Finally, the time had come. In September, I received the keys to the Saab 96 GL V4 Super, and that was a moment I had been looking forward to for a long time. In the meantime, I have put the first thousand kilometers on the counter. With a big blissful smile. And a moment of carelessness.
The Saab - for the record - is a classic with traces of use, it worked hard in Sweden. And was given a new coat in Swedish style. Functional. But so nice. Traces of use also mean that some functionalities are 'out of order', but we will solve that. A cable for the temperature setting is broken, the windscreen washer system needs attention and yes, there are some bubbles and traces of rust on the left and right. The first preventive actions have been taken, and soon - during the winter season - I will happily tinker and mess around with my Swedish classic.
The number of compliments and likes along the way is endless. Sometimes you are just approached about the car. By Saab owners, by young pump attendants who wonder what kind of car it is, but like the classic Saab so much. And so on. That continuation is certainly going well with the Chamottebrun-sprayed quirky car. The 1.5 V4 Super engine is remarkably lively and smooth. The gear ratios of the first three gears are short, and allow for adequate acceleration. But slowly going through the bend in three is also no problem. You can shift (two, three and four) - with the wonderful and truly fuel-saving freewheel engaged and after about ten minutes - without the clutch. And with the steering stick in your hand, you really feel like you are doing well.
Not only the design, but also the sound appeals. Those sultry V4 sounds penetrate deeper than any boxer engine sound, it has something very cozy. At the same time, you hear wonderful rumbles during acceleration, which frame the character of the Saab so beautifully. What also makes me happy is the chassis, which feels very comfortable and indeed dynamically absorbs short bumps. The excellent Saab seats - with working heating on the driver's side (wonderful) - add an extra Swedish Krona to the pocket.
It is striking that it is so agile on the back roads, but that the Saab wants to go straight on at speed during a long turn. The non-powered steering system must then be taken firmly in hand. You have to be prepared for that. At the same time, it is a wonderful car to make short manoeuvres with, it drives easily.
But... then there has to be petrol in it. Very simple. The cables of the coolant temperature gauge and the fuel gauge sometimes dance a little with each other, they sometimes lead a life of their own. Probably And especially the fuel gauge caused me to come to an unwanted standstill after almost three weeks. Against my better judgement I decided to refuel the next day under the motto: it may still take a while. And for a moment I feared that the Saab fun was over. But I actually knew better, because I had also drawn the wrong conclusion that the 1.5 V4 engine was very economical with fuel. Fortunately - after a flawless roadside assistance service and Euro 98 in Grou - the Saab started again. And not even secretly I was very happy that I heard that nice sound again.
I am happy with the Swede built in Uusikaupunki. Very happy. And the parts, the cosmetic aids, the carpet glue and other things are slowly coming my way. I will cover the speaker holes in the back, how, I don't know yet, but I do have some ideas about that. I want to keep this classic for a long time, and after hibernation it will go to Gosliga for a Dinitrol treatment. There is also a nice exercise on the program soon. I know where a scrap-96 is, and there are still many usable parts on it. In this way we are further expanding the more than good basis of my Saab 96, while retaining its character. You can love cars. This is one of them. In fact: I have never been so happy with a car.
To be continued (at length).
Nice !
These Saabs are great fun and easy for most people to maintain and repair themselves.
I would have liked to see a few extra photos, but I'm sure they will come later.
Yesterday I saw a very special Saab Uno 001 sports car with a mid-engine. There is only 1 of it and built by Uno Johansson, whats in a name😉.
There is a very special story behind it and perhaps worth a report.