Saab 1967

Sweden

96 / 95 (841 cm³, 40 KM) – discontinued
96 / 95 V4 (1,5l. 65 KM)
Sonett II (841 cm³, 60 KM) – discontinued
Sonett V4 (1,5l. 65 KM) – new model
99 (1709 cm³, 80 KM) – new model

Saab '67

Spośród 45 tys. wyprodukowanych w tym roku samochodów, tylko 5 tys. miało silniki dwusuwowe. Powstało 258 egzemplarzy modelu Sonet z silnikami dwusuwowymi.
Całkowicie nowy model 99 został zaprezentowany 22 listopada. Silnik został opracowany przez angielskiego Triumpha. Samochód jest niezwykle bezpieczny. Zastosowano hamulce tarczowe przy wszystkich kołach z dwuobwodowym układem uruchamiającym, kolumnę kierownicy z podwójnym przegubem. Nadwozie ma strefy kontrolowanego zgniotu.

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 major change to the Saab 96 and 95 is the introduction of the Ford V4 engine and with this came improvements to the alternator, a higher capacity battery and a more powerful starter motor. Three point seat belts were introduced and disc brakes are now standard on front wheels except for the lowest cost US model. Hussar Blue and Silversand were added to the colour options that include Polar White, Toreador Red, Dark Grey and Olive Green. Saab retained the two-stroke engine for a little longer in the belief that real driving enthusiasts and Saab purists would still demand it but only 5,000 out of 45,000 cars produced had those engines mounted this year.

During the 1967 model year a V4 engine was introduced in the Sonett necessitating a redesign of the bonett to accommodate it. The designation was changed to Sonett V4. There are now rubber bumper overriders fitted front and rear and the interior and instrument panel have been redesigned. The interior has mahogany effect plywood. There is no glovebox but there is a recess to fit a radio. 1967 models are given a new grille with the air intake covered by horizontal bars. The bonnet carry the Saab name and aeroplane logo but, unusually, the model's designation do not appear anywhere on the exterior. Ventilation have been much improved with an air intake in front of the windscreen and extration by means of outlets, dubbed "elephant ears" behind the doors. The chromium plated bonnet locks, similar to those used on the Triumph Spitfire, were replaced with rubber ones similar to the type used on competition cars.
The Sonett II (two-stroke) needed plenty of gear changes to make effective progress, the V4 didn't and despite its extra power it is less sporty. Both cars took around 12.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. Except for two air filters placed in a rear and harder valve springs, the V4 engine in the Sonett is identical to that used in the 95V4/96V4 models. Later models get the glovebox.

The work on the "Gudmund" Project began on 2 April 1964. Saab was looking for developer of the new engine for its new model. Negotiations with British Triumph began in 1963 but it was not until 18 February 1965 that a contract was signed deliver 1.5 litre, later 1.7 litre engines. For the purposes of testing Saab 96 body was widened by 20cm and mounted on the floorpan of the forthcoming Saab 99. Four of these test cars, known within Saab as "Toads" were built. The Saab 99 was revealed to the press and public on 22 November 1967. Among other things it feature disc brakes all around, a double-jointed steering column of safety type, a safety body with crumple zones at front and rear and the starter switch on the floor between the front seats.

96 and 95

R3 cyl., 841 cm³, 40 KM
V4 cyl., 1498 cm³, 65 KM
 

Saab 96

Saab 96 V4

Saab 95

Sonett II

R3 cyl., 841 cm³, 60 KM
V4 cyl., 1,5l. 65 KM
 

Saab Sonet. Przy samochodzie stoi Eric Carlsson.

99

R4 cyl., 1709 cm³, 80 KM
 

Saab 99