10 Years Without Erik Carlsson: Honoring the Spirit of Mr. Saab

The man who drove Saab into the world’s heart

A decade after his passing, Erik Carlsson remains the heartbeat of Saab’s identity—from rally stages to the museum halls in Trollhättan.

On May 27, 2015, the Saab community received the heartbreaking news: Erik Carlsson, the rally icon who had become the embodiment of Saab itself, had passed away. Ten years later, his name still carries weight—not just as a driver, but as a symbol of innovation, loyalty, and unshakable spirit. Today, on this poignant anniversary, we look back not only on his victories but on the enduring legacy he built for generations of enthusiasts.

From Trollhättan with Speed

Born in 1929 in Trollhättan, Erik Carlsson’s life was intertwined with that of Saab from the very beginning. In the early 1950s, long before Saab was a household name, Carlsson was already competing in local rallies, often in underpowered Saabs that required sheer will and unconventional technique to stay competitive. It wasn’t long before the world took notice. His breakthrough came in 1955 at the Rikspokalen rally, driving a modest Saab 92 to an unexpected victory.

What followed was an illustrious career that saw Carlsson behind the wheel of Saab 93s and 96s, often on treacherous terrain across Europe and Africa. While rivals had more horsepower, Carlsson had ingenuity. He mastered the technique of left-foot braking, allowing him to keep the engine in its power band while maintaining grip through tight corners—a skill that became a rally driving standard.

A Trophy Cabinet of Firsts

Carlsson’s name is etched in rally history for a reason. He won the RAC Rally three years in a row (1960–62), a feat no one had accomplished before him. He conquered the unforgiving Monte Carlo Rally twice (1962 and 1963), battling snow, ice, and factory teams with deeper pockets and faster cars. His other notable wins include the Acropolis Rally and impressive showings at the Liège-Rome-Liège and Safari rallies—events that tested both car and driver to their limits.

His daring antics, including deliberately flipping the car in the African mud to get out of a rut, earned him the nickname ‘Carlsson på taket’—‘Carlsson on the Roof’—a reference both to his stunts and a beloved Swedish storybook character.

Loyalty Beyond Contracts

Carlsson could have left. Other manufacturers offered lucrative deals, sleek machinery, and global fame. But he stayed. For him, Saab wasn’t just a car company—it was home. Even after retiring from competitive racing, he joined Saab’s public relations team and continued spreading the gospel of turbocharging, safety, and Scandinavian ingenuity. He was a star at every international auto show, captivating journalists with his Swenglish wit, storytelling charm, and deep knowledge of the brand.

When Saab went bankrupt in December 2011, Erik was let go along with 3,100 employees—but never stopped representing the company. He remained a beacon for the brand, appearing at enthusiast events around the world well into his eighties.

Pat Moss and a Motorsport Dynasty

In 1963, Carlsson married Pat Moss, one of the most accomplished female rally drivers in history and the sister of Formula One legend Stirling Moss. Their union was more than symbolic—it represented two racing dynasties coming together. Together, they co-authored ‘The Art and Technique of Driving‘, blending their insights into a manual that still inspires young drivers today. They lived in England, but Carlsson never lost his Trollhättan accent or sense of home.

Legacy at the Museum—and Beyond

Today, Erik Carlsson remains the eternal chairman of the board at the Saab Car Museum in Trollhättan. As curator Peter Bäckström wrote in today’s anniversary message, Erik’s presence still looms large: in the stories, in the machines, and in the spirit of everyone who visits. He was more than a driver—he was a storyteller, a joker, a tactician, and a friend. His memory lives on not just in trophies or museum plaques but in every Saab that roars down a snowy road, hugging corners with left-foot finesse.

The Enthusiast’s Patron Saint

From SOC events in the US to midnight rallies in Sweden, Erik Carlsson remains the soul of Saab fandom. The way he drove, the way he spoke, and the way he never abandoned the brand serve as a blueprint for what it means to be a true enthusiast. His legacy is written in the sounds of turbocharged engines, in stories told over coffee at meetups, and in the faces of young fans just discovering what makes a Saab different.

Not forgotten. Never will be.

Ten years on, the road ahead may no longer echo with the roar of a two-stroke Saab 96 bouncing through a mountain pass—but Erik Carlsson’s presence is as strong as ever. His story is printed not just in books, but in the DNA of every Saab ever made, and every Saab still driven with joy, purpose, and a bit of mischief.

Raise your glass, tighten your seatbelt, and let the turbo spool. Mr. Saab never really left us. He just took the lead one more time.