A fascination born in uniform
For Kees van der Made (77) from Breda, the Saab 96 is not just another quirky Scandinavian classic. It’s an obsession — one that began more than half a century ago and has followed him through military service, fatherhood, and now into his late seventies.
It all started in the late 1960s, when Kees was stationed at the Willem II barracks in Tilburg. On the parking lot, he spotted a car unlike anything else he had seen.
“I saw this strange, beautiful car parked there,” he recalls. “I didn’t even know what it was. It stood out — low, sleek, and completely different. Later I learned it was a Saab 92.”
The shape, the uniqueness, the almost aircraft-like profile stayed with him. When the Saab 96 succeeded it, he knew one day he would have to own one.
Chasing the final edition
Back then, the Saab was far out of reach. Kees started modestly with a Fiat 600 from his father, followed by a Volkswagen Beetle and two Citroën 2CVs — or “Eenden,” as he fondly calls them. His wife drove a Renault 4. “All character cars,” he says with a grin. “Never anything boring. Never anything forgettable.”
By 1974, Kees finally stepped into Saab ownership with a second-hand car, which hooked him instantly. A year later, he upgraded to a brand-new one.
Then came the news that Saab would discontinue the 96. For Kees, it was now or never. “I wanted one of the very last,” he explains. “A true final edition.”
After a determined search, he found his prize in Oisterwijk — a 1979 Saab 96. He traded in his current Saab, signed the papers, and drove home with a piece of Trollhättan history.
A driving experience from another era
Climbing behind the wheel of the 1979 Saab 96 today is like traveling back in time.
“No power steering. No air conditioning. No electronic aids of any kind,” Kees explains. “It’s stiff, spartan, almost raw. But that’s what makes it fun. Every drive is an event. You’re connected — to the road, the engine, the car itself.”
It’s not his daily driver. “Sometimes I’m honestly relieved when I park it back in the garage,” he admits. “But the second I turn the key and hear that V4 come alive? Pure joy.”
Three restorations — and a wedding that almost was
This Saab has not had an easy life. Kees has restored it three times, with the latest effort being the most ambitious.
The push came from family. His younger son, Martijn, was preparing to get married and asked if the Saab could be the wedding car. That request reignited the project.
Kees brought the car to Peter Mink, a legendary Saab mechanic in the Netherlands — and, by coincidence, a former employee of the very dealership where Kees had once bought his first Saab.
At first it seemed like a simple gearbox problem. But Mink called a few days later with blunt advice:
“It’s in such bad shape… it deserves a full restoration.”
So began a year-long revival. Rust, suspension, electrics, interior trim — nearly every component was stripped, repaired, or replaced.
“It became a money pit,” Kees laughs. “And no, I won’t say how much it cost. Once you start, you can’t stop. Every repair reveals two more. You’re already too deep.”
Too late for one wedding – perfect for another
The Saab wasn’t finished in time for Martijn’s big day. Instead, he and his bride drove off in a cheerful yellow Citroën 2CV.
But destiny offered a second chance. Years later, Kees’ eldest son — also named Kees — finally decided to marry after a long relationship. This time, the Saab was ready.
“So it finally became the wedding car,” the elder Kees says with pride. “Just not for the son we first planned.”
Specifications: 1979 Saab 96
- Year: 1979
- Model: Saab 96
- Engine: 1.8L inline-4 with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Fuel: Petrol
- Status: Fully restored, road-legal, and cherished
More than steel and bolts
The story of Kees and his Saab 96 is not simply about mechanical restoration. It’s about the persistence of passion, the passing of time, and how a car can become woven into the fabric of a family.
In an era dominated by electric SUVs and autonomous tech, this 1979 Saab 96 stands defiantly as a reminder of when cars were tactile, mechanical, and emotional.
“I’m glad I ignored the advice to just sell it,” Kees reflects. “Because now, it’s not just a classic. It’s part of our family history.”
For readers curious about the original Dutch reporting, you can read the feature in BN DeStem.
Please correct the engine i the specifications:
1.5L V4, Ford cologne with a carburettor.
Both my father and my uncle had a red 96! Later we went on to have a yellow one and a grey jubileum version. Sweet memories.
I don’t think it ever came to the US. Never saw one. Anyone know this question about it’s possible import to the US.
of course the 96 was exported to the US. I owned three (1969, 72, 73). The last year in North America for the Model 96 was 1973; the 99 replaced the 96, starting in 1969, so there were some overlapping years. Saabs had been sold in the US (starting with the Model 92, I believe) since the mid-1950s, so the 95 (wagon version), 96, and then 99, was the progression sion over those years. Commonly seen across Upstate New York and New England, but also sold in lots of other states — especially where there was ice and snow. Wherever a Saab (only) dealer was found, that was where the largest number of cars was to be found.
To Dave Saums>
back in the early 70s I think my father-in-law had one. He was a great mechanic among other more prestigious adventures. He had a hard time getting parts. He had to make some of the parts himself, until he needed a driveshaft, which he couldn’t make. He took a bulldozer, dug a big hole and buried, that two-stroke, saab engine and body in that hole and buried it for a good. Oh well.
en av de sista saab 96. 1979 eller 1980 årsmodell. båda årsmoelllerna ganska lika.
SAAB…my first was a 96 , my second a 99 Gls (108 hp…wow), my third a 900 Gls, my fourth a 9000 Gle and my latest a 9-5
It’s a beauty.
Absolutely lovely car
Mycket fin bil. Extra plus för stänkskydd fram. Det skyddar bilen bra