Mar 29, 2007
Saab 60th Anniversary Media Coverage
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http://www.star-telegram.com/103/story/48591.html
Winged Victory: Celebrating Saab’s 60th – Fort Worth Star-Telegram
By David Boldt
In 1947 Hitler’s bunker was – we suspect – still smoldering, Secretary of State George Marshall announced a plan for Europe’s Economic Recovery, Chuck Yeager’s Bell X1 broke the sound barrier, and the Yankees beat the Dodgers in the first televised World Series. On Broadway, Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire,” with one Marlon Brando, made its stage debut. And in Sweden, Saab’s first automobile, the prototype 92, was previewed to Swedish media.
On the cusp of the 60th anniversary marking Saab’s automotive launch, we’re gathered in Southern California to relive that moment, and subsequent launches, with Saab executives including general manager Jay Spenchian and retired Saab CEO Bob Sinclair. And to commemorate Saab’s competitive history we’re blessed by the presence of Saab legend (we don’t use the term lightly) Erik ‘On the Roof’ Carlsson, whose exploits behind the wheel of a Saab 96 put Erik on the podium and fixed Saab in the public imagination.
Saab’s current tagline, ‘Born From Jets’, certainly resonates in print and on TV. We suspect the prototype 92 resonated in ’47. In profile the 92 resembled – more than anything – an airfoil (co-efficient of drag was .32); when viewed from the front its organic lines and narrow track might have been ‘Born From A U-Boat’. The overall impression is one of a slippery tube; it doesn’t necessarily slice through the air – we’d guess, rather, it oozes.
Beyond Saab executives and Mr. Carlsson is the Saab Heritage Collection, an amazing gathering of Saab product history. We don’t have on hand the prototype 92, but we have virtually everything else. And upon arriving at Warner Springs Ranch Airport via a circuitous route – and the Julian Pie Company – east of San Diego, we’re invited to drive them.
If you think early Saabs might look ‘different’, you should try piloting one. Most compelling for me – at least visually – was the Collection’s 1960 Saab 93 GT 750. Sharing its nomenclature with one of my favorite Ducatis (something Mr. Sinclair would understand), the GT’s mesh grille is framed by rally-type lighting and the aero-inspired insignia. Inside, a wood rim provides grip while white-on-black instrumentation provides info. And under the hood, twin carbs boost the 2-stroke triple to 45 horsepower, some 33-percent better than the cooking version’s 33.
The engine’s were still pre-mix, and based on my adolescent experience with 2-stroke lawn equipment I’d guess an early Saab would have lasted – in my garage – something less than two tanks of gas.
If the power – or lack of same – takes some adjustment, than you should try shifting on the column. Despite the retro configuration, everything engages easily and with a positive feel. (If the Koreans can’t seem to capture the shifting quality of a Honda or Toyota, they could at least attempt to replicate the feel of a 1960 Saab.) The GT’s high beltline provides a cocoon-like driving position, but steering is reasonably direct, and brakes suggest some type of connection between pedal and wheels.
A lap of the runway with Mr. Carlsson was instructive; I would doubt anyone can extricate as much performance from roughly 50 horsepower as Erik the Redline. And despite his advanced age and rather labored gait, there’s little that’s labored when he’s behind the wheel of the 1960 RAC-winning rally car. Erik’s approach to life seems to mirror his approach to Saab’s: Let’s get everything out of the experience we can.
Beyond the GT and ride in Erik’s 96, we fast-forward to drives in a 99 Turbo (built in 1978) and a 900 Turbo SPG (1990). Both offered a hint of nostalgia (especially the 99) along with performance that would leave more than a few contemporary sport sedans in their collective dust. Only seat time was provided in the Saab-powered Quantum, but its cigar-like frame and open-wheeled architecture provided a whiff of what many think is the formula cars’ golden era.
The return drive to San Diego might have seemed anti-climactic, but the 9-3 Anniversary Edition is a recipe that seemingly exceeds the sum of its parts. That suspicion was confirmed throughout the following weekend when, joined by the spouse and California-based daughter, we did our own tour of Julian and surrounding countryside.
The 9-3 Combi, with its 2.0 liter turbocharged four and either manual or auto trans, is complemented by an ice blue metallic exterior, new 17-inch alloy wheels, a premium audio upgrade, dark walnut interior and “Saab” embossed leather seating. Unlike some commemorative editions (which seem to look better with the car cover ON), the Saab 60th – on both 9-3 and 9-5 models – is both a credible upgrade and a legitimate value.
We’re fond of the 9-3 dynamic, but wouldn’t discount the 9-5, especially in Combi form. This is one very compelling package for those needing both space and pace. Saab’s actual anniversary is in June, and the U.S.-based celebration takes place in August. The cars – happily – are available now.
