Many new members to the Club ask the same question - “Who is Erik Carlsson?” I suppose a lot of people who were not around in the 60s have never heard of him even though this giant of a man is often referred to as “Mr SAAB”.
Erik was born in 1929 in Trollhattan, Sweden, not far from the SAAB factory, but at that time the factory was only producing aircraft. Erik was 20 when production of the first SAAB cars started. His first passion was motorbikes, he bought a Norton 500 new when he was 18 from Nystrom’s where he was working. Pelle Nystrom was the Norton importer for Sweden. At weekends he took part in hillclimbs, motorcross, road racing and, during the winter, ice track racing.
The SAAB Owners Club recognises the importance of the Motorsport heritage of the marque and provides sponsorship to those members of the club who are competing in Motorsport at various levels.
SAAB cars have been competing in motorsport since the early days of production. Many successes were achieved through drivers such as Club President, Erik Carlsson. This success continues today through Club competitors.
Club members are competing in, Historic Road Rallies, Historic Stage Rallies, Classic Runs, Sprints, Hillclimbs and many other forms of the sport.
For more information on the Club activities in Motorsport contact Richard Simpson
Click HERE for details of the Club Sponsorship Scheme.
Who is Erik Carlsson? - Click HERE to find out.
Articles referring to Motorsport events the club has been involved in, in the past