Basic information and history

The Saab 96 was launched in 1960 and is a car model that came to play a significant role in Swedish automotive history. Thanks to its advanced two-stroke engine and iconic design, the model quickly became popular, not least among enthusiasts for its rally potential and robust construction. The first model year is characterized by stylish lines, minimal embellishments and a clearly functional focus.

This example is Swedish-sold and was manufactured in 1960. It has had a total of four owners. The car was owned for most of its life by a lady who put it away in 1989–90. During this period, the car was taken care of and carefully maintained by an acquaintance, who then inherited the car but never actively drove it. Around 1994, the car was repainted to the original color, which explains the fine exterior condition. After a change of ownership in the fall of 2022 where the car received new brakes, clutch cylinder, bumper and some trim, the car was inspected with a passing result in 2023. The current owner took over on August 23, 2023 and has continued to invest in mechanics and comfort, including a renovated transfer case, new ignition coil, new gaskets, new rubber and water hoses, replaced capacitor and breaker-points and renovated front seats.

Interesting fact: The car has been used mainly in the Ljusdal area and has unusually well-preserved documentation. Please note that the current odometer reading is unknown, but according to the previous owner, the engine (replacement engine) should not have run more than 20.000 km before the car was retired.

Equipment and options

• Bosch auxiliary lights (connected and working)
• Original glass panes in very good condition
• 2-inch sports exhaust system

In addition to the original equipment, several improvements and updates have been made:

• The brakes are thoroughly renovated (2022)
• Refurbished front seats
• New spare wheel
• Newly renovated gearbox
• The bumpers have been replaced (2022)
• The clutch cylinder has been renovated (2022)
• Distributor and ignition coil have recently been replaced (original ignition coil included)
• New rubber and water hoses
• The carburetor is upgraded with a larger throat ring and high-speed nozzle (2022)
• The gearbox has been recently refurbished and serviced with new gaskets.

Condition

Body and exterior: The body is in very good used condition with normal patina. The car was repainted in the original color in 1994, which gives the paintwork an unusually fine condition for the model, with minor signs of normal wear. There is a slight color difference on the tailgate. Rust repairs have been carried out in batches, including a recently welded section by the pedals. The windows, headlight lenses, chrome, moldings and emblems are original and in very good condition.

Interior: Front seats are renovated, rear seat is completely original. The interior is in very nice used condition. Nothing to complain about on the headliner, which is original without damage. Steering wheel, controls and buttons are in very good condition, all functions are preserved. The dashboard has a very small, barely visible crack.

Tires and rims: The tires are in good condition, nothing to complain about and a new spare wheel is available.

Mechanics and function: According to documentation, the replacement engine was replaced before decommissioning and had then run under 20.000 km (in 2022). The engine is easy to start and runs smoothly, the carburetor is modified for improved flow and the car is equipped with a 2-inch exhaust system. The gearbox is a newly renovated four-speed model and the drivetrain is fully functional. The brake system underwent a complete renovation in 2022. All gauges, including the clock, are fully functional.

Service history

The car is well documented with both preserved receipts and original registration certificate from 1960. The last service was carried out in April 2024 and a large number of receipts for maintenance and renovations are included. The brake system was thoroughly renovated in 2022, the clutch cylinder and gearbox have been extensively overhauled and gaskets replaced. Inspection with approved results was carried out on March 16, 2023. All maintenance and improvements have been carried out by enthusiast owners with a high level of detail.

Summary

This Saab 96 from the first year of production in 1960 is a well-preserved example with an interesting ownership history that has spent large parts of its life in the Ljusdal area. The documentation is unusually good and the car has undergone careful renovations in important areas to maintain both its useful value and original feel. The fine paint, the well-kept interior and a number of technical improvements made make this an attractive collector's item or enthusiast car. A true classic with the right patina and well-documented history for those looking for an authentic driving experience with Swedish car culture.