SAAB: Cars 1949 to 2011, 92-96V4 The Original & The Complete Story 3 Book Set

This handy full-color guide covers the complete history of Saab’s cars. Chapters cover each of Saab’s models, including the 93 and 96 saloons that enjoyed much success in rallying, the 95 station wagon and the striking Sonett sports cars. The SaabO caravan and the Formula Junior racing car built during this period are also presented.

More than a dozen years after the last cars rolled off the production lines in Trollhättan, Saab still commands a keen following among car enthusiasts around the world. During the 60 years of its existence, Saab became renowned for the aerodynamic design, technical innovation and sturdy construction of its cars, which famously appealed to individualists and creative thinkers.

The story begins with the ‘Ursaab’ prototype and the original 92, which went into production in 1949 as the company branched out from aircraft manufacture after the war; it continues through to the final second-generation 9-5 models in 2011, launched when the company was struggling to stay afloat.

Individual chapters are devoted to each of Saab’s models, including the 93 and 96 saloons, which enjoyed much success in rallying, the 95 station wagon and the striking Sonett sports cars. The SaabO caravan and the Formula Junior racing car that Saab built during this period are also presented.

These early models were followed by the larger 99 and the much-loved and highly successful 900 range. The book features detailed specifications for each version of these two models, including the first turbocharged variants, with which Saab has become synonymous. In 1985, the 9000 took the marque further upmarket and into partnership with Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo.

The guide continues into the 1990s and 2000s, when General Motors progressively took control of Saab’s automotive division. Its bestsellers during this period were its 9-3 and 9-5 ranges, based on GM platforms. Less well-known, especially in Europe, are its 9-4X and 9-7X all-wheel-drive models, not forgetting the 9-2X, a badge-engineered version of the Subaru Impreza. All these models are also presented.

Each chapter provides an introduction to the development and evolution of each model, as well as comprehensive technical information. Production numbers and dates are given, as well as details of limited editions. The book is extensively illustrated in full colour, with many archive photographs from Saab Automobile and the Saab Car Museum showing the cars’ interior and exterior design.

The complete history of Saab cars from the original prototype to final generation models

Comprehensive technical information, production numbers and dates

Archive photograps from Saab and the Saab Car Museum

Table of Contents:

Saab 92 & derivatives

Saab 92

Saab 93

Saab 94 (Sonett I)

Saab 95

Saab 96

Saab Formula Junior racing car

SaabO caravan

Saab 97 (Sonett II, V4 & III)

Saab 99 & derivatives

Saab 99

Saab 900 'Classic'

Saab 90

Saab-Lancia 600

The GM era and beyond

Saab 900 'NG'

Saab 9-3 1st generation

Saab 9-3 2nd generation

Saab 9000

Saab 9-5 1st generation

Saab 9-5 2nd generation

Saab 9-2X

Saab 9-4X

Saab 9-7X

Launched in 1949 as the 92 before evolving into the 93, 96 2-stroke and 96V4, this Saab was in production for thirty-one years

A definitive new history from internationally known Saab aficionado Lance Cole, Saab Cars - The Complete Story offers a detailed insight into the company's story, from the prototype UrSaab in 1946 to the end of production in 2012. It is a fitting tribute to the spirit and ethos of Saab design and engineering. Explains in detail the design and engineering history of Saab's pioneering work in aerodynamics, form, function and safety. Investigates the history and founding of Saab. Provides in-depth analysis of Saab's early cars and their engineering and design features.Profiles key figures in Saab's manufacturing and rallying success. Charts the days of the 'Save Saab' campagin and the battle to survive, and details the events that led to the company's demise .Includes recollections from Saab workers and those on the factory floor.Stunning visual coverage of the Saab models, with rare archive images and design sketches.

Lance Cole is the author of ten books, three of them for Crowood; this is his second book on Saab. He has a global reputation not just as a Saab commentator, but also as a journalist and design writer. Lance won the 1983 Jaguar Cars/Guild of Motoring Writer Sir William Lyons Award and trained at Autocar magazine. Since then he has written for major titles including The Daily Telegraph, The Independent , Aeroplane and Classic Cars. He has become well known as an automotive and aviation correspondent.