Saab's greatest hits (and misses)

A look at a few of the cars that made the Swedish carmaker's name over the years.

Founded in 1937, Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Airplane Inc.) would eventually spin off the iconic car brand, Saab. That carmaker now seems to have reached the end of the road.

 



By 1955, the 92 was replaced by the 93, with its 33-horsepower 3-cylinder engine. The next year, two 93s were shown at the New York Auto Show as Saab kicked off sales in the United States. By 1957, U.S. sales had risen to over 1,400 cars, accounting for 14% of the production from Saab's Trollhatten factory.


The first Saab Sonnett, a two-seat sports car, was unveiled in 1956. Only six copies of this original version were ever built but, according to Saab, all of them still exist.


Saab's current owner, Swedish Automotive, announced Monday it was ending efforts to save the company. The automaker's ultimate fate will be decided by a court-appointed receiver.
In a sense, it's amazing that Saab lasted as long as it did. GM had announced it was winding down its then-subsidiary in 2009 after talks with Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg fell through. But a Dutch supercar company, Spyker, came in at the last minute with a new financing deal. (Spyker later changed its name to Swedish Automotive.)
Spyker's best efforts ultimately weren't enough to save the struggling brand. While there remains some possibility Saab will come out of bankruptcy and live again, chances seem remote.
Here's a look at some of the more interesting models to come out of Saab factories over the years.