Saab - les voitures du pays des trolls (F)

Specializing in aeronautics, "Svenska Aeoplan Aktiebolaget" (Swedish Aeronautical Company) was founded in 1937. The Swedish government feared the looming threat of a world war and sought to protect itself by equipping its army with a truly capable air force. However, in the aftermath of the war, the company struggled to grow, as orders from the Swedish state abruptly ceased. Saab's management then decided to turn to automobiles, thus supporting Volvo, the sole national manufacturer. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary saga, the kind only Scandinavians seem to know how to tell. The unusual 92, 93, and 96 models captivated customers with a taste for technical originality. Saabs quickly established themselves in the domestic market and won the hearts of American drivers, their primary export market. They also distinguished themselves in motorsport, triumphing over formidable sports cars far more powerful than themselves. The small brand from Trollhättan then experienced an irresistible rise, offering increasingly high-performance models, such as the Sonett, the 99, and the legendary 900 Turbo. Despite the company's acquisition by GM and some recent financial difficulties, Saab's still very strong image has remained intact in the hearts of enthusiasts. On the eve of its sixtieth anniversary, what surprises does the enfant terrible of the Swedish automotive industry have in store for us?

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