VALE Erik Carlsson

From Trollhattan, which was also Saab's hometown, Carlsson turned to rallying after a stint racing motorcycles. His first four-wheel event was as a co-driver in a Volvo in 1952. Two years later, Carlsson had switched to Saab and won the Swedish National rally championship in a factory-modified 92 sedan. Shortly after, he became a Saab factory driver and would be associated with the marque for the rest of his life.

After winning a number of European rallies in the back half of the 50s, Carlsson's greatest successes came in the early 1960s, when he won the RAC (British) Rally in 1960, '61 and '62, as well as the Monte Carlo Rally in '62 and '63. In these instances, a Saab 96 was Carlsson's weapon of choice.

Noted for his left-foot braking technique, Carlsson proved the (generally) underpowered Saabs could be driven fast and driven to victory. After marrying Pat Moss (Stirling's sister) in 1963, Carlsson relocated to the UK, but continued rallying until the early 1970s.

As a brand ambassador for Saab, Carlsson travelled the world and promoted the brand at numerous events, while also contributing to new car development and testing. In 2010, the man known as 'Mr. Saab' was honoured with the release of a trio of Carlsson-badged special editions of the 900, 900 and 9-3 Aero.

Carlsson is survived by daughter Susie. Pat Carlsson, nee Moss, died in 2008.