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Saab 96V4. 1967 | 1968 | 1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 Model
Year 1974 Chassis No.s: The major visible change for 1974 was the two piece plastic grille that replaced the six piece chrome affair. The safety innovations of the year were the radial tyres now fitted as standard and the new reel-type seatbelts, fitted as standard to Scandinavian market cars, with a reminder lamp on the dashboard. 1974 colours were Sunset Orange, Sienna Brown, Toreador Red, Polar White, Lion Yellow, Carolina Blue and Verona Green. 1967 | 1968 | 1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 Model
Year 1975 The emphasis on safety continued with rear reel-type seat belts being fitted as standard to the rear seats for some markets. The V4 now had a strengthened gearbox and the obvious external changes were the black windscreen wipers and window surrounds. The Silver Jubille model, finished in Silver Metallic, was presented in the Spring. The colour range was renewed during the year with Emerald Green, Coral White and Solar Red replacing Verona Green, Polar White and Toreador Red. A special model fitted with a 1700 V4 engine, alloy wheels, tachometer and leather steering wheel appeared on the Swedish market in August 1975 with the model year designation 1975B. 1967 | 1968 | 1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 Model
Year 1976 Chassis No.s Now standard on V4 models was the impact absorbing bumper already fitted to the Saab 99 and Sonett III. These would withstand a collision of up to 8kph (5mph) and resume their original shape. A floorpan redesign gave an extra 5cm of legroom to rear seat passengers and, on the 95V4, the the rear bench seat (that seated occupants six and seven) gave way to the relocation of the spare wheel. On the safety front, daytime running lights (DRLs) were standard for Swedish models and the engine output was decreased from 65hp to 62hp to satisfy Swedish exhaust emission regulations. The engine remained unchanged for other markets. The Saab 96 was now designated 96L. It was possible to purchase a V4 finished in Topaz Yellow, Carolina Blue, Opal Green, Coral White, Sienna Brown or Solar Red. 1967 | 1968 | 1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 Model
Year 1977 Despite the fact that the Saab 95V4 and 96V4 models had now been discontinued on some markets, the improvements continued. Saab 99 style front seats, which included head-restraints now became standard on the 96V4 but not on the 95V4 which did acquire the heated rear screen. A new twin-choke carburettor raised power to 68hp and earned the model year designation 1977B. The same carburettor cut fuel consumption by 5-7%. Exterior changes included black wing mirrors now with increased glass area. Additions to the colour range were Astral Blue and Antelope Brown. Exsiting colours were Opal Green, Coral White, Carolina Blue and Solar Red. 1967 | 1968 | 1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 Model
Year 1978 Chassis No.s: The 1978 model year was immediately recognisable by its enlarged sidelight/indicator light clusters on the front wings, and in the case of the 96V4 by the enlarged rear light clusters that now incorporated the reversing lights. The 96V4 also sported a new rubber boot handle and spoiler, the V4 Super emblem denoted the 68hp engine. The 95V4 now had Saab 99 style front seats with integrated head restraints in what was to be the final year of production for this popular station wagon. Production ended on 23 February 1978 with Saab manufacturing some 110,527 units since its introduction in 1959. Jade Green and Laguna Blue substituted Opal Green and Astral Blue. The Saab 96V4 was now available in Cardinal Red metallic. 1967 | 1968 | 1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 Model
Year 1979 Chassis No.s By 1979 all production of the Saab 96V4 had moved to Finland. The 96V4 was now produced with black window surrounds. The colour range was Alabaster Yellow, Chamotte Brown, Midnight Blue, Solar Red and Marble White. 1967 | 1968 | 1969 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 Model
Year 1980 Chassis No.s
An era in Saab automotive history came to an end on 8th January 1980 when the last Saab 96V4 rolled off the production line in Finland. It was twenty years since the first 96 was built and some thirty years since the introduction of its predecessors the 92 and 93 models. Of the final model year production just 967 units were registered in Sweden. The last 300 cars to be produced were finished in Aquamarine Blue metallic and had uprated equipment including alloy wheels and a plush upholstery interior. The last 96V4 off the production line was driven by rally legend Erik Carlsson from Finland direct to the Saab Museum at Trollhättan where it is on display today. |
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