I have always found it sad that Saab is a company that joined the long list of manufacturers that are no longer with us. It produced some of the most interesting and quirky vehicles in automotive history, with many of its models renowned for their longevity. This 1968 Saab 96 Deluxe is a perfect example of that thinking. Its styling is distinctive, and it recently emerged after years in storage. It runs and drives well, ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
Saab introduced the 96 to its model range in 1960, with cars remaining in production for two decades. This 96 Deluxe rolled off the line in 1968, ordered by its first owner in Polar White. The seller confirms it has undergone a repaint, although it still presents well some forty years later, suggesting the work was performed to a high standard. There are minor chips and marks, but the paint retains a healthy shine. The panels are straight, but there is some gap inconsistency that might improve with careful adjustment. Saab designed the 96 for use in adverse weather conditions, focusing heavily on corrosion prevention strategies. Therefore, it is unsurprising that this beauty is rust-free. The trim is in generally good condition for a survivor-grade classic, and there are no significant glass issues.
This Saab’s interior is a mixed bag. The seats wear covers in a combination of White vinyl and Gold cloth, while the remaining upholstered surfaces are finished in Gray and Black vinyl. The carpet is Maroon and Black flecked, with the entire combination making it easy to understand why the seller suggests it would benefit from a retrim. However, it appears serviceable, meaning the buyer could perform the work as time and circumstances allow. The appointments are typical of Saab’s vehicles from this period, with luxury features limited to a very effective heater and a pushbutton radio.
Saab initially offered the 96 with an 841cc three-cylinder two-stroke engine. However, it adopted a more mainstream approach in 1967 when it introduced a 1,498cc V4. Sourced from Ford, it sends 72hp and 87 ft/lbs of torque to the front wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Those figures will never result in exhilarating performance, but with the 96 tipping the scales at a mere 1,951 lbs, the low-end power and torque delivery result in a car that can hold its own in most circumstances. The seller indicates the Saab spent years in dry storage, but they worked through a meticulous revival process to return it to a roadworthy state. It includes rebuilding the front calipers and replacing the rear wheel cylinders. They treated this classic to a new fuel tank, tires, and a clutch. The Swedish survivor runs and drives well, and the new owner will welcome a selection of additional parts included by the seller.
The seller listed this 1968 Saab 96 Deluxe here on Facebook Marketplace in Richland, Washington. Their price of $4,500 makes it undeniably affordable, and the long list of recent work means the new owner can hit the road immediately for their slice of classic motoring fun. It won’t appeal to everyone, but it is worth a closer look if you long to park a genuinely interesting vehicle in your garage.
Very solid cars if rust has not taken hold. That little V4 takes a lot of abuse as it is screaming on the highway. That mentioned heater is almost as large as the engine. 4-on the tree is a real theft deterant now days. Attracts a lot of attention at every stop. I loved mine.
Very good buy. I would rather have had the two cycle motor for the novelty however.
My father had a ’67 3 cylinder and a ’69 four cylinder at the same time. I always wanted to drive the ’69 as it had more power. They lasted a long time! Prior to the first buy, the ’67, he had a ’61 Austin Healy Sprite and then a ’63 MG Midget. So getting a Saab or two was his way of making me save and buy my own little sports car…a ’70 Opel GT! Then a ’70 Dodge Super Bee/383 Magnum. “More Power!”
I bought a 1970 Model 96 that looked exactly like this one. I got it from the original owner around 1996. Both of my teenaged daughters were in high school and they negotiated who’d drive the car and when.
They named the car “Sadie,” which I always thought was a fitting name.
I think I paid $700 for it and sold it for a bit more several years later. I wish I still had her!
love the monti carlo. Would like to get my hands ona bent4. This, the essix, evolved out to a 3.8 (then onto 4.2) that’s in my ’85 fox-bodied ltd wagon. So few makes w/a 4 on the column. More w/a 4 like this tho. We hada SAAB dealier in town. I remember the 2 stroke smoke when they hada few running in the yard. Geographically distant aunt had one (4pot). 2, 3 decades later wife had the James Bond 900turbo model. The streets were her ‘track & raced’ like her 240Z. Easy car to work on but oh, Y the ign key at the right hip? She all ways dumped food’n drink on it…
It’s a shame General Motors had to buy Saab. Because of their overzellisness many brands got the ax. Saab, Hummer, Saturn, Pontiac, Oldsmobile.
Okay, I bought it. Now I have 3. Eek!