Roaring Through the Past: Robert Dunn’s Epic Two-Stroke Saab Adventure

A Two-Stroke Revival: Robert Dunn Brings Saab’s Rally Legend to Life

In a bold move that thrilled viewers, Robert Dunn, the creator behind YouTube’s popular Aging Wheels channel, introduced his latest addition: a stunning 1967 Saab 96 with a two-stroke engine. This recent video release, titled “I Bought a Two Stroke Saab,” is nothing short of an ode to Saab’s quirky heritage. As the two-stroke engine’s unmistakable sound fills the air, Saab fans around the globe were instantly hooked. In just hours, the video surged past 65,000 views and amassed over 1,300 comments, reflecting a powerful nostalgia among fans and rally enthusiasts alike.

The Cinematic Allure of Saab’s Iconic Sound

Viewers were captivated by the cinematic style of the introduction. Rather than revealing the car visually right away, Dunn’s Saab 96 first announces itself with that distinct two-stroke roar, leaving fans thrilled. One comment summed up the excitement: “That little Saab screaming its lungs out on such a pretty stretch of road was just pure art!” This slow reveal and powerful auditory introduction allow the audience to relive the era when two-stroke engines dominated Scandinavian roads.

The video’s popularity underscores a widespread enthusiasm for the two-stroke’s unique sound—a symphony of pops and hums reminiscent of simpler automotive times. For many viewers, the video unlocked childhood memories, recalling the characteristic sounds of Saab 96s from decades past.

Nostalgic Nicknames: A Cultural Legacy of the Saab 96

The Saab 96 wasn’t just a car; it was an icon with many names across regions. Fans from Finland and Sweden flooded the comments with an array of affectionate, often humorous nicknames that the Saab 96 earned over the years. Known as “Kayak,” “Half a Pear,” and even “Jungle Drum,” each name reflects the model’s quirks and the beloved place it holds in Scandinavian culture. Finnish viewers particularly reminisced about the model’s widespread popularity in their country, noting its role as a rally favorite.

One user aptly commented, “Saab 96 has so many nicknames in Finland because around 66,000 units were built here, and it was a popular rally car.” Such cultural references add depth to Dunn’s video, showing how the Saab 96’s legacy transcends borders and languages.

The Saab 96 in America: A Cult Favorite with a Lasting Impact

For American fans, the Saab 96 is an eccentric classic with a devoted following. A viewer shared a nostalgic memory from their days working in a Saab-centric garage in Massachusetts, highlighting the joy of driving this quirky car through the chaotic streets of Boston. The commenter noted that “pre-GM Saabs are some of the most interesting cars around,” capturing the sentiment of many American enthusiasts who remember the days before Saab’s later mergers and transformations.

Interestingly, another viewer commented on Saab’s decision to stop importing the model to the U.S. in the mid-1970s. The reason? Saab shifted focus to its newer model, the Saab 99, and found it challenging to meet the U.S. safety and emissions standards. Despite these obstacles, the Saab 96 still holds a place in the hearts of American fans.

The Driving Experience: Embracing the Challenge of Saab’s Two-Stroke Engine

Robert Dunn doesn’t hold back on the quirks of driving a two-stroke Saab 96, and his video captures the essence of a unique driving experience. From gutless performance at low RPMs to the constant need to “drive it like you stole it,” Dunn’s description paints a vivid picture of the car’s charm—and its challenges. Lacking torque below 4,000 RPM, the Saab 96 is a test of patience on hills, where it struggles to maintain speed. Yet, Dunn’s enthusiasm remains undeterred. As he puts it, “The only proper way to drive a two-stroke Saab is to drive it like you absolutely hate it!”

This advice, straight from Saab specialist Tom Donney, encapsulates the spirit of these cars. Viewers commented on their own experiences, with one remarking, “On paper, old Saabs look pathetic. But drive one, and you get the silliest dumb smile on your face that you just can’t explain.” This infectious joy resonates throughout Dunn’s video, bridging the gap between viewer and driver.

Engineering Quirks: From Freewheeling to Saab’s Iconic Design Choices

Dunn dives into the fascinating quirks that make the Saab 96 so memorable, particularly its unique freewheel transmission. For uninitiated viewers, the freewheel mechanism might seem unnecessary, but as Dunn explains, it’s crucial for lubricating the engine while coasting. Saab’s engineers incorporated this design to prevent oil starvation—an issue typical of two-stroke engines. With the pull of a lever, Dunn can disable the freewheel, introducing engine braking as a more familiar driving option.

Other design quirks include Saab’s column-shifted manual transmission and its quirky floor pan layout, making for a driving experience unlike any modern car. Dunn also points out the mismatched color in the engine bay, evidence of an imperfect repaint, but one that doesn’t dampen his enthusiasm for the car. The comments are filled with viewers’ shared admiration, with one stating, “This freewheeling device made it both challenging and fun—it felt like you were really ‘driving’.”

Rally Roots and Legendary Stories: The Saab 96’s Place in Racing History

Saab’s rally heritage shines through in Dunn’s video, and fans were quick to reminisce about the car’s early rally days under the legendary Erik Carlsson. Known for his success in the Monte Carlo Rally, Carlsson drove Saab 96s to numerous victories, establishing Saab’s reputation in the motorsport world. One viewer humorously recalled a story shared by Carlsson himself: convinced he was losing, Carlsson drove recklessly, hoping the car would break down. Instead, his fearless driving secured him the win.

Such stories reflect the resilient spirit of the Saab 96 and its drivers, and viewers agreed that Dunn’s purchase of this car pays homage to this heritage. The video highlights not only Saab’s unique engineering but also the passion that surrounded the brand and its rally cars.

Why Saab 96 Enthusiasts Shouldn’t Miss This Video

For Saab enthusiasts, this video is an emotional and nostalgic journey back to the days when the two-stroke engine ruled the road. Dunn’s meticulous attention to detail, combined with his infectious enthusiasm, breathes new life into the Saab 96, a car that’s as iconic as it is rare. The video has already earned rave reviews from viewers worldwide, many of whom expressed their deep appreciation for seeing this rally classic in action again. One commenter summed it up: “Dunn’s video is more than a car review—it’s a celebration of everything that makes Saab unique.”

If you’re a Saab enthusiast or simply a lover of classic cars, this video is a must-watch. Robert Dunn’s Aging Wheels brings out the best in Saab’s eccentricities, creating a viewing experience that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.