In production until 1980
Last week there was another rumor about some kind of return from Saab. The brand continues to fascinate people for years, even more than ten years after its demise. However, dwelling on the past is just as fun. The 900 was recently discussed twice more, this time we take a Saab 96 from 1969. So a copy with a V4 engine from Ford in the characteristic front.
In the mid-1960s, Saab was eagerly looking for another engine for the 96. As is known, there was a nice two-stroke engine roaring in the front, but even then that was an engine concept from a bygone era, except for two-wheelers. Because it was too expensive to develop a complete powertrain itself, Saab experimented with the B18 four-cylinder from Volvo, the compact V4 from Lancia, a 1.3-liter from Triumph and also the V4 from Ford, known from, among others, the Taunus. Due to its compact construction, such a V-engine is better suited for longitudinal mounting, as Saab did. The 96 with a Ford V4 was introduced in 1967 and was built until 1980, always with that engine, although the two-stroke was also delivered until 1968.
No ring-ding-ding in the 96 we drive, but an equally characteristic V4 rumble. What is immediately noticeable is how well you sit in such a Saab. You notice that it is a car that was developed and built by big Swedish guys. Because of my height I often find myself rather folded in a classic car, but here I have plenty of space.
There is also plenty of room in the back seat. The four-speed gearbox can be operated smoothly with the small lever on the steering column. Due to the fairly deep seat, you unconsciously feel extra safe in the Saab and you can assume that it scores better in that area than its contemporaries. Thanks to the engine positioned far forward in combination with front-wheel drive, straight-line stability is excellent. A very steady car with which you can cruise along the highway in peace and quiet at a speed of 110 km/h. The noise isn’t too bad either. The design of the instruments is strongly reminiscent of a VW Beetle, so they are VDO clocks. The car is in very good, original condition and in the trunk we even find an old copy of Van AutoWeek in which this Saab once appeared on two pages. He’s beautiful enough to perform again!
Technical data
Engine 4-cyl., V
Cylinder capacity 1,498 cc
Max. assets 48 kW/65 hp at 4,700 rpm
Max. couple 115 Nm at 2,500 rpm
Top speed 145 km/h
0-100 km/h 18.5 sec
Consumption avg. 8.5 l/100 km
This copy was for sale five years ago for 14,900 euros
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl