Faults:

The V4 engine may exhibit a rough idle or timing issues if the carburetor or distributor timing is out of adjustment.

It tends to accumulate rust or sediment in the engine block if the proper antifreeze is not used, causing minor overheating in heavy traffic.

The 4-speed manual transmission suffers from synchronizer wear due to age, making it difficult to engage gears.

Corrosion frequently affects the window frames (front and rear), the cabin floor, the trunk, and the rear suspension mounts.

The front mudguards and wheel arches accumulate mud that accelerates the deterioration of the bodywork if not cleaned regularly.

General Comments:

What a beautiful car! I could have written this at the end of the review, but I decided to start with it; I think it sums up the rest quite well.

This Special version was one of the final iterations of the '96 model, which ceased production in 1980. Fundamentally, it is the same car as the one from the 1960s, but with improved safety features and different seats and dashboard, making it more advanced in that regard.

Driving this beautiful classic is an almost therapeutic pleasure. The 1498 cc V4 Ford Taunus origin engine short-stroke engine (65 DIN hp, high compression) turns smoothly. And when you get into a higher rev range, it enables the SAAB 96 Special to keep up with everyday traffic. The engine is paired with a manual transmission that provides smooth and precise shifts. It accelerates smoothly and handles well on the road.

Driving with the freewheel engaged is a unique experience. The freewheel disengages the engine from the wheels, allowing the car to coast without engine braking.

It has gear lever, which is mounted on the steering column, which is a pleasure to use. It operates smoothly and precisely, and it can be shifted with just the fingertips. The car’s long third gear also means that the driver does not need to shift gears as often as they might in other cars.

Inside, the Saab 96 Special is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for both the driver and passengers. The car’s seats are upholstered in a luxurious fabric that feels soft and comfortable to the touch. The dashboard is simple and uncluttered, with large, easy-to-read gauges and a retro-style radio.

One of the standout features of the Saab 96 Special is its handling. The car is equipped with front-wheel drive, which provides excellent traction and stability on the road.

The car’s suspension and damping are also noteworthy. The Saab 96 Special is comfortable to drive, even on bumpy roads. In turns, the car does understeer slightly and leans a bit, but it also offers excellent course stability, making it a pleasure to drive on the open road.

Ergonomic aspects are well done, and the operation of the car’s levers and buttons is just a bit different from what drivers might be used to. However, the car is easy to get used to, and its unique character is part of its charm.

Overall, the Saab 96 Special is a classic car that offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. Its well-designed interior, sports steering wheel, and comfortable suspension make it a pleasure to drive, while its unique character and excellent operation make it a standout among classic cars. If you’re a fan of classic cars, the Saab 96 Special is definitely worth considering.

I’ve kept it in excellent condition as a second car; even so, it has 90,000 kilometers on the clock and runs like new. A real gem.

Faults:

Left caliper seized, worn out, welded and machined by mechanic.

Replaced master cylinder for clutch.

Replaced coolant hose that was dry rotted.

Low oil pressure on the engine, but drove it that way.

Transmission was going out, probably a bad internal bearing, drove it that way.

General Comments:

Needed a stop gap car when working in the north and did a 2000 km round trip semi weekly commute. This old wreck worked perfectly, reasonable comfortable, good in the snow and the heater worked perfectly.

Was originally a parts car my step dad bought because it had the so called soccer ball alu wheels and an upgraded velvet interior, both that he needed for another restored 96. Drove this car for less than a year, then it was wrecked. Zero oil pressure on the engine even with high weight "high mileage" oil in the end. Drove it locally last weeks, was starting to make the "death rumble", then drove to the wrecking yard.