Rolf Mellde

Though he stepped away from frontline competition in the mid-1960s, Mellde's groundwork and development efforts helped Saab become a serious contender in European rallying.

• Saab 92: Drove and co-developed this two-cylinder, two-stroke car — Saab’s first production vehicle and its early rally testbed.
• Saab 93 and 96: Played a key role in the tuning and competitive validation of these models, especially the Saab 96 which became a dominant force in early 1960s rallies.

Mellde’s blend of technical insight and driving ability meant that Saab cars were not only innovative but also thoroughly field-tested under competitive rally conditions.

Mellde was known for mechanical sympathy and consistency over outright speed. His driving was measured and strategic — perfect for long-distance endurance rallies. More importantly, he created the foundation of Saab’s rally culture, overseeing technical development and mentoring younger drivers, including Erik Carlsson. His influence can be seen in Saab’s disciplined approach to rally preparation and reliability-focused competition philosophy.

He retired from driving after the early 1960s but remained Saab’s head of motorsport and technical advisor, shaping their rally strategy well into the era of Carlsson and beyond.

Mellde worked closely with Saab engineers, designers, and co-drivers to ensure the cars were practical, durable, and optimized for real-world rally stages. His ability to translate driving experience into technical improvements was unique in the rally world. Under his leadership, Saab fostered a team-first culture that emphasized reliability, discipline, and thorough preparation — key traits that led to their success in events like Monte Carlo and the Swedish Rally.