2003-2011 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
[Main 93 Bulletin Board | BBFAQ |
Prev by Date | Next by Date | Post Followup ]
Member Login / Signup - Members see fewer ads. - Latest Member Gallery Photos
Re: Why is the ignition in the console? Posted by 900EMS [Email] (#433) [Profile/Gallery] (more from 900EMS) on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:39:02 In Reply to: Why is the ignition in the console?, cosaab, Sat, 8 Jun 2013 09:02:24 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
As I understand it development of the 99 was pretty far along when the US government decreed in the 1960's that there be anti-theft mechanisms designed into steering columns. It might not have been impossible for Saab to redesign a lock into the steering column (something the 99 and C900 never had) but it was a lot cheaper/easier to add a reverse gear lock by placing the ignition switch it between the front seats. The US Feds allowed Saab to do this to meet the new regulation. Hence the floor-mounted ignition. Saab may have touted it as a "safety" feature but it was done out of necessity. Saab certainly wasn't beholden to the floor-mounted ignition as the 9000 placed it back on the steering column like "normal" cars.
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.