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The Saab 93 was announced on 18 August 1955 in response to press speculation regarding the development of a three-cylinder, two-stroke engine, speculation that had been evident since DKW introduced their three-cylinder engine in March 1953. The 1st December 1955 saw the presentation of the new model. Sixten Sason's re-styling of the car complemented a number of engineering modifications, although the divided windscreen was retained for another two years. The extensive re-engineering incorporated a longitudinally mounted three cylinder 748cc two-stroke engine developing 33hp. The new engine had a smaller swept volume than its predecessor but developed more power. Coil springs replaced torsion bars and a 12-volt electrical system was fitted. The 93 featured a completely new gearbox but still with just three gears. As early as 1957 Saab introduced seatbelts as an option for cars on the Swedish market. Originally two-point safety belts, it would take some years for the innovation to be accepted as standard equipment by buyers. A Fitchel & Sachs Saxomat clutch was offered for the first time on the 1957 Saab 93. The Saxomat enabled clutchless gear changing between second and third gears. The same device was fitted to DKW and Volkswagen and, despite being offered for many years, was not taken up in any great numbers. The Saab 93 was the first model to be officially exported, primarily to the United States. |
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