Historical Saab
Translation compiled and adapted by Ray Beaufoy November 2024 from Saabs staff magazine VIPS 2: 1958.
In mid-March, the first examples of a new Saab car version with a sportier design than the standard 93 were shipped to the United States. The car has been named the Saab Granturismo 750. The engine in this car is of the same design as the engines that some of Saabs own competition cars had been equipped with and had been successfully driven in several competitions for special standard cars according to Swedish Group III regulations -E.g. Saabs works competition cars were also successful when competing in the Swedish Master class on a winter Ice track gaining first, second and fifth places. car.
The engines size is a mere 748 cc allowing the car to be internationally grouped in class H, for cars in the 500-750 cc range. The Granturismo is primarily intended for export with a strong focus on the US market.
The car, which outwardly differs from the Saab-93B in only a few details, has a tuned 93 engine with a normal maximum output of 45 hp (DIN). For customers buying the Granturismo for competition use an extra engine tuning kit is available increasing the power output by 10 hp to 55 hp (DIN).
The tuning kit consists of tuned air filters, a twin venturi carburettor and exhaust manifold. The tuning kit can be easily assembled by the Granturismo owner at home in the garage.
Other technical changes in relation to the 93B engine is a modified differential gear, special exhaust system and larger front brake drums, from 8 to 9 inches. The Granturismo thus gets a total braking surface of 675 cm2.
Most of the visible changes to the Saab Granturismo 750 can be seen in the car’s interior where emphasis has been made on driver and passenger comfort e.g. the front seats have been redesigned and plushily upholstered with cupped backrests and adjustable lumber cushions.
The passenger seat includes a headrest which with the seat in place can be reclined into a sleeping position flush with the rear seat cushion now of a shorter and less wide design than on the standard 93 but nevertheless offers sufficient room for two people.
Under the rear armrests built-in storage spaces are included for storing thermoses and soft drinks etc. The front doors are also equipped with spacious compartments for gloves, maps etc. Safety belts are standard on both front seats and are of the Vattenfall type*.
The dashboard is of a sports car design and includes speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge and Halda Speed-Pilot. As a novelty, there is also a cigarette lighter and ignition control in the ignition lock, as well as a grab handle for the front passenger/map reader.
The Granturismo’s standard equipment includes a new Granturisimo badge and windshield washer, two exterior mirrors, chrome-plated wheel plates, double fog lights and reversing lights, metal sill coverings and a protective plate behind the front fender to protect the drivetrain from road debris.
The car gained much attention upon it being introduced in the United States at the Great New York Auto Show on April 5-13 ,1958.
- An initiative to prevent serious injuries was taken by the Swedish state-owned Vattenfall, which developed a safety belt that the company installed in their employee cars in 1956. At an early stage, the company propagated the use of seat belts and in 1955 developed a variant, the M-belt, being the first three-point safety belt harness in the country.
