The first Svenska Aeroplane Aktiebolaget (or SAAB (Saab) for short) automobile project began in late 1945. But it was not until June 1947 that the project was announced to the press, and 1949 before the first Saab, the 92 went into production.
By 1953 the 92 had evolved into the 92B. In late 1955 the 93 was launched and continued in production until 1957. In 1954 Saab also produced a fibre glass bodied sports car, the Sonett.
By 1958 the 93B was launched, and in 1959 the estate version,or station wagon, the 95, made its debut.
Saab 900 Accessories Saab 9000 Accessories Saab 9-3 Accessories
1960 brought the 93F (front hinged doors), and not long after the 96. Over the years the Saab models continued to be developed and enhanced, and sales grew rapidly. Success in rallying helped to make the Saab an increasingly popular car. Innovation soon became a trademark; for example the development of a dual braking system in 1964.
The Saab 97 or as it was better known the Saab Sonett II emerged in 1967. A new engine, the Ford V4, for the 95 and 96, aided sales of Saabs. In late 1967 a completely new car was unveiled, the Saab 99. The 95 and 96, however, continued in production.
The Saab Sonett III, partly designed by an Italian, appeared in 1970. By 1970 the Saab 99 had acquired 4-doors. Once again developments in the engine size, the introduction of automatic transmission, and innovations such as headlamp washers continued to mark Saab out as a manufacturer of uniquely safe cars. Larger engine sizes and the introduction of the electronic fuel injection EMS came in 1972/73. Impact absorbing bumpers were also introduced.
The 95 and 96 models were not forgotten and were updated in 1974. 1974 unfortunately saw the end of production for the Sonett. A new model the Saab Combi-Coupé or Wagonback also made its debut in 1974. Success in rallying also came to Saab in 1974. Developments for the 99 began to appear on the 95 and 96. A major development was the 1977 announcement of the Saab Turbo, even though it was not available until 1978.
Developments to the 99 range continued with cosmetic changes to the external appearance. But in 1979 appeared the Saab 900. Much more than a longer 99 it included many major changes. The 900 was a major breakthrough for Saab sales
