1967, with the coming of the V4 engine, models were fitted with front disc brakes. Saab 96 in rallies The Saab 96 was driven most famously by Erik Carlsson, in many international rallies. His most famous successes were first in the 1960, 1961 and 1962 RAC Rallies and first in the 1962 and 1963 Monte Carlo Rallies. It was these successive, top-level victories that put the Saab 96 'on the map' and established its reputation for reliability and toughness. Carlsson also competed in the East African Safari Rally. Famous rallying names such as Simo Lampinen, Per Eklund, Pat Moss-Carlsson, Tom Trana, Stig Blomqvist and Carl Orrenius have also been connected with the Saab 96. WRC victories {|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%; " ! No. ! Event ! Season ! Driver ! Co-driver ! Car |- | 1 | 23rd International Swedish Rally | 1972 | Stig Blomqvist | Arne Hertz | Saab 96 V4 |- | 2 | 24th International Swedish Rally | 1973 | Stig Blomqvist | Arne Hertz | Saab 96 V4 |- | 3 | 26th International Swedish Rally | 1976 | Per Eklund | Björn Cederberg | Saab 96 V4 |- |} Land speed record On August 16, 2011 a 1966 Saab 96 driven by Alex LaFortune set a new speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats for stock body production cars with 750 cc engines at 110.113 MPH. Production numbers The last production date for the Saab 96 was January 11, 1980 (VIN 96806002814), the last VIN (96806002820) was produced on January 3, 1980. These cars were built by Valmet Automotive in Uusikaupunki, Finland. The Saab 96 was succeeded by the Saab 99, introduced in 1967, and subsequently by the Saab 900, introduced in 1978. A total of 547,221 were made. Its place at the Uusikaupunki plant was taken over by the similar sized Talbot Horizon. Postage stamps The Saab 96 features on several postage stamps. A Monte-Carlo Rally Saab 96, driven by Erik Carlsson, appears on a Swedish stamp. See also Saab 60 Saab 98 References Further reading External links Saabmuseum.com Front-wheel-drive vehicles 96 Compact cars Coupés 1970s cars 1980s cars Cars introduced in 1960