SaabTrader - The History of Saab

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History of Saab

Letters to the Editor

Introduction to Car Sales
900 Classic
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9-5
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Tips on Buying a New Saab

T16s Convertible

Hirsch 9-5 Troll

2.0 Litre SE 9-3 Convertible

New 9-3 Sport Saloon!

9-5 Aero Saloon!

Model Years 1967 to 1978
The Saab 95 took on a new four-stoke four-cylinder engine in August 1966 for the 1967 model year. Although it did not succeed the two-stroke unit immediately, the V4 was an instant success.
The new power plant had originally been developed for their "Cardinal Project" which had culminated in the Ford Taunus 12M, a 1962 front-wheel drive car.
The Ford 1,498cc V4 engine delivered 65hp at 4,700rpm and saw 100kph from rest in just 16 seconds. The unit was capable of 155kph although Saab factory technicians recommended a maximum cruising speed of 140kph. Saab retained the two-stroke engine for a little longer in the belief that real driving enthusiasts and Saab purists would still demand it. During 1967, total car sales in Sweden had fallen by 9.9%, but the popular 96V4 increased it sales by 41.5% on the previous year.

Model Years 1967 to 1980
The Saab 96 took on a new four-stoke four-cylinder engine in August 1966 for the 1967 model year. Although it did not succeed the two-stroke unit immediately, the V4 was an instant success.
The new power plant had originally been developed for their "Cardinal Project" which had culminated in the Ford Taunus 12M, a 1962 front-wheel drive car.

96 V4 engined "longnose"

The Ford 1,498cc V4 engine delivered 65hp at 4,700rpm and saw 100kph from rest in just 16 seconds. The unit was capable of 155kph although Saab factory technicians recommended a maximum cruising speed of 140kph.
Saab retained the two-stroke engine for a little longer in the belief that real driving enthusiasts and Saab purists would still demand it. During 1967, total car sales in Sweden had fallen by 9.9%, but the popular 96V4 increased it sales by 41.5% on the previous year.

The last 96V4 ever made

Model Year 1966
The change from a three cylinder two-stroke to a V4 engine provided no significant problems. There was adequate space in the engine compartment to accommodate such a change - but the forthcoming Saab 99 proved a little more problematic.
In order to road test the new chassis and engine Saab's solution was to construct a special 96 body that was widened by 20cm - thereby giving the appearance of a 96 and preserving the secrecy of the forthcoming model.

The Toad with a 96

Many Swedish motorists will have passed The Toad without giving it a second thought, even so Saab conducted most road tests at night just to be on the safe side.
Nevertheless, the Swedish Newspaper Expressen revealed the existence of The Toad. The difference between The Toad and a normal 96, of the same colour, that accompanied it was immediately apparent. The newspaper did not know, however, that there was as many as four Toads being road tested. The only remaining Toad is cared for by the Saab Museum at Trollhättan.

Model Years 1970 to 1974
The Saab Sonett II suffered increasing criticism of its awkward lines by both customers and within Saab itself. After just two years of production Saab contracted the Italian stylist Sergio Coggiola to redesign the Sonett II.
Coggiola had a tough task - forbidden by Saab to redesign the complicated central section - and his designs were subject to a number of amendments by Gunnar A. Sjögren, Saab's own designer.

A 1970 Sonnet III

The Sonett III,the product of this Swedish-Italian cooperation, was unveiled in Spring 1970. Access to the engine of the Sonett III, for service or repair, was by way of a small hatch on the bonnet. Gone was the full tip up bonnet. The boot, however, was now significantly larger with access through the glass tailgate. This was supported by a graphite prop for 1970 to 1973 models being replaced by gas struts for 1974 models.
Tools could be stowed alongside the spare wheel and the battery beneath the plywood subfloor. The seats were made from fibreglass covered with a thin layer of padding. An adjustable lumbar cushion makes these seats suprisingly comfortable.

The last Sonnet III ever made (1974)

Articles In This Section

Introduction - An overview of the history of Saab

Saab 92 - Models from 1950 until 1956

Models from 1953 to 1960

Models from 1958 to 1960

Models from 1959 to 1966

Saab Formula Junior and Catherina

MFI13 and Models from 1966 to 1970

95/96V4 - The Toad - Sonett III

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