Saab 92

Saab

Industry	Automotive
Founded	December 12, 1949 (1949-12-12)
Products	Automobiles

Not to be confused with Saab 9-2.

For the Saab vehicle manufactured by Fuji Heavy Industries, see Subaru Impreza (second generation) § Saab 9-2X.

The Saab 92 marked the debut production vehicle from Saab. It featured an exceptionally aerodynamic design for its era, boasting a drag coefficient (c_x or c_w) of just 0.30. The body shell was crafted from a single sheet of metal, which was then trimmed to fit doors and windows. Full production commenced on December 12, 1949, evolving from the prototype known as the Ursaab. Only the Deluxe model was manufactured; although a standard version was promoted, it failed to attract buyers and was never produced.

Under the hood, the Saab 92 housed a water-cooled, transversely mounted two-cylinder, two-stroke engine with a displacement of 764 cc, delivering 25 hp (19 kW). This powerplant was inspired by a DKW design and enabled a maximum speed of approximately 105 km/h (65 mph). The gearbox featured three speeds with the first gear lacking synchronization. To address oil starvation issues during engine braking typical of two-stroke engines, a freewheel mechanism was incorporated. The suspension system utilized torsion bars.

Initially, all Saab 92 vehicles were coated in a dark green shade closely resembling British racing green. Some accounts indicate that this choice stemmed from an excess of green paint leftover from military aircraft production during wartime; "All cars were painted bottle green, which became somewhat synonymous with Saab. The armed forces had acquired large amounts of green cellulose paint for camouflage purposes, but it proved unsuitable for terrain use. Consequently, the entire stock was sold off. Saab purchased it, resulting in both their aircraft and automobiles sporting this green colour."

Just two weeks following the launch of the Saab 92, the company's chief engineer Rolf Mellde participated in the Swedish Rally and secured second place within his category, marking an early rallying milestone for Saab.

Production of the 1950 model was limited to just 700 units. In the following year, German-made VDO instrumentation replaced the original American Stewart-Warner gauges.

In the Monte Carlo Rally of 1952, Greta Molander claimed victory in the 'Coupe des Dames' driving a modified Saab 92 tuned to produce 35 hp (26 kW). The following year introduced the 92B variant featuring a significantly larger rear window and expanded luggage compartment with an accessible lid. Colour options expanded to include grey, blue-grey, black, and green. By 1954, upgrades included a Solex 32BI carburetor and an improved ignition coil boosting output to 28 hp (21 kW). American headlights were replaced by Hella units, and a textile roof option (semi-cabriolet or cabrio coach) became available. Maroon was added to the colour palette that year. In 1955, enhancements comprised an electric fuel pump and square-shaped tail lights integrated into the rear fenders. Available colours were grey, maroon, and newly introduced moss green.

English aviation test pilot Bob Moore—who contributed to developing the Saab Tunnan (J29) jet fighter—imported a 1955 Saab 92B to England upon his return. He later became the inaugural managing director of Saab GB Ltd., with this car reportedly being the first Saab ever brought into the UK.

Although the Saab 93 launched in December 1955, production of both models overlapped temporarily. Assembly of the final Saab 92 units took place between late 1956 and early 1957. New colour choices at that time included grey-green and beige. Overall production numbers reached a total of 20,128 units.

The Saab 92 has also been commemorated on a Swedish postage stamp.

External links

• Saabmuseum.com