Saab is known for its innovation and pushing the limits of what is possible. In 1986, the company set a world record on The Alabama International Motor Speedway in Talladega, USA, with its Long Run project.
The project consisted of three standard Saab 9000 Turbo cars with only minor modifications, such as a protective cage, 6-point seat belts, and a special spare parts box weighing 85 kg. The cars were driven full throttle for 100,000 km, and all three completed the distance, setting two absolute world records and 21 international speed records in the process.
As a journalist for Bilsport magazine, Gert Karlsson has the privilege of testing one of these record-breaking Saabs. The cars had been plucked randomly from the production line in Trollhättan, Sweden, and modified for the Long Run project.
The idea of pushing the 175-horsepower turbo engines to their limits over such a long distance was considered daring and somewhat crazy. Failure would have been disastrous for project leader Olle Granlund, but he was confident that the cars would hold up.
After 20 days of full-throttle driving, the three silver-grey Saabs crossed the finish line, with the fastest one averaging 213.299 km/h, including all stops for refuelling, driver and tire changes, service, and repairs. The Saab team was hailed as heroes for their accomplishment.
The day after the race, a group of selected motor journalists, including Gert, was given the opportunity to test drive the record-breaking Saabs on Talladega’s racetrack. Granlund was understandably nervous and cautioned journalists to be careful, as the cars were invaluable to the company.
Gert managed to snag the chance to ride with legendary rally driver Erik Carlsson, who was driving one of the record-breaking Saabs. As they strapped on their helmets and tightened their 6-point seat belts, Carlsson commanded Gert in his authoritative voice, “Give it all you’ve got, Karlsson!”
Gert started off cautiously, trying not to damage the precious Saab, but then he heard Carlsson say, “Hold on, Karlsson. It takes a lap to reach top speed.” So Gert pressed down on the accelerator, and the car roared down the straightaway, hitting over 220 km/h. As thet approached the second turn, the speedometer crept up over 240 km/h, and his heart pounded faster and faster.
Carlsson calmly coached Gert through the curves, and he marveled at how well he seemed to handle being a passenger. Every time they approached the pit lane, he would say, “One more lap!”
But all good things must come to an end, and Gert’s ride with the immortal rally star on the world’s fastest racetrack was no exception. As they pulled into the pit lane, Gert couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude for the experience.
The Long Run project proved that Saab was capable of pushing the limits and achieving greatness. The record-breaking Saabs were a testament to the company’s dedication to innovation and performance.
The Long Run project also showed that the Saab 9000 Turbo was a remarkable car, capable of enduring extreme conditions and delivering exceptional performance. The Long Run project remains a highlight of Saab’s rich history and a reminder of what the company was capable of achieving.
Owned a silver 88 turbo ,,used around 2001,,fun car