Vehicle model: 96
Dinky 156 Saab 96
The Dinky Saab 96
In September 1966, the Mecanno Magazine announced the introduction of a new model numbered 156. The SAAB 96 would replace the Rover 75, which had been in production between 1954-1959. Finished in a vibrant metallic Carmine Red, the 98 mm (3 7/8") long vehicle featured opening doors, windows, suspension, chrome spun hubs, screen wipers and a rear view mirror. Doors, detailed on the inside allowed access to the cabin space, with its steering wheel and forward folding white seating. This seating faithfully reflected the robust seating in the actual car. The model appears to be available only in the metallic Carmine finish. However, rumours of the existence of an extremely rare, blue version persist and are hinted at by some repainted and restored examples. Priced, in the 1969 Dinky catalogue at 7/11, the original cost may have been 6/11. The model was withdrawn in 1971.
The Mecanno magazine article suggested that the model's red colour was typical of the only coloured SAAB 96s that the author had seen on road vehicles. In fact, white was as popular in the production cars and the red colour was linked to Erik Carlsson's Monte Carlo Rallye winning cars from 1962 and 1963, numbered 303 and 283 respectively. Known as 'On the Roof Carlsson' because of the alleged frequency with which his car came to rest in that position, this champion rally driver was born in 1929, at Trollh�tten, in Sweden, near the home of SAAB cars, where he became their chief driver. He married the late Pat Moss, an outstanding rally champion in her own right, not just the sister of racing legend Sir Sterling Moss. Powered by a 941 cc, longitudinally mounted, 3-cylinder, two-stroke engine, the car had an unusual centrifugal clutch and three carburettors - one for each cylinder. SAAB closed their competition department in 1980 and ceased rallying. Sadly, the production of all SAAB cars ended in 2012.Cost 6/11 available in met. red, black finish at 1:41 scale. Dinky in detail...
