SAAB 96 V4 1967 with original sunroof, one of 122 built.

The Saab 96 model year 1967 with its V4 four stroke Ford engine is a result of an engineering coup. Today the the three cylinder two stroke 841cc engine is by many thought of as being a very charming little engine, but by the mid 1960:ies most new car buyers considered it to be completely out of date. It was low on power, required additional oil and was "smoky", especially at cold starts.

In spite of declining sales, Saab car division manager did not approve any four stroke project.

Head of powertrain engineering then started a secret development by adapting the Saab 96 for the Ford V4 "Cologne" engine that was used in the Taunus and other Fords.
In the summer of 1966, after just a little more than half a year of secret work, the new Saab 96 V4 was launched. This increased sales of the Saab 96 a lot!

In an interview with Gunnar Ljungström (head of technical development of Saab cars from 1945 to 1969) many years after his retirement, he was asked when he felt pleased or satisfied with the development of the Saab cars. He replied; "- That was when the V4 was introduced."

The car featured here has the optional sun roof and is one of 122 Saab 96 V4 made with this option. 1967 was the last model year with the low wind- and rear screens. For model year 1968 the sun roof was discontinued.

The combination of V4 and sun roof is very rare, is there any other car in existence? Please write in the comments if some one knows the existence of any other car like this. (There are a few two strokes around with the sun roof option.)