In its early years, Saab mainly drew drop-shaped models. This classic Saab 96 from 1968 that Techzle reader Sjoerd de Vries encountered is an example of this. Time to get acquainted.
Sjoerd came across this Saab 96, apparently in perfect condition, in the center of Zeewolde. Fortunately, the bright red Swede noticed him and he took the photos so that we and you can enjoy too. A quick license plate check shows that we are dealing with a special oldtimer, because it has been driving around on Dutch license plates since June 5, 1968! In all that time, it only had three owners: the current owner has now been driving the 96 for over seven years. These three owners must all have been enthusiasts, because the photos prove Sjoerd’s claim: the Saab looks exceptionally good for its 52 years!
Saab’s drop-shaped models evolved from the Saab 92, to the 93 and then on to this 96. Although the models are inextricably linked, Saab of course made several adjustments in ten years when it introduced the 96 in 1960. Get more luggage space and a larger window area. The 848 kg 96 that Sjoerd recorded is of a later age, because he gets the new nose that was introduced in 1965. In addition to a longer front due to a radiator mounted in front of the engine, this generation is characterized by new bumpers and different rear lights. The V4 logo on the side of the red Saab refers to the engine that lies under the hood: the V4 engine from the Ford Taunis that has been available in the Saab since 1967, although Saab also supplied a self-developed two-stroke. The power made a huge leap due to the V4 switch, because after the 42 hp predecessor, the newer 96 with 65 hp was a lot smoother. The top speed therefore increased from 127 km / h to, hold on, 145 km / h.
Although the 96 had ‘already’ been running for eight years in 1968, a long career awaited the Swede. Saab sticks to the model that was renewed several times until 1980. The last copy is finally built in Nystad on 11 January 1980. The production counter then stops at 547,221 copies.
Sjoerd, thank you!