I’m fascinated by this story. Here are some related posts:
I’ve received an email from Bertil’s wife. We’ll call her Mrs Bertil for now. Bertil himself was rushing around like mad getting ready for the Bonneville assault.
Here’s what Mrs Bertil had to say:
He bought the 1966 Saab from a guy in California back in 2001. He raced this model back in the 60’s in Sweden. It was in pretty bad shape, and sat in his shop gathering dust for about 5 years, as he was too busy with his business, Bertil’s Racing Engines, to give it any attention.
He started working on the chassis sometime in 06. But what really got him going was accompanying and helping a friend to the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2007. He got the idea to make a super-duper Bertil’s engine to break the record for this class.
He sold his shop and machinery in spring of 2009, which moved the project to our garage! (He still has access to the shop when needed.) Last summer he was planning to make an attempt, but in a last minute effort to get the most horsepower, he burned a piston and did not have a replacement. Quite a disappointment.
But this year he is well prepared, with plenty of spare parts. I should clarify that he is not driving the car himself; the aforementioned friend will do it, since Bertil’s back is giving him trouble and he requires surgery soon.
We’ll let you know what happens next week! Pat (that’s Mrs Bertil to us – SW)
I look forward to hearing about it!
Godspeed, little Saab!
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