The Saab 96 remains an underrated sedan. It was a successful Swedish model lasting around 20 years. Saab 96 was launched as a replacement to the Saab 93 as a compact car. These were known for their powerful Taunus V4 and Saab 2-stroke I3 engines. Here is everything about the original 1960 Saab 96.
Engines
The Saab 96 remained an ultimate car for almost 20 years. This was viable because of its strongest engines and technology. The 1960 Saab 96 was equipped with an inline-3 2-stroke engine. People didn’t expect it as a performance package as it was purely designed as a family cruiser. This is why the torque and hp were absolutely low. However, the Saab 96 had a decent speed around 80mph. This was a Front-wheel drive car which was a surprise as Saab launched it as a compact family car.
Technology
Saab 96 incorporated technology from its predecessor. The engineering was inspired by aircraft. There was a freewheel system which enhanced the vehicle’s stability. The transmission featured a 3-speed manual gearbox with column-mounted gear selector. Front suspension featured coil springs and double wishbones. This gave the vehicle a better acceleration. The rear suspension was equipped with swing axles and coil springs. The other key technologies were hydraulic drum brakes, and rack & pinion steering. It was designed for cold climate conditions with great traction and ground clearance.
Features
The vehicle had advanced tech features like the FWD and unibody construction. When we speak about interior features, those were great as well. This Saab 96 had comfort features especially for its performance in Scandinavian areas. Seats were bench-styled with upholstery. The speedometer, warning lights, heater, and ventilation system were added. These features were fully advanced in the 60s. Saab focused on the visibility for both driver and passengers and added the windshield, roof pillars, and large side windows.
Durable Vehicle
The engineering of the first-generation Saab 96 was lauded. It was hailed as the best for a Saab vehicle with massive technologies. As it was designed for Scandinavian conditions, the Saab 96 model was extremely durable with steel parts, engines, heavy-duty suspension, and FWD. This was both a comfortable and durable vehicle. Overall, the 60′ Saab 96 was a comfortable highway cruiser for families.
Success in Rally Racing
The success of Saab 96 in races was a shocker. It had the motorsport DNA and was eligible for racing. Some of the motorsport events where Saab 96 featured were Scandinavian national rallies, Acropolis Rally, and Monte Carlo races. Erik Carlsson, the renowned driver drove the Saab 96 and secured wins twice in the Monte Carlo rally racing events.
Successful Run
The Saab 96 did phenomenal sales. This model was one of the best selling cars for a Swedish brand. Apart from Sweden, the Saab 96 was sold in West Germany, Norway, Finland, Denmark, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Netherlands. Around 500,000 units were sold during the entire run. The average price of a Saab 96 model was around $1,600 USD.