By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
This week, I’m delighted to profile a rare Swedish classic that is still cruising the roads of Yorkshire.
The car is the Saab 96, often referred to as the ‘bullnose’ and last month I was thrilled to come across a 1964-registered example in historic Saltaire.
Its proud owner is business director, John Shears, who is based in North Yorkshire and has owned the vehicle since 2018.
The Saab 96 saloon was launched in 1960 and was a development of the 93 model. John’s 96 has a two-stroke, three-cylinder engine and three-speed gearbox. The gears are selected using a column change.
In 1965 the engine layout was reconfigured, giving it a longer ‘nose’ and allowing the radiator to be relocated. This later Saab 96 came with disc brakes for the first time. It was also available as an estate version – the 95 – which featured a four-speed gearbox and was available later in the 96.
The compact car was admired for its build quality, something that was also associated with Saab’s aircraft manufacturing heritage. It also had longevity with the last 96 coming off production at the start of 1980, 20 years after it was introduced.
The Saab 96 also had the distinction of being the first Swedish rally car and was driven to racing success by Erik Carlsson. The famous Swede would win the Monte Carlo and RAC rallies between 1960 and 1963.
Speaking to John, I heard about his interest in mid-century car design and his passion for classic motors. In addition, to his Saab 96, he owns several Alfa Romeos including a 1957 Giulietta Sprint Veloce ‘Alleggerita’, 2600 Sprint and Series 2 Spider, Citroens including a DS 21, a pair of 2CVs including a ‘Fourgonette’ 2CV van, several early 1960s Hondas and a selection of rare 1950s scooters.
He is also an experienced restorer and is looking forward to completing the restoration of an Alfa Romeo GTV6 and an engine upgrade on a Fiat 500 for his daughters to drive.
John’s everyday transport is a 2001 Honda Insight ZE1, which was one of the first electric hybrid cars to be introduced in the UK and is now also an emerging classic.
His early Saab ‘bullnose’ is a personal favourite. It was originally bought new in Wales, before subsequent owners in Cornwall and Sussex also improved and enjoyed the car.
John said: “Ever since I started driving at 17 I’ve had an interest in old cars and owned many different ones over the years. Seven years ago, I bought this rare Saab 96.
“Only a few days after picking up the Saab I realised there were cooling issues and had to source and fit a new head gasket. On a later long journey, the clutch mechanism failed, but with all two-stroke Saabs being equipped with freewheel gearbox allowing clutch-less changes, the journey was completed without too much problem.
“The big challenge has been sourcing parts, particularly post-Brexit, as suppliers were initially reluctant to send out parts due to the paperwork required. Thankfully, parts were sourced from the UK, France, Finland and Portugal.
“For a 60-year old car it’s mechanically sound and handles really well. Its 841cc two-stroke engine has a very distinctive sound and often attracts inquisitive looks from other road users.
“The car was restored in the early 1990s and the paintwork is finished in the original dark blue finish. For a small car the boot is a good size. Inside, the dashboard includes original factory-fitted round instruments including an electro-mechanical clock and has wool cloth seats. Following restoration, the then owner drove 2,000 miles to Monte Carlo and back without any problems.
“With very few early 96’s around, my advice is if you see a good example snap it up.”
It was fascinating to hear more about this fine example of Swedish motoring heritage. Many thanks John for sharing your experience with Classic Yorkshire readers.
