The Granturismo 750 was a high-performance variant of the Saab 93, introduced at the New York International Auto Show in 1956 and produced until 1960. Notably, the Saab 93 began offering seat belts in 1958, well ahead of their mandatory introduction in the U.S. in 1973.
The Granturismo model shared many features with the standard Saab 93, including front drum brakes, but also included several upgrades that enhanced its performance and comfort. These upgrades featured a wood-rim steering wheel, a Halda Speedpilot timing device—used in rally racing—sport seats, driving lamps, and distinctive metal trim along the rocker panels. Additionally, the 1958 model year offered rear-hinged doors, a unique design element for that production run. Out of the 600 Granturismo 750s produced in 1958 and 1959, 546 were exported to the United States.
Under the hood, the Granturismo 750 boasted an augmented-output version of Saab’s two-stroke engine, which featured a 9:1 compression ratio, a two-barrel Solex carburetor, a tuned exhaust system, and twin fuel pumps, enabling it to produce 50 hp (37 kW). An optional twin-carburetor Saab Competition tuning kit could increase the engine’s output to 57 hp (43 kW). This engine delivered peak power at high RPMs, specifically between 3,400 and 5,000 rpm. Lubrication for the two-stroke engine was achieved by mixing oil with gasoline in the fuel tank at a three-percent ratio. The Granturismo also featured a three-speed gearbox, with a freewheel device to address lubrication issues when engine RPM exceeded the throttle setting.
### Saab 96-Based Variants
In 1960, the Granturismo 750 evolved further, inspired by the success of the Saab 96, particularly through the driving prowess of Swedish rally champion Erik Carlsson, who won three Royal Automobile Club rallies in a Saab 96. The Saab 96-based variant of the Granturismo 750 came with a four-speed transmission equipped with freewheeling and included chrome wheel trim and venting rear quarter windows.
The Granturismo 750 was succeeded by the Saab Sport in 1962, which also utilized the Saab 96 platform. This new model featured slight modifications, a different interior configuration, and equipment. It was powered by an upgraded 841 cc two-stroke three-cylinder engine with one Solex carburetor per cylinder, producing 57 hp (43 kW). The engine featured a dedicated oil injection system, eliminating the need to mix two-stroke oil with gasoline in the fuel tank. The Saab Sport also introduced front disc brakes—uncommon for the time—and used four-stud wheels instead of the five-stud design on the 96, enhancing their strength to withstand the extra workload.
From 1963 onwards, the model marketed in the USA was renamed the Granturismo 850. In the 1965 model year, power output was increased to 60 hp (45 kW). By the 1966 model year, all market variants were rebranded as Monte Carlo 850, a nod to Saab’s successes in the Monte Carlo Rally.
The phase-out of the two-stroke models began in 1967, culminating in the introduction of the Monte Carlo V4, which was powered by the 65 hp (48 kW) Ford Taunus V4 engine. Production of the Saab Granturismo and its variants ultimately concluded in 1968, marking the end of an era for this distinctive line of performance-oriented vehicles. The legacy of the Granturismo models, however, remains significant in Saab’s history, reflecting the brand’s early commitment to performance and innovation in the automotive landscape.