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Saab 96 (1960-80)

Production Total: 547,221
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Price New: In 1960, the new price of a Saab 96 in the UK was approximately **£800**.
The new price of a Saab 96 in 1960 was approximately **£800**. Adjusted for inflation to 2025, this would roughly equate to **£20,000**.
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Rivals: In 1960, the new prices of some of the main rivals to the Saab 96 in the UK were as follows:

### Austin A40
- **Starting Price**: Around £600

### Morris Minor
- **Starting Price**: Around £600

### Ford Anglia
- **Starting Price**: Around £600

These prices made the Saab 96, at approximately £900, a more premium option in the market.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are approximately **136 licensed Saab 96 models** and **37 registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)** in the UK.
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PLEASE NOTE: The information provided below is given in averages across Northern Ireland at the date specified. Petrol reflect average prices for four star fuel in litres.

Road Tax: In 1960, the road tax for a Saab 96 in Northern Ireland was based on the engine size. For a car with an engine size over 1,550cc, the annual road tax was approximately **£15**.
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Petrol: In 1960, In 1960, the average cost of four-star petrol in the UK was approximately **12.3 pence per litre**.
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Insurance: In 1960, the average cost of insurance for a Saab 96 in the UK was approximately **£30 to £50** per year. This cost could vary based on factors such as the driver's age, driving history, and location.
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Saab 96 (1960-80)

COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.

The Saab 96, produced from 1960 to 1980, is a quirky and aerodynamic Swedish car. Here are some common problems to watch out for:

1. **Corrosion**: Most panels rust, except for the bonnet. Pay attention to the front inner wings above the suspension mounts, the outer wings around the indicators, and the door skins. The sills can also rot, especially at the seam joining the inner and outer sill to the floor.
2. **Windscreen Base Rust**: Repairing rust at the base of the windscreen can be tricky.
3. **Inner Rear Wheelarches and Boot Floor**: These areas are prone to rust.
4. **Rear Mudflap Mounts and Suspension Mountings**: Check for corrosion.
5. **Slant Panels/Inner Wings at the Rear**: Inspect for rust.

Remember, Saab 96 values vary little between two-stroke and V4 models. If you're considering a restoration project, basket cases can be found at surprisingly affordable prices. V4 cars are easier to maintain due to better parts availability, but some parts are interchangeable between two-stroke and V4 variants.
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Generations/Trim Levels
Please Note: Generations and Trim Levels Across Countries
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products

The Saab 96 had **one generation**, produced from **1960 to January 1980**. Initially, it featured a **two-stroke, three-cylinder engine**, but later models adopted a **four-stroke V4 engine**. The transition from two-stroke to V4 occurred in **1967**.
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Body Styles/Variants
The **Saab 96**, produced from **1960 to January 1980**, featured aerodynamic two-door bodywork and four-passenger seating. Here are the key details:

1. **Body Styles**:
- **2-Door Sedan**: The classic Saab 96 design with a distinctive aerodynamic shape, rounded edges, and a unique front grille¹.
- **Saab Sport**: A modified version of the Saab 96, often used for rallying.

2. **Engines**:
- Initially, it had a **two-stroke, three-cylinder engine** (841 cc or 40 PS).
- Later, the **Saab 96 V4** was introduced, powered by a **four-stroke V4 engine** (1498 cc) sourced from Ford.

The Saab 96 remains a timeless classic with its unmistakable design and quirky charm!
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Engines
The **Saab 96** featured several engine variants during its production from **1960 to 1980**. Here are the key ones:

1. **Two-Stroke Engine**:
- Initially, it had a **750 cc, 38 hp** three-cylinder Saab two-stroke engine.
- By **1963**, this was increased to **841 cc, 40 hp**.
- An optional **57 hp** version with triple carburettors and oil injection was used in the Sport and Monte Carlo models.

2. **V4 Engine**:
- Introduced later, the Saab 96 V4 featured a **1498 cc, 65 bhp** four-stroke V4 engine sourced from Ford.
- V4 cars are easier to maintain due to better parts availability, but some parts are interchangeable between two-stroke and V4 variants.

Remember, the Saab 96 remains a quirky classic with its unique design and practicality!
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Performance
The Saab 96, produced from 1960 to 1980, had several engine variations over its production run. Here are some key performance specs for the most common models:

- **Engine Options**: The Saab 96 initially came with a two-stroke, three-cylinder engine, later replaced by a four-stroke V4 engine.
- **Power**: The early two-stroke engines produced around 38 HP (28 kW), while the later V4 engines offered up to 65 HP (49 kW).
- **Top Speed**: The top speed ranged from approximately 79 mph (127 km/h) for the two-stroke models to about 90 mph (145 km/h) for the V4 models.
- **Acceleration**: The 0-60 mph time was around 24 seconds for the two-stroke models and about 17 seconds for the V4 models.
- **Fuel Consumption**: The V4 models had a fuel consumption of around 29 mpg.

These specs made the Saab 96 a reliable and practical car for its time, with a unique design and decent performance for a compact car.
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Rivals
In 1960, the main rivals to the Saab 96 included the Austin A40, Morris Minor, and Ford Anglia. Here's a brief overview of their performance:

### Austin A40
- **Engine**: 948 cc, 4-cylinder
- **Power**: 34 bhp
- **Top Speed**: 70 mph
- **0-60 mph**: 29 seconds

### Morris Minor
- **Engine**: 948 cc, 4-cylinder
- **Power**: 37 bhp
- **Top Speed**: 75 mph
- **0-60 mph**: 28 seconds

### Ford Anglia
- **Engine**: 997 cc, 4-cylinder
- **Power**: 39 bhp
- **Top Speed**: 73 mph
- **0-60 mph**: 27 seconds

These cars were popular choices in the compact car segment and offered competitive performance for their time.
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Designer/Dimensions
The Saab 96 was designed by **Sixten Sason**, a Swedish industrial designer who played a significant role in shaping the early Saab automobiles.

**Dimensions**:
- Wheelbase: 2488 mm (98.0 in)
- Length: 4050 mm (159.4 in)
- Width: 1570 mm (61.8 in)
- Kerb Weight: 873–950 kg (1925–2094 lb).

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Spares/Specialists NI
If you're looking for **Saab 96** spares in the UK and Ireland, here are some options:

1. **Simply Saab**:
- Located at **9 Clothier Road, Bristol BS4 5PS**, Simply Saab offers quality used Saabs, new and used parts, and full Saab workshop facilities. They specialize in convertible hoods and engine reconditioning for Saabs. You can reach them at **0117 940 6121**.

2. **Online Shops**:
- Autopartspro.co.uk offers original Saab 96 parts, including filters, brake components, spark plugs, and more.
- Autodoc.co.uk provides a wide assortment of certified and warranty-backed parts for Saab 96.
- EU-SPARES shop has a parts catalogue specifically for Saab 96 Saloon.
- BuyCarParts.co.uk offers top spare parts for Saab 96 at competitive prices.

Remember, maintaining your Saab 96 with quality parts ensures its longevity and performance!
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Specialists
There are several garage services in Northern Ireland that can maintain a Saab 96. Here are a few options:

1. **McNeice Auto And Plant Works** in Lisburn offers a high standard of maintenance and repairs for various vehicles, including Saabs.
2. **Mobile Vehicle Service NI** in Belfast provides mobile repair services and has experience with Saab vehicles.
3. **Colinglen Auto Repairs** in Belfast, known for their excellent service and experience with different car models.
4. **Ivan Wilson Saab** in Bangor specializes in Saab vehicles and uses genuine Saab parts for repairs.

These garages have good reviews and experienced mechanics who can help keep your Saab 96 in top condition.
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Racing
The Saab 96 had a notable racing history, particularly in rallying. It was highly successful in the early 1960s, driven by legendary rally driver Erik Carlsson. Here are some highlights:

- **Monte Carlo Rally**: Erik Carlsson won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1962 and 1963.
- **RAC Rally**: Carlsson also secured victories in the RAC Rally in 1960, 1961, and 1962.
- **East African Safari Rally**: The Saab 96 competed in this challenging rally, showcasing its durability and reliability.

Erik Carlsson, often referred to as "Mr. Saab," had a remarkable racing career, particularly in rallying. Here are some key highlights:

- **Early Career**: Carlsson began his racing career on motorcycles before transitioning to cars. His first major victory came in 1955 at the Rikspokalen rally driving a Saab 92.
- **Monte Carlo Rally**: He won the prestigious Monte Carlo Rally in 1962 and 1963, driving a Saab 96.
- **RAC Rally**: Carlsson also triumphed in the RAC Rally three times consecutively from 1960 to 1962.
- **Driving Style**: Known for his aggressive driving style and innovative techniques, Carlsson mastered left-foot braking to maintain high speeds in the underpowered Saab cars.
- **Legacy**: His success helped establish Saab's reputation in motorsport and he remained a prominent figure in the rallying community until his passing in 2015.

Erik Carlsson's contributions to rallying and his unique driving style left a lasting impact on the sport.
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Valuation
The value of a Saab 96 today can vary significantly based on its condition, model, and rarity. Here are some general price ranges:

- **Standard Models**: A clean, usable Saab 96 typically costs around £6,000. For a model in excellent, show-quality condition, prices can go up to £11,000.
- **Special Editions**: Rare models like the Saab 96 Sport or Monte Carlo can fetch higher prices, often exceeding £10,000.
- **Project Cars**: Rougher examples or project cars can be found for as low as £1,500.

These prices reflect the car's classic status and its popularity among vintage car enthusiasts.
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Clubs
There are Saab clubs in Northern Ireland! Here are a couple of options:

### SAAB Owners Club (GB) Ltd
- **Website**: [saabclub.co.uk](https://saabclub.co.uk/)
- **Description**: This club has a wide network of Saab enthusiasts across the UK, including Northern Ireland. They organize various events and gatherings for members.

### Saab Enthusiasts Club
- **Website**: [saabenthusiasts.uk](https://www.saabenthusiasts.uk/)
- **Description**: Founded in 1989, this club brings together Saab enthusiasts for events, meetings, and a shared passion for Saab cars.

These clubs often have local branches and events, so you can connect with fellow Saab enthusiasts in Northern Ireland.
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