

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.

The Saab Sonett I roadster shared many of its components with the 93.

Motor sport history

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1956

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1957

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1959

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1960

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2008

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2010

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References

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  1. ^ Vance, Bill. "Bill Vance: Offbeat designs set Saab apart". Victoria Times Colonist. Retrieved 2022-08-01.
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