Saab Developed Small Car Prototype in 1946
Saab secretly designed and tested a small car prototype in 1946, applying aerodynamic principles from aircraft manufacturing to its design.
Saab began development and secret testing of a "little green car" prototype in 1946. As an aircraft manufacturer, Saab applied its expertise in aerodynamics to the vehicle's design.
With the end of World War II in 1945, Saab faced potential reductions in military aircraft demand. The company sought to diversify its product range and identified the automotive market as an area for expansion.
The design work was led by Gunnar Ljungström, with styling by Sixten Sason. The car's aerodynamic lines drew inspiration from aircraft forms. Initial drawings were completed in January 1946, and a full-scale wooden model was also finished that year.
This model became a classic during Sweden's welfare state era and represented Saab's strategic move to broaden its offerings in the post-war period.