1971 Saab 95 – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
In 1971, the Saab 95 offered seven-seat practicality in a body shape that still traced its origins to the late 1950s. With front-wheel drive and a compact V4 engine, it stood apart from most European estate cars of its time. The Saab 95 combined unconventional engineering with everyday utility.
Technical Details
The 1971 Saab 95 was powered by a 1,498 cc Ford-sourced V4 engine, introduced to replace the earlier two-stroke three-cylinder units used in early Saab models. The V4 produced approximately 65 horsepower (DIN), depending on specification. This water-cooled engine improved torque delivery and drivability compared with the outgoing two-stroke design.
Power was transmitted to the front wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox. A freewheel device was integrated into the transmission, a feature retained from Saab’s two-stroke era. The freewheel mechanism allowed the car to coast without engine braking when the throttle was lifted, reducing drivetrain stress and improving longevity.
The Saab 95 featured independent front suspension with double wishbones and coil springs, while the rear used a rigid axle with coil springs and trailing arms. Braking was handled by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The car’s front-wheel-drive layout contributed to stable handling characteristics, particularly in winter conditions — a key consideration for Saab’s Scandinavian market.
- Manufacturer: Saab Automobile
- Model Name: Saab 95
- Year of Manufacturing: 1959–1978
Design
The Saab 95 shared its basic body structure with the Saab 96, featuring a rounded roofline and compact dimensions. As an estate (station wagon) version, the 95 extended the roof and rear section to create additional cargo space. The design retained a distinctive upright rear profile with a top-hinged tailgate.
One of the most unusual features of the Saab 95 was its optional third-row seating arrangement. Two small, rear-facing foldable seats in the cargo area allowed the car to carry up to seven occupants — a rare configuration for a compact European car in the early 1970s.
The front fascia featured a simple grille and round headlamps, reflecting Saab’s functional design language. Inside, the dashboard was driver-focused, with clear instrumentation and practical materials. Large glass areas contributed to good visibility, reinforcing the car’s utilitarian character.
Historical Significance
The Saab 95 played a crucial role in Saab’s expansion beyond Sweden. Initially introduced with a two-stroke engine, it transitioned to the Ford V4 in 1967 to meet evolving market expectations and emissions standards. By 1971, the V4-powered 95 had become a mature and established product within Saab’s lineup.
The model reinforced Saab’s reputation for front-wheel-drive engineering and winter capability. It also demonstrated the brand’s willingness to maintain distinctive design solutions rather than follow mainstream automotive trends. While production volumes were modest compared with larger manufacturers, the Saab 95 developed a loyal following in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, and other export markets.
Production continued until 1978, long after the original body design was introduced, reflecting the model’s durability and steady demand.
Quirks and Pop Culture
The freewheel transmission feature is one of the Saab 95’s defining quirks. Originally designed to protect two-stroke engines from oil starvation during deceleration, it remained part of the V4 models and became characteristic of Saab driving behavior.
The rear-facing third-row seats also contributed to the car’s distinctive identity. Children seated in the back could look out of the rear window, a novelty that became a memorable aspect for many owners.
In enthusiast circles, the Saab 95 is valued for its unconventional engineering and long production run. Its combination of compact size, seven-seat capability, and front-wheel drive makes it a unique entry in the history of European estate cars.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at Motorworld Classics Bodensee in 2022. This event, held in Friedrichshafen, is a popular gathering for classic car enthusiasts in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The 2022 edition featured over 800 exhibitors spread across multiple halls and open-air spaces, offering a vibrant mix of vintage automobiles, motorcycles, boats, and aircraft. Visitors could explore restoration workshops, parts markets, and club presentations. A key highlight was the live vehicle auctions and dynamic driving demonstrations on the event grounds. The show reaffirmed its reputation as a hands-on celebration of classic mobility culture.
Conclusion
The 1971 Saab 95 represents a practical yet technically unconventional estate car from Saab Automobile. Powered by a 1.5-litre V4 engine and equipped with front-wheel drive and a freewheel transmission, it combined winter capability with compact versatility. Its extended roofline, optional rear-facing third-row seats, and long production life underline its distinctive role in Saab’s history. As part of the brand’s early post-war evolution, the Saab 95 remains a notable example of Scandinavian automotive engineering.
