Historical SAAB: An extract from Saab VIPS magazine No 1, 1962.
Translated and adapted for the web by Ray Beaufoy
At the motor show in Stockholm a prototype of the Saab Caravan was also on display. The Caravan manufactured in composite material is light enough to be towed without any speed restrictions with a Saab, VW, Volvo and vehicles in similar service weight classes. The caravan is factory moulded and cured in one piece and weighs little more than 230 kg. A torsion bar suspension is utilised complimenting the caravan’s good strength characteristics together with excellent insulation in hot and cold climatic conditions. Large front and rear windows provide excellent see through vision for the car’s driver.
Interior equipment levels consist of a table 58×150 cm, two bench seats with comfortable seating and back support cushions which coincide with Saabs own upholstery and colour variations. The caravan has a sufficiently large kitchen area which includes an area for room a gas fired stove and a sunken sink with fresh water and drainage for dishwashing. Under both bench seat sofas there is sufficient room to store bed linen and there are also wardrobes included for storing family clothes etc. A chemical toilet is also fitted in a special enclosed area. The caravan’s electrical system can be coupled at two points to the towing vehicles battery alongside even a connection to a mains supply line.
At night-time the caravan can be converted to a sleeping area by utilising one of the bench seat sofas together with the lowered, extendable kitchen table. Once assembled a double bed of 116 cm x 185 cm is ingeniously revealed. The other shorter sofa can also be similarly extended to reveal a sleeping area of 176 cm in length above which there is also room for an extra bed if required.
Mid- year delivery of caravans can be expected at a cost of approximately 4900 kr.
Design and development work has been undertaken by Saab in Nyköping.
Caravan specifications:
Length: With towing hitch 3,60 m (approx.), without hitch 2,74 m.
Width: 1,84 m
Height: 2,10m (approx.).
Standing room: 1,80m
Net weight: 230 kg (approx.)