1959 SAAB 93F Bullnose

SAAB 93F Bullnose

This example of model 93F spent its life in Sweden until 2006, when a Polish SAAB enthusiast purchased it and commissioned ground up restoration in a renowned SAAB specialist shop. The car showed very little rust and was, what we now like to call a car like this, a survivor. The entire restoration process is well documented with over 100 photos (see couple of samples in the gallery).

Remarkably, the car's interior is original and in fantastic condition, including optional seat belts.

To make the car suitable for driving in modern traffic, more powerful 850cc engine from a "long nose" mode, triple carb setup and front disc brakes were installed. The original engine also underwent a rebuilt and now sits in its cozy little crate while the bigger brother does all the work. The original engine is included and comes with exhaust and intake manifolds, and a carburetor.

This car reliably participated in many vintage car events in Europe, proving the quality of the restoration and the right choice of period-correct improvements.

The 93F is widely known as 1960 model year only. This example has an original registration date of December 17, 1959. The European registration showed 1959 as the model year, and so does the current Illinois title.

After importing it to the US I have driven the car locally. It performs well in traffic, keeping up with other cars, occasionally causing people to stare, point, take pictures, and react enthusiastically. I took the car last spring to Cars and Cops Car Show in Chicago where it won 1st place in its class. Sorry, the trophy stays in my 7 year old son's bedroom.
HISTORY
SAAB 93 was the second model the company ever produced. The first production SAAB, model 92 had two cylinder engine and no trunk lid (the access to the trunk was from inside of the car). The 92 was produced from 1950 to 1955.

Model 93 that followed, had rear hinged doors and split windshield, just like the 92. The 93B, introduced in December of 1957 had a full windshield with curved glass and optional seat belts. The 93B was produced until the end of 1959 when the new 93F model appeared.

The 93F is the final iteration of the 93. It differed from 93B by having the doors hinged at the front.

The 93F was only produced for 12 months starting in late 1959 and ending in 1960.

Estimated 12,000 to 15,000 examples of 93F were ever built (out of a total SAAB 93 production of 53,000), making 93F more rare than 93B. The next model, 96 had further improvements and is easily recognizable by larger rear window and the taillights.