Offered here on craigslist in North Bend, Washington, this Saab 96 V4 comes with a clear title and a seller open to offers. A quirky classic with rallying roots, the 96 V4 was introduced in 1967 and quickly became known for its durability, unique looks, and unusual drivetrain features. This particular example last ran in 2010 and has since been stored outdoors, but the seller notes the interior pieces were removed and stored indoors, preserving them in solid condition. For Saab fans, it represents either a restorable project or a valuable parts donor, depending on your ambition. Thanks for the tip Curvette!
The 96 V4 was powered by a Ford-sourced Taunus V4 engine, paired with a four-speed column shift transmission and Saab’s trademark freewheel function, which allowed coasting without engine braking. This quirky feature was beloved by some drivers and puzzling to others, but it was part of the car’s charm. When parked, the seller reports the engine ran well and the cooling system functioned properly.
This example is missing its installed interior, but the seats, door panels, dash, and trim have all been stored indoors to protect them from the elements. The seller mentions that the door cards, gauges, and vintage steering wheel remain in excellent condition. Body panels, glass, trim, and the classic early-style grille are also intact and presentable.
Later Saab 96s received disc brakes and a slightly larger V4 engine, but they also adopted more plastic-heavy interiors and a grille design some enthusiasts find less appealing. This car retains the earlier style that many purists prefer.
The seller originally intended to restore this car, swapping in earlier-style interior parts and possibly even converting it to electric power, but a new electric boat motor business took precedence. Instead, the Saab is being sold as a complete package, including a period Chilton’s repair and tune-up book with a section on competition tuning.
For someone with a soft spot for these unusual Swedish machines, this project has strong potential. Whether you restore it, convert it, or use it to keep another 96 alive, this quirky V4 deserves a second chance.
Would you bring this Saab 96 back to its rally-inspired roots, or take the seller’s original vision further with an electric conversion?
Well, I’ll tell ya’, for $300 there can’t be too many people that want to use this as a parts car. Only 2 days, I bet someone will take this . The parts alone are well worth it, but to attempt any restoration would be foolhardy. “Saabworld” claims parts are available, but even they say be prepared for the worst. I think time has passed the poor Saab 96 by. A shame, they were great cars,,,Born from Jets,,,you know,,remember, just because it last ran in 2010, doesn’t mean it ran well, and something sidelined it.
I acknowledge that Saabs have come a long way since the 60s, but when I think of Saabs, I think of my chemistry teacher who had one. She had one that had a similar shape as this one, but it had a 2 cycle 2-cylinder engine. She ran the crap out of that thing and loved when you could hear the “Ring Ding Ding” when she decelerated. To me it was a comical car but then again, some people loved them.
My third grade art teacher in the early 1960s also drove a Saab. Hers was probably a later model ’cause it had the two cycle three cylinder engine.
Probably 3-cylinder.
Needs everything redone but I don’t know if you could redo it and stay below what it’s worth when done even getting it basically for free at $300.
Gasser/Street Freak…..
“Instead, the Saab is being sold as a complete package, including a period Chilton’s repair and tune-up book with a section on competition tuning.”
Well then- Having the Chilton’s publication, especially with the section on competition tuning, should make this purchase a no-brainer.
The moss growing on this Saab, adds a certain elan to the presentation. It says, “I care.”
I am left wondering if the rock was tossed through the windshield before or after it was parked,
Now that’s a Saab story.
My dad’s draftsman had a 2 stroke Saab, a Messerschmidt and a VW bus-the trifecta of a young boys heart before (Mustangs and Camaros). We had a v4 Saab 96 for a few years. It was an awesome car! The Saabs were the best at ice racing is our area, Augusta Maine mid 60’s
That Saab is a basket case. But I wanna know more about that Series II or III Land Rover in the background.
“Ran when parked” suggests that it may have the usual bad tranny bearings. Been there, times 2.
I really loved that 96 though, despite a couple trans swaps, sold it in CT in the early 70s before relocating to the West/Left Coast but I still have, kept the factory service manual over 50+ years. Maybe a 95 will suddenly show up locally and tempt me…
My feelings exactly Dude. Transmission bearings. That said, it’s a smoken hot deal for a parts car.
I have put in a request for my tombstone to read “Ran When Parked” or a rowing term used to describe oar placement- “Squared and Buried” The Duchess said she would be happy to oblige.
Ad was pulled! So, what was the price?