1967 SAAB 96 V4 review from UK and Ireland

Clutch failed 5 times in 27 years, but the car can be driven without the clutch due to the freewheel, if you start in first & switch the engine off at lights.

Engine needed rebuilding at 210,000 miles as the oil warning light glowed on tickover.

Cylinder head cracked at 290,000 miles due to overheating, & spare head gaskets are no longer available for early engines, so had to fit a later engine.

Lots of other things went wrong in 27 years ownership, but due to its robust build quality, the car was always worth fixing, especially as I only paid £5 to buy it.

Body rusted in many areas, and I spent roughly £400 on welding repairs each year.

A really brilliant design. Superb steering column gear change combined with freewheel and superb handling to make it one of the most enjoyable drives ever.

The V4 engine has a delightful engine note, sort of a burble that builds to a steady thrum, nice to listen to on a long journey.

On the downside, car was very under geared so was flat out at 85 and drank fuel at 70. Best speed was about 55 when it would do about 35 to the gallon.

Body panels were very thick and strong, so rust took a long time to come through.

Seats fold forward so the car is able to carry long loads & the boot area is huge.