Saab Granturismo

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Saab Granturismo
Saab Granturismo 850
Overview
ManufacturerSaab Automobile
Also calledSaab GT750
Saab GT850
Saab Sport
Saab Monte Carlo
Production1958-1968
AssemblySweden: Trollhättan Assembly
DesignerSixten Sason
Body and chassis
ClassCompact
Body style2-door coupe
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
RelatedSaab 93
Saab 96
Powertrain
Engine748-cc and 841-cc three-cylinder Saab two-strokes
1,498-cc Ford Taunus V4 engine
Transmission3-speed manual
4-speed manual

The Saab Granturismo (also Monte Carlo and Sport) was a series of up-powered sedans sold by Saab Automobile AB from 1958 to 1968. They were powered by three-cylinder, two-stroke engines until the 1967 model year. Most variants were distinguished from the standard model by twin metal stripes along the rocker panels.

Saab 93-based variant

The Granturismo 750 was a performance version of the Saab 93, which was introduced at the New York International Auto Show in 1956 and produced until 1960. The Saab 93 offered seat belts in 1958, which only became required on US models in 1973.[1][2]

The Granturismo model shared multiple features in common with the standard model, including front drum brakes. Upgraded features included a wood-rim steering wheel, a

Rear-hinged doors were offered on the 1958 model year only. Of the 600 Granturismo 750s built in 1958 and 1959, 546 were exported to the US.[3]

Its augmented-output

gearbox had three speeds. In order to overcome the problem of lubrication for the two-stroke engine when the rpm exceeded that required by the throttle setting (owing to the reduction of oil being delivered with the fuel), a freewheel device was fitted.[3]

Saab 96-based variants

Swedish rally champion, Erik Carlsson, won three Royal Automobile Club rallies in a 1960 Saab 96, which became the basis for the 1960 and 1961 Granturismo 750. The Saab 96-based model had a four-speed transmission with freewheeling, and chrome wheel trim and venting rear quarter windows.[3]

It was succeeded by the Saab Sport in 1962, also based on the Saab 96, with slight modifications and with a different interior configuration and equipment. The engine was upgraded to an 841 cc

Solex carburetor per cylinder, giving 57 hp (43 kW). The engine was lubricated via an oil injection system, fed from a separate tank for two-stroke oil, obviating the need to mix oil with gasoline in the fuel tank. The car also used disc brakes at the front, something that was unusual at the time, and the wheels had four studs instead of the five used on the 96 and were of a stronger build, to withstand the extra workload.[3]

Gallery

  • Saab 93-based Granturismo 750
    Saab 93-based Granturismo 750
  • Pre-1965 Saab 96-based Sport with short nose
    Pre-1965 Saab 96-based Sport with short nose
  • Post-1965 Saab 96-based Sport with long nose
    Post-1965 Saab 96-based Sport with long nose
  • Saab V4 Monte Carlo
    Saab V4 Monte Carlo
  • Saab GT850 dashboard
    Saab GT850 dashboard

References

  1. ^ "Saab Car Museum – Saab Car Museum". Retrieved 2023-01-18.
  2. ISSN 0362-4331
    . Retrieved 2023-01-19.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i McCourt, Mark J. (September 24, 2018). "'A Sure-Footed Family Car With Sports-Car Spirit' - Saab 93, 95 and 96". Hemmings Motor News. Retrieved 2023-01-19.
  4. ^ The Bulb Horn. Vol. 40–41. Veteran Car Club of America. 1979. p. 51.
  5. ISBN 978-1-84584-256-7
    .

External links
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