Saab 96 Polycarbonate Windows

The Saab 96 wasn’t just another European saloon, it was a true underdog, a car that looked unassuming but proved its worth in the toughest rally conditions imaginable. Built between 1960 and 1980, the Saab 96 took the foundations of its predecessor, the Saab 93, and perfected the formula, creating one of Sweden’s most iconic and longest-running cars.
At first glance, the 96 had a distinctive, aerodynamic design, heavily influenced by Saab’s roots in aerospace engineering. Its teardrop shape, narrow front grille, and sloping rear end weren’t just for style, they helped improve airflow, making the car more efficient and stable at high speeds. The design remained largely unchanged throughout its long production run, proving that Saab had gotten it right from the start.
Under the bonnet, the early models featured a 841cc, three-cylinder two-stroke engine, producing just 38 horsepower. It wasn’t much, but the lightweight body and front-wheel-drive layout made the 96 surprisingly nimble, even in challenging conditions. By 1967, Saab had introduced a more powerful 1.5-litre Ford V4 engine, which gave the car a much-needed boost to 65 horsepower. This might not sound like much today, but in the 1960s, it was enough to turn the 96 into a serious competitor on both road and rally stages.
Speaking of rallying, this is where the Saab 96 truly earned its reputation. With legendary Swedish driver Erik Carlsson behind the wheel, the Saab 96 won some of the most prestigious events in the world, including the Monte Carlo Rally in 1962 and 1963, as well as the RAC Rally in 1960, 1961, and 1962. What made it so effective? Front-wheel drive, lightweight construction, and incredible durability. While other cars struggled for grip, the 96’s narrow tyres and well-balanced chassis allowed it to glide over snow, mud, and gravel with ease.
Another unique feature of the 96 was its freewheel system, originally designed for the two-stroke engine but later carried over to the V4 models. This allowed the car to coast without engine braking, improving fuel efficiency and making it easier to drive in slippery conditions. It was a bit of an acquired taste for some, but for rally drivers, it was a secret weapon that let them carry speed through corners without unsettling the car.
On the road, the Saab 96 was known for being tough, reliable, and charmingly quirky. It had a spacious, well-built interior, with Saab’s usual focus on safety and driver comfort. It might not have had the luxury of some of its European rivals, but it was a car designed to last, and many examples are still running today, a testament to Saab’s engineering.
By the late 1970s, however, the 96 was starting to show its age. Saab had moved on to more modern designs like the 99 and 900, and by 1980, production of the 96 came to an end. But by then, it had left an undeniable mark on automotive history, as a rally legend, as a symbol of Swedish resilience, and as one of the most beloved classic Saabs ever built.
Even today, the Saab 96 has a loyal following, especially among rally enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate its unique character, motorsport heritage, and bulletproof reliability. It may not have been the most powerful car of its time, but it proved that brains, balance, and a bit of Swedish stubbornness could take on the best in the world.