
Model Years 1967 to 1980
(See also 96 1960 to 1966)
96
V4 engined "longnose"
|
The
Saab 96 took on a new four-stoke four-cylinder engine in August 1966
for the 1967 model year. Although it did not suceed 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
last 96V4 ever made |
The
Ford 1,498cc V4 engine delivered 65hp aat 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
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