SAAB 96 GL (1979) – Special Limited Edition

The magic of times gone by for Andries

When you grow up with a certain brand or type of car as a child, it stays with you for the rest of your life. This story makes it clear that Andries has a special bond with SAAB, and how his love for the 96 began to take shape. In classic car circles, SAAB still has an excellent reputation, and that is why there is every reason to take a closer look at this exceptionally beautiful Swedish car. This SAAB 96 “Special Limited Edition” stands out because of its rare light blue metallic paint.

Love overtakes you

Andries says: “Unconsciously, Scandinavian design caught my attention from an early age, so it was no coincidence that my first car had to be a SAAB 96. I chose a beige SAAB from 1972 with chromed hubcaps. The special thing about this car was that it had a semi-automatic transmission. The SAAB was popularly known as a car for the family doctor or director, but cattle farmers were also crazy about it. Unfortunately, the car had difficulty shifting and an expensive repair was planned that would require the engine to be removed. With a heavy heart, I then decided to choose another love (Volvo).”

slumbering desire

“Still, the SAAB always caught my attention, I recognized them from far away by the specific sound of the two-stroke engine. After our wedding, our first trip was to Norway, where we visited the SAAB museum in Trollhättan.”

Wonderful experience

“The museum exhibits the entire history of SAAB. It also houses the original SAAB, 'De Gröna Droppen', named after the army green colour in which the first SAABs were painted. The designers were inspired by fighter planes, which at the time provided unprecedented aerodynamics.”

Driving the 96 as a hobby

“Eventually I found a SAAB from the last series, numbered for export, but unfortunately it was affected by rust and could not be restored. But fate was kind to me: a fully restored SAAB (Limited Edition) was for sale at the Wassenaar dealer in Leeuwarden. After contacting the owner, Mr. Lubach from Visvliet, he was willing to sell the car. This version is rare: only 150 copies were made, recognizable by the special color scheme and the plaque on the dashboard with the production series. The light blue metallic paint was combined with a cognac brown interior. This desirable SAAB has a 68 hp Ford V4 engine.”

SAAB Association

“After the purchase and registration with the SAAB Association, the hobby life with the SAAB 96 could begin. No longer used economically, but purely for driving pleasure. Just driving to keep everything moving – the basis for beautiful, valuable moments. Although bad luck did not fail to occur – a parking error and the plastic gears in the engine that broke – the stock of parts at Fa. Van der Laan in Overschild ensured that the SAAB always kept driving.”

Sharing the SAAB feeling

“True enthusiasts talk about the high cuddle factor of this classic. My brother-in-law Henk also appreciates this unique compact model. We live in Norway because of our work, and the car has been left behind with Henk in the Netherlands; he takes care of the SAAB and now enjoys it too. Whenever we are in the Netherlands, we take the SAAB over again to enjoy it. The wonderful sound and the special design make it a beautiful and rich possession. Other road users look at this SAAB when Henk or I pass by. It gives a unique insight into the street scene of yesteryear. You understand: I am completely happy with my SAAB 96.”

SAAB 96

The SAAB 96 was produced from 1960 to 1980 and is one of the Swedish car manufacturer's most iconic cars. With its characteristic shape and reliable performance, the 96 gained a loyal fan base. Early models had a two-stroke engine, but from 1967 onwards a more reliable and powerful four-cylinder V4 engine was introduced, sourced from Ford. This made the 96 more popular with a wider audience. The car was known for its reliability, safety, and also its rally performance – especially thanks to drivers such as Erik Carlsson, who won several rallies with the 96.

The 1979 'Special Limited Edition' that Andries drives was one of the last versions of this model. This edition was produced in limited numbers and was intended as a farewell to the SAAB 96, which would be discontinued later that year. The Limited Edition is distinguished by special color schemes, a high-quality interior and other unique details, making it a sought-after collector's item for SAAB enthusiasts worldwide.