1972 Saab 96 V4
£11,750
Saab 96 V4
2-Door Saloon | 1972 | 1,498cc V4 | 4-Speed Manual | California Burgundy Red with Red Interior | Very Original Car with History
Equipment:
1,498cc V4 four-stroke engine with 4spd full-synchromesh manual transmission. Column shift. Optional free-wheel. Cabin heater. Folding rear seat. Front seat belts. Auxiliary driving lamps. Radial tyres. Registered 13th October 1972.
Description:
The 1972 Saab 96 was one of the final evolutions of a model that had been in production since 1960, reflecting Saab’s roots in aviation-inspired engineering and practical Scandinavian design. Originally launched with a two-stroke engine, the Saab 96 transitioned in 1967 to a more conventional Ford-supplied V4 engine, which was used in more or less the same format until end of production. By this time, the car had earned a reputation for durability and strong rally performance, particularly in events like the Monte Carlo Rally during the 1960s. The model featured incremental improvements in safety, comfort, and reliability, maintaining its distinctive rounded shape and front-wheel-drive layout. As production neared its end by 1980, the Saab 96 remained a symbol of quirky innovation and resilience in an increasingly competitive automotive market.
Originally sold by the local Salop Saab dealer, Westbury Garage, by proprietor Mr John Edwards in October 1972, it went to it’s first owner near to us in Church Stretton. It was treasured all the way through until 1992 when he sold it on to another owner in Shropshire. It then went on to owners in London and Norfolk, who also carried on looking after and maintaining it well. It ended up being spotted by chance at a car auction in Chippenham by the son of John Edwards, who had sold it all those years earlier. Once the car had been secured, it was brought back to Westbury Garage and displayed in the showroom where it received lots of attention from various people including national level press who picked up the story! Lots of paperwork is with the car, including the original sales envelope filled out at the garage by the owner’s nan who helped out with admin from time to time! There are also original manuals and service books and lots of receipts/old MoTs.
Jumping into this very quirky car, the V4 engine starts easily with its automatic choke working correctly. Once warmed up after a few seconds, the choke clicks off and the engine settles into a smooth rhythm, ready to roll… Out on the road, it pulls very well indeed, and once the column gear change has been mastered you can make very swift progress – The direct steering and strong brakes makes you realise how these became popular for rallying!
The bodywork has a lovely aged patina to it but shines up well, with only a few marks and scratches here and there. It is certainly not a concours car, but more of a rare time-aged survivor that will draw attention at shows! The interior is in good order with only the front seats having been reupholstered using the correct materials – There is some extra material with the car if you wish to get the rear seat done to match. All the electricals and controls work, and is actually a pleasant place to be. Underneath, there is the odd bit of surface rust showing in places but has been kept rot free thanks to past-undersealing efforts… There are no nasty welding jobs present!
All in all, this is a great useable classic which is quite different to the rest! There are plenty of quirky ‘Saab’ features that you don’t see on other classics. Perfect for taking to local shows, popping to the shops, or even driving further afield, if it sounds like your thing get in touch to arrange a viewing! The odometer reads 00037 (100,037 miles, backed up by MoTs, although we cannot verify this), and the car comes with an MoT until 22nd September ‘26 although is tax and MoT exempt.
Price: £11,750
Please note, this vehicle sold on a behalf of a client, therefore we are unable to offer a warranty on this vehicle.