From 1960 to the beginning of 1980, SAAB built more than half a million copies of the 96. Yet there are copies that belong to a very rare series. The Special, released exclusively for the Netherlands in 1979, is such a version. This was released in an edition of 150 pieces in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Dutch SAAB importer. Hofman Classic & Sportscars from Leek got their hands on a copy, and we were there like the chickens to drive the car. An extensive magazine report will follow, but for now we will share the driving impression with you.
You keep looking at this car, which is recognizable out of thousands. That specific design, the countless design details, the aerodynamic shape: a SAAB 96 remains very special. Especially in this trim, the 96 is a rarity. The Special is an enthusiast edition based on the 96 GL V4 Super. In addition, a little connoisseur sees that this SAAB 96 comes from a late series. For example, the frame of the side windows is painted black, and at the bottom of the flanks you can see the continuous black stripe, for example.
Apart from the rarity of this nicely equipped 96 Special (the rear spoiler was an option by the way) and the detail changes of the last years of construction, the SAAB 96 Special naturally has many familiar things on board. They give the SAAB that very specific character that kept it (including the two-stroke era) in the fleet of nations for twenty years. And actually even longer, because basically the SAAB 96 stems from the very first SAAB, the 92.
This special example comes from a private collection and has traveled very few kilometers in recent years. Naturally, the car was subject to maintenance after entering Leek. That is also why you hardly notice the fact that the SAAB has been little used in recent years.
Driving this beautiful classic is an almost therapeutic pleasure. The 1498 cc V4 engine short-stroke engine (68 DIN hp, high compression, double carburetor) turns smoothly. And when you get into a higher rev range, it enables the SAAB 96 Special to keep up with everyday traffic. However, we do not feel the need to mix this beautiful classic with it for a moment. We mainly move the SAAB over leafy inner roads, and that is an extremely relaxing affair with this car.
We drive both with and without engaged freewheel, which is sometimes mistakenly regarded as cruise control. Riding with the freewheel is a special experience, which you will read more about in the magazine in a while. In any case, it is wonderful to operate the gear lever mounted on the steering column, which can almost be done with the fingertips, it works very relaxing. Its operation is precise. Moreover: a lot of switching is possible, but not necessary in all cases, also because of the long third gear.
This classic courtes you in many facets. The seats are great, the correct seating position found in this way is excellent, the sports steering wheel with three spokes is just right. The suspension and damping character is comfortable. Yes, in turns the SAAB is understeered and leans slightly. At the same time, the SAAB offers excellent course stability. The ergonomic aspects in this car are very well done, and get a little extra bitch because the operation of the levers and buttons works just a bit differently than usual. That does not require much getting used to, the fact emphasizes the special character of the SAAB. And speaking of operation: the clutch and the braking system are excellent to dose.
The SAAB 96 was matured in 1979. And that was noticeable in everything during the report we made with number 84 from the rare series. A literally and figuratively special car, a wonderful classic that you don't want to say goodbye to. And about which we will soon tell more, a lot more about in the magazine.
Many thanks to: Hofman Classic & Sportscars
Always a pity that SAAB has been lost and that the lesser VOLVO is nowadays able to maintain itself as a premium in the Chinese car storm.
SAAB was a quirky technical brand with roots in aviation and applied principles based on that science that did not really appeal to the kklojesvol. Unfortunately.
The klootjes people want a middle of the road all the trimmings car with a 7 year warranty, which the neighbors also have, see what's driving on the road now 😉
Volvo is also Chinese these days. Unfortunately.
Great fun car this SAAB, good color too.
Jeroen, man of my heart. Have already had so many arguments about this statement as a diehard European Automotive man to whom I have fortunately owed my income…
Yes these wheels are original. They called these wheels “soccerball wheels.
The plastic front spoiler was also optional and you could even order a plastic louvre for the rear window.
The louvres on the rear window ruin the laminar flow of air. The CW value of .37 therefore no longer applies to this model. Incidentally, the 92, the original model, had a cd value of .30 Even now that is still a nice score!!
This beautiful anniversary is also for sale!
Beautiful!!! This is how you have to draw and make cars. I'm sorry about those wheels. Was that original?
Wasn't this Special also covered in these nice columns some time ago?
Day Niels. No, that was a different copy. We did not drive that either, we only described number 007 at the time. The car had just been sold at the time.
The spoiler belongs on this version!
Lack of knowledge, the spoiler belongs to this version.
Sorry, I understand your lack of knowledge, you can't know everything
Too bad about the rear spoiler, then it would have been completely original, despite that, the spoiler looks better than the chrome handle with a few cheap adhesive strips to close the holes of the spoiler, beautiful Saab
The louvres on the rear window ruin the laminar flow that creates low air resistance much earlier than the spoiler. For this model, the original CW value is -37. The original model, the 92, even without spoiler had a CW value of .30!!!!