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{{Infobox automobile
| name = Saab 96
| image = 1972 Saab 96 V4 1.5.jpg
| caption = 1972 Saab 96 V4
| manufacturer = [[Saab Automobile]]
| production = 1960–1980
| model_years = 
| assembly = {{unbulleted list | Sweden: [[Trollhättan]] ([[Trollhättan Assembly]])|Finland: [[Uusikaupunki]] ([[Valmet Automotive|Saab-Valmet]])|Belgium: [[Antwerp]]}}
| designer = [[Sixten Sason]]
| class = [[Compact car|Compact]]
| body_style = 2-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]]<ref>{{citation | first1 = Michael | last1 = Sedgwick | first2 = Mark | last2 = Gillies | title = A to Z of Cars 1945 to 1970 | publisher = Haymarket Publishing Ltd. | date = 1986 | page = 174 | isbn = 978-1-906133-26-9 }}</ref>
| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Longitudinal front-engine, front-wheel drive]]
| platform = 
| related = [[Saab 95]] <br> [[Saab Granturismo]]
| engine = {{unbulleted list
  | 795 cc ''[[Saab two-stroke|Saab 2-stroke]]'' [[I3 engine|I3]] (US, 1968)
  | 841 cc ''[[Saab two-stroke|Saab 2-stroke]]'' I3
  |1,498 cc ''[[Ford Taunus V4 engine#1.5|Taunus]]'' [[V4 engine|V4]]
  |1,698 cc ''[[Ford Taunus V4 engine#1.7|Taunus]]'' V4
  }}
| transmission = {{unbulleted list |3-speed manual|4-speed manual|3-speed [[Saxomat]]}}
| wheelbase = {{convert|2488|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|4050|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1570|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|1473|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|873|-|950|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
| predecessor = [[Saab 93]]
| successor = [[Saab 99]]
| sp = uk
}}
The '''Saab 96''' is an [[automobile]] manufactured and marketed by [[Sweden|Swedish]] automaker [[Saab Automobile|Saab]] from 1960 to January 1980, replacing the [[Saab 93]]. The 96 featured aerodynamic two-door bodywork, four-passenger seating and at first a two-stroke, three-cylinder engine, later a four-stroke V4.

==Body design==
[[File:SAAB 96 De Luxe 1961.jpg|thumb|1961 Saab 96 De Luxe]]
[[File:1961 Saab 96 rear.jpg|right|thumb|Rear view of a 1961 Saab 96 with sunroof]]
[[File:SAAB 96 Sport.jpg|right|thumb|[[Saab Sport]], a modified version of the Saab 96]]
[[File:SAAB 96 1965.jpg|thumb|1965 Saab 96 with the extended nose that accommodated the radiator being moved forward of the engine.]]

Compared with its predecessor, the [[Saab 93]], the 96 featured greater and more easily accessible storage space and a larger rear window. The front end was lengthened for 1965 models, in preparation for a new engine, and the [[radiator (engine cooling)|radiator]] was placed ahead of the [[engine]], rather than above and behind, a leftover from when earlier models had [[thermosiphon]] cooling.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eDpWAAAAMAAJ&q=thermosyphon+cooling+system+in+saab |title=Road & Track |date=1987 |publisher=Bond Publishing Company |volume=39 |pages=97 |language=en}}</ref> Both front and rear windows were enlarged slightly for 1968 models.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Robson |first=Graham |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vNOwfd8C6-AC&q=window |title=Saab 96 & V4 |date=2010-04-15 |publisher=Veloce Publishing Ltd |isbn=978-1-84584-256-7 |pages=28 |language=en}}</ref>

==Engine==
[[File:79saab96.jpg|thumb|right|1979 Saab 96GL V4 model, celebrating Saab's 25 years in Netherlands.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://amklassiek.nl/en/the-saab-96-special-unique-dutch-jubilee-edition-1979/2019/01/25/ |title=The SAAB 96 &quot;Special&quot;, unique Dutch anniversary edition from 1979 |last=Putten |first=Erik van |date=2019-01-25 |website=Oldtimers in Auto Motor Klassiek |language=en |access-date=2019-11-05}}</ref>]]

The Saab 96 had a [[FF layout#Front-engine longitudinally-mounted / Front-wheel drive|longitudinally mounted engine]] layout. As first designed, it had an 841&nbsp;cc [[engine displacement|displacement]], {{convert|38|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} three-cylinder [[Saab two-stroke]] engine. By 1965 this was increased to {{Convert|40|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}. An optional {{Convert|52|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} version of the engine, with triple [[carburetor]]s and oil injection, was used in the Sport/Monte Carlo models. The additional power was obtained from a modified cylinder head and filled crankshaft counterweights offering higher overall compression ratio. For 1966 models, the standard 96 841&nbsp;cc engine, using pre-mix oil, appeared with a three throat Solex carburetor in which the center carburetor handled start, idle, and low speed functions, increasing the power to {{Convert|42|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The same carburetor had been used in the Sport/Monte Carlo models. A common throttle shaft minimized carburetor synchronization problems.

In 1967, Saab began marketing the 96&nbsp;V4, with the [[Ford Taunus V4 engine]], a [[four stroke cycle|four-stroke]] 1498&nbsp;cc [[V4 engine]], originally developed for the 1962 [[Ford Taunus]] 15M.

Saab's project to source a four-stroke engine was dubbed 'Operation Kajsa'. The two-stroke option was offered until 1968. Four-stroke engines had been tested before — between 1962 and 1964 Kjell Knutsson and Ingvar Andersson under [[Rolf Mellde]] tested three different engines: a 45&nbsp;PS [[Lloyd Arabella]] of 897&nbsp;cc; a 33&nbsp;hp [[BMC A-Series engine|BMC A-Series]] 848-cc engine and a [[Lancia Appia]] engine of 1089cc and 48&nbsp;hp. However Rolf Mellde's view that Saab needed to switch to a four-stroke engine was stopped higher up by CEO [[Tryggve Holm]]. Mellde then went behind the back of Holm and made contact with [[Marc Wallenberg]], son of [[Marcus Wallenberg (1899–1982)|Marcus Wallenberg]], Saab's major stockholder. The coup succeeded and testing could begin. The tested engines were [[Volvo B18 engine|Volvo B18]], [[Ford Taunus V4 engine|Ford V4]], [[Triumph 1300]], [[Lancia V4 engine]], Opel, Volkswagen and [[Hillman Imp]].

The B18 was the most reliable, but the Ford V4 was not far behind and was significantly easier to fit into the engine bay of the 96. The testing was done in secrecy. [[Per Gillbrand]] took a leave of absence and said he was going to run his father's paint shop. In reality he went to [[Desenzano]] in northern Italy with a 96&nbsp;V4 prototype for testing. With five months to go before production only seven persons knew about the new engine. To maintain secrecy they rented a house west of Kristinehamn. To keep purchases of V4 specific parts secret they started a front corporation, ''Maskinverktyg [[Aktiebolag|AB]]'' (meaning ''Machine-Tool Company''). The ordinary purchase department at Saab was oblivious to what was going on, something that caused an incident when Rune Ahlberg cancelled the orders for cables for the two-stroke engine and the purchase department called the supplier and sharply told them to keep their deliveries. In the last week of July, just before the summer holidays, information about the new engine was released to further people and they were informed that full-scale production would start in four weeks. To keep secrecy, 40 of the ordinary staff were told to report to work to fix a problem with the disc brakes. Just prior to the official introduction, a journalist noticed a lorry loaded with 96s with V4 stickers on the front bumpers.<ref>{{cite web |last=Granlund |first=Olle |title=Minnesanteckningar från införandet av fyrtaktsmotorn i Saab 95/96 1966 |trans-title=Notes from the 1966 introduction of the four-stroke engine in the Saab 95/96 |url=http://www.saabveteranernatrollhattan.com/Arkiv/V4-motorn.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=2011-12-01 |publisher=Saabveteranernatrollhattan.com |language=sv |archive-date=2020-01-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104010153/http://www.saabveteranernatrollhattan.com/Arkiv/V4-motorn.htm }}</ref>

The ordinary V4 engines produced between 1967 and 1976 had {{convert|65|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}. Cars from the first year of production had engines with "Ford Motor Company" stampings. For the Swedish 1976 model year, the car - now known as the 96L - had its power reduced to 62&nbsp;PS due to new Swedish emission regulations. However, the 1977-1980 models had {{convert|68|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}},<ref name=grif77>{{cite web |url = http://www.griffinmodels.com/the-saab-way/the-saab-way-1977.html |title = The SAAB Way: 1977 |first = Andrei |last = Iliev |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151012101128/http://www.griffinmodels.com/the-saab-way/the-saab-way-1977.html |archive-date = 2015-10-12 |publisher = Griffin Models |url-status=dead }}</ref> due to a two-stage [[Solex (manufacturer)|Solex]] 32TDID carburetor. These models were badged "V4 super".<ref>[https://griffinmodels.com/the-saab-way/the-saab-way-1978.html The Saab Way], [[Gunnar A. Sjögren]]</ref> The V4 96 managed 0–100&nbsp;km/h in 16 seconds. In August 1975 (called "1975B" in Sweden as the less powerful engine was kept for cars marketed after the beginning of the new year, when the new emissions standards took effect), the car received new impact absorbing bumpers similar to those on the 99 and an altered bottom plate which allowed the rear seat to be moved {{convert|5|cm|in|abbr=on}} further back.<ref name=grif76>{{cite web |url = http://www.griffinmodels.com/the-saab-way/the-saab-way-1976.html |title = The SAAB Way: 1976 |first = Andrei |last = Iliev |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161028195555/http://www.griffinmodels.com/the-saab-way/the-saab-way-1976.html |archive-date = 2016-10-28 |publisher = Griffin Models |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In the US, the two-stroke engine was called the "Shrike" in 1967 and 1968. Its displacement was reduced slightly for 1968, to 795&nbsp;cc, to avoid emission regulations which exempted engines under {{convert|50|CID|cc|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="scimp">{{Cite book |ref = SCimp |title = Standard Catalog of Imported Cars, 1946-1990 |first = James M. |last = Flammang |publisher = Krause Publications, Inc. |location = Iola, WI |page = 559 |date = 1994 |isbn = 0-87341-158-7 }}</ref> The V4s used in US cars had a 1500&nbsp;cc high compression engine with {{convert|73|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="scimp"/> For the 1971 model year it was switched to a 1700&nbsp;cc low compression engine, so as not to lose power while meeting new emissions regulations.<ref name=SCI561>[[#SCimp|Flammang]], p. 561</ref> Stated power dropped to {{convert|65|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} for 1972 as SAE gross figures were abandoned in favor of the lower net ratings. 1973 was the last year that the 96/95 were available in the United States.<ref name=SCI562p>[[#SCimp|Flammang]], pp. 562-563</ref>

===Drive train===
The Saab 96 and its [[station wagon]] sibling, the [[Saab 95]], featured [[Manual transmission#Column-mounted shifter|column mounted transmission levers]]. The [[gearbox]] originally had three gears, the first unsynchronised. Later, a four-speed option, with [[synchromesh]] on first gear, was offered and the three-speed was phased out.

An unusual feature of the Saab drivetrain was a '[[freewheel]]' (overrunning clutch). This allowed the transmission to run faster than the engine, such as when decelerating, or descending a long hill. Although such freewheels had been provided in other cars before as an economy measure, such as some early post-war [[Rover (marque)|Rover]]s and pre-war [[Chrysler]]s, they were required in the Saab because of the limited lubrication in the two-stroke engine. A [[petroil]]-lubricated two-stroke requires lubrication according to its speed, but provides this lubrication according to the amount of its throttle opening. Where the engine operates at high RPM and low throttle (such as when coasting down a long hill), the lubrication provided may be inadequate. With the freewheel, a coasting engine could reduce its speed to idling, thus requiring only the small lubrication available from the closed, coasting, throttle.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vance |first=Bill |date=August 9, 2019 |title=Bill Vance: Offbeat designs set Saab apart |url=https://www.timescolonist.com/driving/bill-vance-offbeat-designs-set-saab-apart-4674852 |access-date=2022-08-01 |website=Victoria Times Colonist |language=en}}</ref> In certain higher-performance models and in later two-stroke models, direct injection of oil into the engine from a separate reservoir allowed lubrication to be a function of engine RPM and rendered mixing of oil with gasoline unnecessary.<ref name=freewheel>
{{Citation
 | last = Markovitch
 | first = Alex
 | title = Small Sporty Sedans
 | publisher = Hearst Magazines
 | newspaper = Popular Mechanics
 | volume = 131
 | number = 1
 | date = January 1969
 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=HNgDAAAAMBAJ&q=saab+freewheeling&pg=PA208
 | issn = 0032-4558
 }}</ref>

Freewheeling was retained in the four-stroke variant, until the end of production and in the [[Saab 99]] with the 1709 cc Triumph engine. A minor drawback to the freewheel, particularly for drivers unfamiliar with the Saab, is that it makes [[engine braking]] unavailable although it could be manually engaged or disengaged by a control in the foot-well. Fixed wheel disengagement, using the foot, could be difficult, as it involved pulling a 'T handle' intended for manual operation.<ref name=freewheel/>

==Suspension==
The front [[Suspension (vehicle)|suspension]] used [[Double wishbone suspension|double wishbones]] and [[coil spring]]s, while the rear suspension was a trailing U-beam axle with coil springs. [[Shock absorber|Telescopic dampers]] were used for all four wheels. Up to model year 1967 models had [[drum brake]]s all around. Starting 1967, with the coming of the V4 engine, models were fitted with front [[disc brake]]s.<ref>[[Gunnar A. Sjögren]], "the SAAB way", 1984, page 35.</ref>

==Saab 96 in rallies==
The Saab 96 was driven most famously by [[Erik Carlsson]], in many international [[Rallying|rallies]]. His most famous successes were first in the 1960, 1961 and 1962 [[RAC Rally|RAC Rallies]] and first in the 1962 and 1963 [[Monte Carlo Rally|Monte Carlo Rallies]]. It was these successive, top-level victories that put the Saab 96 'on the map' and established its reputation for reliability and toughness. Carlsson also competed in the [[East African Safari Rally]], finishing second in 1964. Famous rallying names such as [[Simo Lampinen]], [[Per Eklund]], [[Pat Moss-Carlsson]], [[Tom Trana]], [[Stig Blomqvist]] and [[Carl Orrenius]] have also been connected with the Saab 96.

===WRC victories===

:{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%; "
! No.
! Event
! Season
! Driver
! Co-driver
! Car
|-
| 1
| {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Rally Sweden|23rd International Swedish Rally]]
| [[1972 World Rally Championship season|1972]]
| {{Flagicon|SWE}} [[Stig Blomqvist]]
| {{Flagicon|SWE}} [[Arne Hertz]]
| Saab 96 V4
|-
| 2
| {{Flagicon|Sweden}} [[24th International Swedish Rally]]
| [[1973 World Rally Championship season|1973]]
| {{Flagicon|SWE}} [[Stig Blomqvist]]
| {{Flagicon|SWE}} [[Arne Hertz]]
| Saab 96 V4
|-
| 3
| {{Flagicon|Sweden}} [[Rally Sweden|26th International Swedish Rally]]
| [[1976 World Rally Championship season|1976]]
| {{Flagicon|SWE}} [[Per Eklund]]
| {{Flagicon|SWE}} [[Björn Cederberg]]
| Saab 96 V4
|-
|}

==Land speed record==
On August 16, 2011 a 1966 Saab 96 driven by Alex LaFortune set a new speed record at the [[Bonneville Salt Flats]] for stock body production cars with 750&nbsp;cc engines at 110.113 MPH.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wakelin|first=Nicole|date=September 6, 2015|title=The 20-Year Run of the Adorable-Yet-Venerable Saab 96|url=https://autos.yahoo.com/news/20-run-adorable-yet-venerable-saab-96-123012185.html|access-date=2020-08-17|website=BoldRide|language=en|archive-date=2021-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331141021/https://autos.yahoo.com/news/20-run-adorable-yet-venerable-saab-96-123012185.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Production numbers==
The last production date for the Saab 96 was January 11, 1980 ([[VIN]] 96806002814), the last VIN (96806002820) was produced on January 3, 1980.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.saabhistory.com/2008/11/26/the-saab-96-1960-1980/|title=The SAAB 96 : 1960 – 1980 {{!}} Saab History}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Ref not in link given.</ref> These cars were built by [[Valmet Automotive]] in [[Uusikaupunki]], [[Finland]].

The Saab 96 was succeeded by the [[Saab 99]], introduced in 1967,<ref name="media.gm.com">{{cite web |url=http://media.gm.com/intl/saab/en/company/c_history/1964-1969.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20060505205542/http://media.gm.com/intl/saab/en/company/c_history/1964-1969.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2006-05-05 |title=SAAB History|access-date=2008-01-16|work=media.gm.com}}</ref> and subsequently by the [[Saab 900]], introduced in 1978.<ref name="AR83">{{cite book |title = Automobil Revue '83 |editor-last = Büschi |editor-first = Hans-Ulrich |publisher = Hallwag, AG |language = de, fr |page = 489 |location = Berne, Switzerland |volume = 78 |date = March 10, 1983 |isbn = 3-444-06065-3 }}</ref> A total of 547,221 were made. Its place at the Uusikaupunki plant was taken over by the similar sized [[Talbot Horizon]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rootes-chrysler.co.uk/car-development/dev-horizon.html |title=dev-horizon |publisher=rootes-chrysler.co.uk |access-date=2011-12-01 |archive-date=2016-03-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303180804/http://www.rootes-chrysler.co.uk/car-development/dev-horizon.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Postage stamps==
The Saab 96 features on several [[postage stamp]]s. A Monte-Carlo Rally Saab 96, driven by Erik Carlsson, appears on a [[Sweden|Swedish]] stamp.

==See also==
*[[Saab 60]]
*[[Saab 98]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book
 | last = Robson
 | first = Graham
 | title = Saab 96 &, V4
 | publisher = Veloce Publishing Ltd
 | series = Rally Giants
 | date = 2010
 | pages = 128
 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=vNOwfd8C6-AC&q=Saab+%22free+wheel%22&pg=PA7
 | isbn = 9781845842567 }}

==External links==
{{commons category|Saab 96}}
* [http://www.saabmuseum.com/96/ Saabmuseum.com]

{{Saab early timeline}}

{{Saab Automobile}}

[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Saab vehicles|96]]
[[Category:Compact cars]]
[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:1970s cars]]
[[Category:1980s cars]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1960]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1980]]
[[Category:Cars of Belgium]]
[[Category:Cars of Finland]]