Unveiling the Saab 98 Prototype: A Hidden Gem from Saab’s History

In a remarkable turn of events, Dutch automotive enthusiasts recently had the opportunity to test and explore a piece of Saab’s history that had been hidden away for over fifty years. This unique Saab prototype, the Saab 98, resides in the Saab Museum in Trollhättan, Sweden.

Our journey takes us into the heart of this prototype’s fascinating story, a car that held immense promise on paper but never saw the light of mass production. Join us as we delve into the account of the Saab 98, brought to life by the dedicated Dutch journalists from Autoweek, who embarked on a mission to uncover the mysteries behind this hidden gem.

The Awakening

The Saab 98, a relic of the past, awakens from its slumber in a rather dramatic fashion. The starter motor strains, and the engine initially resists, filling the old factory hall with a symphony of sounds. These sounds evoke memories of Saab’s first two-stroke engines, the very type that powered Saab’s early models from 1949 to 1967.

However, the source of this unique auditory experience is none other than a Ford V4 engine. This engine, once the powerhouse of Saab’s enduring model range (92/93/96/95) during the late 1960s, marked a significant step forward in terms of performance and technology.

Moreover, the Saab 98 boasts a completely redesigned rear end, originally envisioned for production in 1973. It’s a story that has been shrouded in mystery for far too long, as this remarkable prototype spent years tucked away in a corner of the Saab Museum.

Italian Craftsmanship

The Saab 98 prototype was the result of a collaboration with Carrozzeria Coggiola, an Italian car body manufacturer situated near Turin. This unique partnership, which holds hidden treasures in the realm of Saab history, remains relatively unknown to many Saab enthusiasts.

It was a creative melding of Swedish ingenuity and Italian craftsmanship. The Italian influence was evident in the prototype’s distinctive design, creating a stunning and unique Saab that stood apart from its contemporaries.

A Crossroads in Saab’s History

In the late 1960s, Saab faced a pivotal moment in its history. With limited financial resources at their disposal, the company had to make a critical decision. Some within Saab believed that these resources should be allocated to the development of the Saab 99.

Others argued that the production of smaller Saab models could continue without significant investments, emphasizing the need for an affordable entry-level model. The latter group’s viewpoint ultimately prevailed, possibly due to Sweden’s propensity for seeking compromises. It’s worth noting that in Sweden, saying, “That could be an option,” often conceals a polite form of rejection.

The Vision of the Combi Coupé

As Saab embarked on developing the larger Saab 99, designer Sixten Sason envisioned a body style with a slanted and sportier rear. This vision led to project X14, a promising initiative. In 1973, the Combi Coupé based on the Saab 99 made its debut. This model would serve as a blueprint for a potential modernization of the aging Saab 96. The primary focus of this endeavor was on the rear section of the car, with the intention to retain the technology, including the chassis and drivetrain of the Saab 95 (the station wagon version of the Saab 96).

The Influential Figures: Björn Eric Lindhs and Gunnar Larsson

Björn Eric Lindhs, an automotive historian, played a pivotal role in unraveling the mystery surrounding the Saab 98 prototype. In his book ‘Saab – Bilarna de första 40 åren,’ he shared crucial insights and a rare photograph of the Saab 98, painted in vivid orange with matte black stripes on its sides. This photograph provided a valuable glimpse into the Saab’s history, which otherwise might have been lost to time.

Gunnar Larsson, a key figure in Saab’s history, had an unexpected connection to the Saab 98. As the vehicle was initially registered to Saab’s passenger car division, it eventually landed in the hands of Gunnar Larsson, who would later become Saab’s technical director. His association with the Saab 98 added another layer of intrigue to the car’s journey. Gunnar’s story of briefly owning the Saab 98 before it embarked on its transformation is a testament to the unexpected turns that often define automotive history.

A Crossroads in Saab’s History

As the late 1960s rolled in, Saab faced a critical juncture in its history. The limited financial resources at hand required a momentous decision. Some within Saab advocated channeling these resources into the development of the Saab 99. Others argued for the continued production of smaller Saab models, emphasizing the need for an affordable entry-level model. Eventually, the latter group prevailed, possibly due to the Swedish inclination for compromise.

The larger Saab 99, under the guidance of designer Sixten Sason, envisioned a sleeker and sportier rear end. While conventional station wagon plans were on the table, they eventually opted for the slanted rear of the Combi Coupé, known as project X14. In 1973, the Combi Coupé based on the Saab 99 made its grand entrance, serving as a potential template for the rejuvenation of the aging Saab 96. The primary focus was to modernize the rear section while retaining the technology of the Saab 95, the station wagon version of the Saab 96.

The Saab 95 Transformation

Following the completion of the Saab 99 in 1967, designer Sason’s successor, Björn Envall, took on the challenge of creating a Combi Coupé version of the smaller Saab model. Simultaneously, industrial designer Aribert Vahlenbreder was tasked with providing a concrete proposal. In his archives, he discovered a sketch of a Saab 95 with a new roof, elongated rear side windows, upright rear lights, and a substantial rear hatch. This sketch was dated September 3, 1973.

Saab 95, Model Year 1974

Just two days later, a polar white Saab 95 from the model year 1974 was registered, with Saab’s passenger car division listed as the initial owner. To trace the car’s journey, discussions were held with three Saab history icons. The car ended up in the hands of Gunnar Larsson, who would later become Saab’s technical director. However, at the time, he had no idea that his new Saab 95 would play a significant role in this historical narrative.

Mystery Surrounding the Saab 98 Prototype

The Saab 98 prototype’s story remains shrouded in mystery, leaving many questions unanswered. It’s unclear who made the decision to build and later abandon the project, and the reasons behind this choice. Regrettably, there are no surviving records detailing the thoughts of the directors of that era. The individuals who made these crucial decisions have since passed away. It’s plausible that the Saab 99 took priority during those years, while some argue that the Saab 98 was considered a ‘bastard’ due to its Italian design and outdated technical underpinnings.

The Saab 98 prototype is a fascinating relic from Saab’s history. It is a testament to the challenges faced by an automaker striving to adapt to a rapidly changing automotive landscape. The 98, with its unique design and Italian influence, may have pushed the boundaries a bit too far for Saab at the time.

In Retrospect: A Resurrected Legacy

As our exploration into the Saab 98 prototype comes to an end, one can’t help but appreciate the harmonious impression it leaves. While it may not be the epitome of modernity, this unique piece of Saab’s history deserves a moment in the spotlight. The story of the Saab 98 is a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties that have shaped the automotive industry over the years. It’s a piece of history that deserves to be cherished and celebrated.