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Saab is celebrating its first major victory in international motor sport by showing a replica of the Saab 93 sedan which won the Finnish 1,000 Lakes Rally in 1957.

With Erik 'Mr Saab' Carlsson at the wheel, this historic victory brought international recognition for the Saab brand. It also presaged back-to-back Monte Carlo and a hat-trick of RAC Rally victories that Carlsson would achieve in the early 1960s.

Powered by a 748 cc, three cylinder engine, but weighing only 810 kilos, the Saab 93's agile handling enabled it to embarrass far more powerful, larger cars. It established a winning 'David beats Goliath' formula that was to be a cornerstone of Saab's rallying success.


mullerThe Saab 93 is now about to see competition action again. The car on show – from Saab's car museum in Trollhättan, Sweden – will be driven by Spyker Cars CEO Victor Muller on Italy's historic Mille Miglia road race in May. He will be joined by Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson at the wheel of another Saab 93. Both will be following, at a more leisurely pace, in the wheel tracks of the 1000 Lakes winner, which won its class on the same event back in 1957.


"Unique cars like the 93 are a key part of the Saab brand's wonderful heritage," said Victor Muller "I shall enjoy driving it and being able to share in some of Saab's history."

Between 1955 and 1960, 52.731 Saab 93s were built at Trollhättan. Its frontal styling introduced a new face for Saab, carried forward by the 96 sedan and 95 station wagon which stayed in production until 1980.


Technical data: Saab 93, 1957, Group 2 competition regulations:

Engine: 3-cylinder, 2-stroke engine, 748cc Solex 40 AI carburetor

Power: 55 hp/ DIN / 5.500 rpm (Standard 33 hp/ DIN / 4200 rpm)

Transmission: Front wheel drive, 3/4-spd manual gearbox, freewheel, steering column shift

Body/chassis: Unitary. Front suspension: double A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension: rigid, U-shaped rear axle, coil springs. Drum brakes all-round

Dimensions (mm): Length 4.010, Width 1.570, Height 1450 mm, Wheelbase 2.488
Track front/ rear 1,220

Weight: 810 kg

Performance: 0-100 km/h: 13 secs. Top speed: 150 km/h

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