Saab 95 Husbilen - the Saab mobile home now in 1:43

In 2009, Classic magazine wrote about the Saab 95 Husbilen (camper van) that it was clear proof that there was intelligent life on the planet after all. If so, then there are at least two pieces of evidence for it. The Saab 95 Husbilen is work number 2 by Swede Torsten Johannesson. He built a predecessor in 1963, the Saab 92 Husbilen. A camper based on a Saab 92, which was underpowered with 28 hp.

Saab 95 and 92 Husbilen in Trollhättan
Saab 95 and 92 Husbilen in Trollhättan

Saab 95 vehicles

Because the two-cylinder, two-stroke engine had a total weight of approx. 1,5 tons. Unfortunately, it was these 1,5 tons that ultimately caused the Saab 92 Husbilen project to fail. The weight, for which the front axle of the Saab small car was never designed, was dramatically too high.

The Husbilen did not pass the admission test.

But Johannesson had no intention of giving up his plans. He was still enthusiastic about the Saab front-wheel drive concept and the resulting optimal use of space and saw it as the ideal basis for future mobile homes. For this reason, the second mobile home was built in 1965. The base was now provided by the Saab 95 and at least 40 hp were mobilized for locomotion.

Saab 95 Husbilen from Autocult
Saab 95 Husbilen from Autocult

A more powerful three-cylinder, two-stroke engine now accelerated the massive structure, if one can speak of acceleration at all in this context.

After all, Saab was now interested in the project. The cooperation seemed to be within reach, but then the manufacturer withdrew. The Husbilen was probably seen as competition for your own Saabo caravan.

But the three-cylinder engine also proved to be underperforming, and Johannesson decided to install a different drive. By this point, he already had no illusions that his idea could become a commercial success.

With the introduction of the V4 engines, the Saab 95 Husbilen was also rebuilt. From then on, 65 hp were available.

Husbilen and the other February novelties from Autocult
Husbilen and the other February novelties from Autocult

The dream of the series

For Torsten Johannesson, it was always about possible series production with his mobile homes. Saab should deliver the base, Johannesson the superstructure. Maybe he was just too early with his idea in 1965 – and a visionary. Although the Swedes were now traveling south more and more often, Saab therefore felt it necessary to set up spare parts depots in the most popular travel countries, but the mobile home trend was still a long way off.

The result of the work was sobering. The approval of both vehicles was denied to the designer. Johannesson gave up, series production never took place.

Today Saab 92 and 95 Husbilen are considered historical cultural assets and the oldest mobile homes on Swedish roads. Both vehicles have survived turbulent years and have since been restored. They are shown again and again at exhibitions and meetings.

333 copies are distributed worldwide
333 copies are distributed worldwide

Saab 95 Husbilen from Autocult

Autocult already showed the Saab 2017 Husbilen in 92:1 scale in 43 and is now delivering the 95 Husbilen. The German Manufacturers has dedicated itself to the fine market niche of prototypes and car dreams that never came true. The models have a collector's character, the edition is always small and unique.

333 Husbilen will be distributed worldwide, the edition will be sold out quickly. All vehicles are numbered and a vehicle description of the resin model is included. Deliveries have now started. It is advisable to reserve a copy for the collection in a specialist model car shop.

The retail price is traditionally just over €100,00, the small series and the high collector's value justify it. Aero X Club members can use the Saab 95 Husbilen in our Shop order. We were able to secure a small number.

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Volvoab Driver
Volvoab Driver
2 years earlier

desires …

oh man
you just want them all. I find the homebilen incredibly charming. It embodies the longing and wanderlust that was widespread after WW II until the 1960s, to be able to torment oneself to any point in Europe - even if underpowered - and be it over mountain passes - and to be able to feel at home there, in pure culture ...

The Ford V8 Streamliner from 1938 in the group picture is also brilliant. This article is not entirely suitable for minors and, strictly speaking, would require warnings not unlike those on cigarettes.

“Interest in historic automobiles and their replicas quickly becomes addictive. It's best not to start at all!"

One way or another...
Really attractive stuff, but not entirely harmless.

F Weber
F Weber
2 years earlier

Great - and finally something from Saab in 1:43 and not 1:18. Is ordered!