Introduce
Björn Erik Anders Envall (born 1942) is a notable Swedish automobile designer who played a pivotal role in shaping Saab’s design identity during his long tenure at the company. Envall is best known for his work on several key models and for leading the design department from 1969 to 1992, following the death of Saab’s legendary designer Sixten Sason.
Envall’s career in automotive design began in the 1960s, when he started as an apprentice under Sixten Sason at Saab. His early work included contributing to the design of the Saab 99, a model that would become a significant part of the company’s lineup. Envall was also involved in the development of the Saab Catherina sports car, a project that, despite significant effort, ultimately failed to gain acceptance within the company. Although the Catherina project was scrapped, Envall’s experience during this period influenced his later work, including his creation of a progressive two-seater design that was never built but marked his ability to innovate.
After spending two years at Opel, Envall returned to Saab in 1969, stepping into the role of head of design after the death of Sixten Sason. Under Envall’s leadership, Saab produced a series of landmark designs. He worked on the Saab EV-1, Saab 98, Saab 99 Combi Coupé, Saab 900, and the Saab 900 convertible, all of which became iconic models for the brand. One of Envall’s key achievements was guiding Saab’s collaboration with Fiat, which led to the development of the Saab 9000, a highly regarded model that marked Saab’s foray into the larger car market.
Envall’s involvement in the design of the “new generation” Saab 900, first unveiled in 1988, was particularly significant as it occurred just before General Motors became involved with Saab. His designs helped to maintain the brand’s reputation for innovation and distinctive styling. Envall’s legacy remains integral to Saab’s design history, and his work continues to be remembered for its influence on automotive design during a transformative period for the brand.
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