An extract from Saabs internal magazine VIPS. No.5, 1962
In August this year a SAAB GT, driven by Saabs representative in Quito, Senor Marco Baca, was successful in being outright winner of the speed trials held in Ecuador.
In what can only be described as exceptionally difficult course Senor Baca also took home the class trophy for the Saab GT. A further Saab, but of standard production specification, was entered and driven by Marco´s brother Jose Vicente. Jose, also a skilled rally driver, managed to complete the coarse finishing in 4th place.
The 10-lap course, covering 52 km was won by the Saab GT, at an average speed of 85 kmh, with a top speed of 160 kmh being recorded.
Over several years the “Circuito del Valle” has been a very popular motoring event in Ecuador which was considered by Saab as an ideal venue for promoting the Saab brand name and corporate products throughout Latin America.
The photo above shows the Saab Nr 9 driving through a typical section of the course whilst the photo below showing Senor Marco Baca at the finishing line and surrounded by some of the very enthusiastic supporters.