Why Driving an Old Saab is Cool.

"Berang" (berang) 08/27/2015 at 13:55 • Filed to: vintage cars, saab 96, saab

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Driving a vintage SAAB 96 around Austin, Texas is great. It can also be a chore. But mostly it’s great. Here’s why:

While most people in this yuppie oasis do not care about or like old cars, there is still a large group of people here who love cars, and a smaller particular group that loves old cars. We can loosely categorize these folks as follows:

People who actually remember seeing SAAB 96 and 95 models when they still existed, and who will ask you at every red light if it’s the one with the 2-stroke (it is not, it’s the V4).

People who like cars, but who have no idea what a 96 is, but who know what a Saab is, and thus are astonished to find out that a 96 is a Saab

The 2-stroke question is always interesting. It is the second most common question right after “what year is that?” - but it lets you know that whoever is asking knows a bit about old cars.

Most people don’t know what a 2-stroke engine is, let alone that Saab ever put them in cars before 1968. I imagine that most of these people, after the light turns green, turn around and tell their companions about how their dad or aunt or neighbor or teacher used to have the 2-stroke one and would have to dump oil into the gas tank. And how then they would grab a door handle and shake the whole car up to mix the oil - which presumably was very amusing to the eight year old version of the story teller.

Unfortunately, the V4 is just not as amusing. This might be the only car in history where a V4 engine is not the most interesting engine option. It does however sometimes get a laugh at the auto parts store. A v4? Yes an actual V4. Two banks of 2 cylinders in a 60 degree V.

Next is that group of people who are aware of cars, but not necessarily “car people”. A typical example was a lady on a crosswalk, following some friends - “Oh - it’s a Saab!” I heard her exclaim. It’s an interesting car, but they’ve never seen one before. One of the nice things about a car that most people haven’t seen - but was made by a brand they’re familiar with is even those who are not really into cars can appreciate it. When you’re driving something like a Studebaker, or a Citroën - most people aren’t even aware of the company. So even having come across a cool old car, it remains strangely distant, even vaguely unfathomable to the average person. But when you have something like a Subaru 360, SAAB 96, or say Chevrolet Corvair - even the people who have never seen one before instantly recognize the brand. Maybe they drive a modern descendent - whatever it is even non-car-people seem to be fascinated by unheard of automotive relatives.

When I’ve left the car parked, I’ve also seen people taking pictures, or even posing with the car while a friend snaps a shot on an iphone. Some people really love the thing.

Most people though do not. Some simply don’t care about cars of any sort. Then there are those who just want to speed to the next red light at 20mph over the limit, and the slow old car impedes their ability to needlessly endanger themselves and members of the public. And there are those who look at and then pretend to not have seen the thing, as though they just lifted a sofa cushion and witnessed half of a pizza smooshed into the bottom of it. And people in Teslas (of which there are plenty here) sometimes look as though they’ve seen a giant roach skitter across the road. But that’s ok. Because a few days ago while I was waiting to make a right turn, one of Austin’s finest (a bus driver man) actually slowed down the bus, looked at the car, and gave me a thumbs up. And if the bus driver likes your car, then everybody else who doesn’t is just wrong. Period.

It is weird though. Sometimes it seems like it is the greatest annoyance to be constantly asked “what year?” by strangers (and I can see now why so many people have license plate frames with years on them) and other times it seems weird to be out and nobody asks - why has nobody asked yet??? But most of all it is the personal enjoyment one gets from driving a car they love that matters more than whether or not other people like the car. I enjoy driving the old 96 more than any other aspect of owning it - but it does make me happy when I see somebody else has been happy to see the car.

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Doodles by the Author. I’m an illustrator always looking for paying illustration jobs. I’m also a devout lover of vintage imports and small cars.

For Sweden > Berang 08/27/2015 at 13:59

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#BestOfOppo

CalzoneGolem > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:01

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How often to you wish you had the 2 stroke?

Berang > CalzoneGolem 08/27/2015 at 14:02

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I would love to own one, but it would also mean having an even slower, noisier car.

CalzoneGolem > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:03

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But you could just say, “Yup.” when people asked you if it was the 2 stroke. Think of all the time you’d save!

Berang > CalzoneGolem 08/27/2015 at 14:05

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Well if I wanted to I could say “yup” anyway. ;-)

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:07

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I saw a 96 broken down *on London Bridge* while I was visiting the UK. No, really.

CalzoneGolem > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:07

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You monster! You wouldn’t! Would you?

ttyymmnn > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:08

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There is a lot in north Austin at the corner of Howard Lane and Thermal (not terribly far from house, btw, and just above Nick’s Food Market in the map I linked), that is full of Saabs of all ages and descriptions. There’s a guy there who works on them, and I think he runs a repair shop out of the yard. I drive/bike by there regularly.

I loved the drawings.

and 100 more > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:11

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Is this you??

http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/5184376830…

CalzoneGolem > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 08/27/2015 at 14:11

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Did it fall down?

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > CalzoneGolem 08/27/2015 at 14:13

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Nope. Traffic speeds over the bridge fell, which I guess is something.

For Sweden > CalzoneGolem 08/27/2015 at 14:20

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I see a Seinfeld episode:

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Kramer: Is it the two-stroke?

Jerry: No, but I tell people it is, because they can’t tell the difference!

Kramer: Jerry, you can’t do that! What if you get caught?

Jerry: I won’t get caught, I’m sneakier than you STEALING ALL MY FRUIT!

Kramer: [expressive hand gesture]

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

[Jerry driving Saab, parks on street]

[Stranger stands stands next to pressure-washer on sidewalk]

Stranger: Hey, cool Saab! Is that the two-stroke?

Jerry: Why it is!

Stranger: Oh thank heavens! I just ran out of two-stroke oil for the pressure washer! Can I buy a bottle off you?

Jerry: [awkward silence]

[baseline]

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Kramer: Jerry I told you! You know my friend Bob Scamanto sells bottles of two-stoke oil just for this reason.

Jerry: Kramer why didn’t you tell me?!

Kramer: Well you didn’t ask! [expressive hand gesture]

Patrick George > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:20

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You! I’ve seen your car around! Mrs. PG and I almost chased you down in our Mini Cooper about a month ago. You have a fantastic old Saab. We should hang out sometime.

CalzoneGolem > For Sweden 08/27/2015 at 14:24

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Berang > ttyymmnn 08/27/2015 at 14:27

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Yes I’ve talked with him. He’s very nice and helped me out with replacing a wheel bearing on mine. He has a V4 parts car in his yard. Very cool shop if you like Saabs.

Berang > Patrick George 08/27/2015 at 14:29

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If I saw a mini cooper I would probably stop and talk! I may stop by the VW club’s first thursday meet at Austin Pizza to take some pictures of the beetles. I’ll more than likely drop by in the 96 unless it is broken.

Berang > and 100 more 08/27/2015 at 14:30

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Nope. But I have seen that car. Mine is orange/red.

Berang > For Sweden 08/27/2015 at 14:34

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COTD

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:35

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Certain cars just have that effect on people. I have an old YJ Wrangler and even people who don’t give a rat’s ass about cars will still tell me “Hey, awesome Jeep!”

Sir Halffast > CalzoneGolem 08/27/2015 at 14:38

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No no no. It only falls down for Fairladys, not Saabs.

CalzoneGolem > Sir Halffast 08/27/2015 at 14:39

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Of course!

Sir Halffast > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:39

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And those photos look rough. Like they were taken with a 110 camera in 1984.

ttyymmnn > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:39

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Cool. I figured it was a place that would be known in the Saab community.

and 100 more > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:41

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Well, I’ll keep an eye out for yours!

Gary Yogurt > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:43

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I’m also an illustrator with a Saab 96 obsession. (Currently banned from owning one.)

I like this article.

I’m going to pretend you’re actually x-acto’ing Letratone film onto nib-drawn ink drawings.

<3

BrtStlnd > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:44

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Love the illustrations.

Schnabeltier > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:45

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I desperately want any vintage Saab. I grew up in a Swedish car-only household (dad always had a Saab, mom always had a Volvo). I’d kill for a 99 Turbo, but a 96 would be sweet too.

Skamanda > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:46

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Ever have any repairs you couldn’t/can’t do because you can’t source parts?

Someone Else's Projects > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:46

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Here I was, reminiscing with J-nik contributor Blake Z. Rong about my old 96 , and you up and post this article. Boy do I miss (certain aspects of) that column-shifted runabout.

Berang > Sir Halffast 08/27/2015 at 14:47

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Yeah he brought the car from Colorado and is apparently more or less being forced to sell the car. I could have bought it last year but he didn’t want to budge on the price. Now he’s asking less than I was going to offer, but I don’t have the space or money for it now! Hopefully somebody else will save it.

Hot Takes Salesman > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:47

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Somebody share this to Jalopnik. Preferably Orlove or one of you weird guys

Blake Z. Rong > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:48

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If I hadn’t known yours was red, I could have sworn this was you. Or this .

Spotted around the corner from Josephine House . The lady said it was for sale. HEY BUDDY, WANNA BE SAABROS?

Maxxuman > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:49

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Is it the 2-stroke?

Discerning > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:51

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The older Saabs never really appealed to me. I like the old Volvo 140’s and 164, and adore the 1800, but the other Swedish brand does very little for me.

Berang > Blake Z. Rong 08/27/2015 at 14:51

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I like the roof rack and the older style grille a lot. The more saabs the merrier.

Ted Ladue > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:52

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I’m in the “had an 85 900 SPG which endeared Saabs in my heart” category. Great write up!

deutschophile85 > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:52

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I think the secret might be out. As non-Saab guy, I found out about the 96 from the Fred Armisen episdoe of CICGC: http://comediansincarsgettingcoffee.com/fred-armisen-i…

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Sir Halffast 08/27/2015 at 14:54

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OW. OW OW OW.

Berang > Gary Yogurt 08/27/2015 at 14:54

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Well you can always draw as many 96’s as you want.

dieselectric > For Sweden 08/27/2015 at 14:55

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The second joke is the absolute best. COTD vote here. Though I think youe mean “bassline”, not baseline.

miniman88 > For Sweden 08/27/2015 at 14:55

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Gold JERRY! GOLD!!!!

Owlrich > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:56

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The question is, how old does the Saab you’re driving need to be before this effect manifests? Can I get in on the ground floor by getting a 1999 9-3 for a thousand bucks and watch the daps roll in a decade hence?

Berang > Skamanda 08/27/2015 at 14:56

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Not yet... but sometimes it takes a while to find them. Most parts shops in the U.S. carry hardly anything, even basic stuff like brake pads. However most of that stuff is still available in Europe and if you can wait for the parts to be mailed over it’s no big deal.

miniman88 > For Sweden 08/27/2015 at 14:56

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Jonathan Sulo > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:57

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Oh, yes. I can relate a lot, with my V4. But here in Sweden, from my experience, the first questions is always “is that a 2-stroke?”. And them thumbs up, just about everywhere. :)

Blake Z. Rong > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:57

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It’s the same year as my friend’s, whose Saab I drove back in Boston , years ago. That one also had a V4.

Chariotoflove > Berang 08/27/2015 at 14:59

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Loved the drawings. They made the post.

l75eya > For Sweden 08/27/2015 at 15:00

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def COTD

Doctor-G-and-the-wagen > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:03

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Teehee

Berang > Blake Z. Rong 08/27/2015 at 15:05

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Mine is 1973, but the one in your photo appears to be a 1968 as evidenced by the combination of the old style front end with the (then new) taller windshield. Those older models are nicer handling too as Saab deleted the front anti-sway bar in 1972 to save money.

Berang > Chariotoflove 08/27/2015 at 15:07

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Thank you.

notwhothinkiam > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:07

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There’s a beater 96 wagon that recently showed up in my town. Kind of a loud exaust, lots of authentic patina. There’s just sooooo much want every time I see the little beast burble by.

Britt > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:08

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Spent too many years in my youth working on those monstrosities. Rewiring the dash!!!!! AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGG

Jonathan Sulo > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:09

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You should check out the webshop of Svenska Saabklubben (the Swedish Saab Club). We try to carry just about every spare part for the older Saabs (from Saab 92 and upwards). We also manufacture new (NOS) parts ourselves. You need to be a member to shop there, but we accept international members (we have several US members). The homepage of Svenska Saabklubben is http://saabklubben.se/ and the webshop can be found at https://svenskasaabklubben.nordicshops.com/

fourvalleys > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:10

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Fantastic timing, I just got done re-watching the episode of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee with Fred Armisen and a 1965 Model 96 Monte Carlo 850 (it’s the 2-stroke). It’s the perfectly-paired car for Fred Armisen, and it is decidedly cool.

If nothing else, watch it because it’s two hilarious people in an awesome car. And because Coava makes a mighty fine cup of coffee. Just watch it!

http://comediansincarsgettingcoffee.com/fred-armisen-i…

skeffles > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:13

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How can anyone not love older cars? Particularly SAABs? Those folks are not right in the head.

Berang > BrtStlnd 08/27/2015 at 15:15

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Thank you.

TylerLinner > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:16

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Nice sketches and nice post! I’ve wanted a 96 for years now, but one old car is enough for now. Maybe someday...

defenestrae > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:16

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Driving a vintage SAAB 96 around Austin, Texas is great. It can also be a chore. But mostly it’s great. Here’s why...

And with that, I changed the channel. Fucking hipster scum....

Jonee > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:18

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The attention and questions are definitely part of the fun of having something old and weird. When I’m out in the Le Car and no one gives any funny looks or thumbs up, I get a little miffed. Come on everybody, there’s a 35 year old running French car here. Pay it the attention it deserves.

55_mercury > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:19

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Make sure and wear ironic T-shirts, some sort of mesh hat and grow facial hair to complete the set.

I hoon, therefore I am > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 08/27/2015 at 15:19

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You sure you weren’t in Havasu?

I hoon, therefore I am > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 08/27/2015 at 15:20

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I used to have a Scout II. People said the same to me. -_-

Jason Najm > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:22

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I have wanted a Saab 96 or earlier for a long time. Being 17 kind of means that I can’t really make that happen for insurance and parental reasons. I’m happy with my car, but I might even settle for a Saab 99 EMS. I really want a 95 wagon.

Berang > Jonee 08/27/2015 at 15:23

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Maybe it needs some neon ground lights.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > I hoon, therefore I am 08/27/2015 at 15:26

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It had a race number on it and everything. I figured it was some kind of “driving old rally car around London” type thing or something.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > I hoon, therefore I am 08/27/2015 at 15:26

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Must have been pretty irksome.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Jonee 08/27/2015 at 15:28

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I know I’d lose my shit if I saw a Le Car. I got wound up enough just seeing one in Commando , and at the time that was filmed it was nearly a new car.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:32

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Nailed it. I had a ‘69 Corvair and people either knew what it was or knew Chevrolet but not the Corvair. I even had somebody ask to see the engine, and when I started walking towards the back, they told me I was going the wrong way...apparently they thought it was a Camaro or something. Great read though, I love those little old Saabs.

Berang > Discerning 08/27/2015 at 15:32

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There are a couple of Amazons around town as well as a PV544. I don’t find them as interesting, as machines, although I think they look great.

Snikpoh1390 > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:33

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Saab <3

Berang > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/27/2015 at 15:34

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“...well I thought you might like to see the spare first.”

I hoon, therefore I am > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 08/27/2015 at 15:37

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Only if their eyes glazed over when I said it was an International Harvester.

wiffleballtony > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 08/27/2015 at 15:38

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Pretty sure you were at Tower Bridge. London Bridge is in Arizona.

Jonee > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:40

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Good idea. I’m also thinking of installing whistle exhaust tips.

notwhothinkiam > For Sweden 08/27/2015 at 15:40

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*sniff*... so much Win.

willmederski > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:42

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you live in clarksville?

one parked in a driveway over there. beautiful patina.

but never seen it moving.

Jonee > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 08/27/2015 at 15:42

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I’ll have to watch that again now. Arnold, Rae Dawn Chong, and a Le Car a perfect movie make.

notwhothinkiam > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:43

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Forgot to add... my dad had a ‘67 2 cycle wagon when I was a kid. LOVED that little car and miss it dearly.

notwhothinkiam > Jonee 08/27/2015 at 15:44

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Hated those with a passion when I was young. If I see one now I’ll probably weep tears of joy.

RallyWrench > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:46

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I love your contributions, this is great! I see a guy commuting in a 96 a couple of days a week, it always makes me smile.

notwhothinkiam > fourvalleys 08/27/2015 at 15:46

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My dad’s ‘67 wagon had the Monte Carlo engine. Damn do I miss that car... *sheds a tear*...

Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan' > For Sweden 08/27/2015 at 15:48

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Amazing, thank you.

Berang > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 08/27/2015 at 15:50

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There’s a man in denver who is selling one with the rag top, if you really need one.

Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan' > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:51

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Love the lead illustration.
It has almost a mid-century feel to it with the dark turquise element, and I like the texture, too. I hope it is a texture, and not just my dirty screen, though.

Do you have a blog or a website where I can see more*
I am still attending school of design, but am always a sucker for interesting illustrations.

Sam > skeffles 08/27/2015 at 15:51

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Because they’re in a hurry to get to work, but refuse to actually leave earlier than they do.

Garland - Last Top Comment on Splinter > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:52

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Mine’s much newer, but I know the feeling. Don’t have to worry about the two-stroke questions, though.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > I hoon, therefore I am 08/27/2015 at 15:52

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If anything I’d think they would mis-label it as a Bronco

Texican > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:53

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Want to have a weird old swede meet? My 66 Volvo will be on the road next month, and I'll be moving to Austin shortly thereafter :)

Tucker > Berang 08/27/2015 at 15:56

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I commend you for driving around anything sans AC in Austin TX ... totally agree on a lot of points.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > wiffleballtony 08/27/2015 at 16:02

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No, because I had just passed the Thames on the Tower Bridge going the other way. I was trying to get to HMS Belfast. There is actually a London Bridge too, not to be confused with the Tower Bridge. Really.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Jonee 08/27/2015 at 16:04

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In the same scene there’s a Thunderbird Uglychero, not to mention the hero/villain cars: the Porsche and the Sunbeam.

gimlithepirate > Berang 08/27/2015 at 16:22

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Are you the guy that keeps posting the 96 for sale on Craigslist in austin? Its been up for like 2 years now, and every time I see it repost I’m tempted...

David Schwartz > Berang 08/27/2015 at 16:23

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Nice story, good drawings. Reminded me of my old girlfriend’s Saab 96. She tried to demo how well it handled and we ended up in what used to be a beautiful, front yard rose garden. Because, understeer. No harm to the car.

mrbwa1 > Berang 08/27/2015 at 16:26

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Quirky cars are cool because you don’t really get fanboys (comeback of a better term).

People seem to fall into 3 categories:

1. Ignore it brady they don’t care or don’t think it’s cool.

2. Give a thumbs up to a unique car

3. Ask actual questions the signal interest (probably don’t get a lot of “how fast is it?” Questions with a 96.

Granted, the closest thing to quirky I own is a Honda Trail 110, so I may not really know what I’m talking about ) and yes, some people do ask how fast it goes, but most seem to just be embarrassing their teenage children by oogling a dorky moped).

Spridget > Berang 08/27/2015 at 16:35

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Couldn’t you just add the anti sway bar back on? That’s owners of ‘74 and ‘75 MGB’s do.

Spridget > Someone Else's Projects 08/27/2015 at 16:37

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I remember reading that article! Your car was/is awesome! Why’d you sell it?

Iheartmy365kHonda - Car enthusiasts do like FWD > Jonee 08/27/2015 at 16:40

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Make them go WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

skippytheduck > Berang 08/27/2015 at 16:42

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Driving a SAAB, any SAAB, in a non-cold-weather state is an affront to Odin.

Get that poor Swede out of muggy, nasty Austin.

Spridget > Berang 08/27/2015 at 16:42

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You hit the nail on the head as far as reactions. Look at the comments people are leaving here. They’re either asking questions or remembering one they owned or saw. At least 3 people have asked if a car they saw was yours. Old cars get a reaction like no other. BTW, I’m sure you know this, but your old Subie was up for sale recently. Would you buy that back if you had the time/space/money?