What factors make SAAB 96 selling well in Europe?

[lynn]

Can anyone analyse why SAAB 96 selling well in Europe?

[Marc S.]

Just my two cents:

1) Saabs are cult, automotive icons. The 96 with its striking, aeroplane-derived body-lines is the essence of Saab-ness.

2) The 96 was built for 20 years (1960-1980). Most people will recall seeing one on the streets, both when they were young and perhaps last week. And it was sold in Sweden, all over Europe, and in the U.S.

3) Brekina prepared the market with the excellent Volvo 121/Amazon. The Volvo was a huge hit, so everyone expected Brekina to introduce another Swedish vehicle - to make it a small series, something that fits together in a display case or a diorama.

4) There are very few Saab models out there. Anyone who just wants to have a Saab in 1/87th scale will have to take either Wiking's ageing 900 or Brekina's beautiful 96, with the Wiking model slowly developing hard-to-find tendencies.

Marc S.

[stanhas87]

Dear Marc:

You forgot the EKO version. I agree, not the best representation here.

Nick K

[Marc S.]

You hardly find the Eko models in hobby shops. That's why I decided to ignore it. A few weeks before the Brekina model was introduced, the Czech manufacturer Artapo presented a small-series model of the 96, too.

Marc S.

[stanhas87]

Dear Marc:

Thanks for the info about the EKO. I was unaware of the Artapo version; thanks for this specification as well.

Nick K

[skunk]

The Saab 96 is clear proof that a distinct shape goes very far in the model car world.

[Mark Maticek]

I just received my Saab today and Brekina definitely did a great job on this model. The difficult shape was captured very well and the detailing is up to Brekina's recent standards.

An oddly shaped and welcome addition to the hobby.

[Cor_DutchArt]

There is a 95 Combi of JES models.
Made from an EKO model.
And from BdB a 95 Combi as well.
www.87thscale.info/images/BdB/BdB_Saab95.jpg
Also the Saab 99 is made by BdB. (Not in the modellisting)

[skunk]

I would love to buy one of the BdB Saab 99s, but I have a sneaking suspicion that Brekina can't possibly not build one of their own. So I'll wait.

The BdB 95 Kombi will need quite a bit of work, although the basic proportions seem to be correct.

[Christian]

What I also find important to mention is the fact that the model is made by Brekina, a manufacturer with much credit to its name.
When the model was first shown on mo87 a while ago without naming the manufacturer there was some discussion there that the model might come from Drummer and a lot of skepticism ensued. Without having held the model in their hands many people concluded that the Saab might only be of mediocre quality and indicated that they wouldn't buy it.
As soon as it was clear that Brekina is behind it those worries ceased and it was unanimously decided to buy the model.

Maybe I am exaggerating a bit, but it is clear that a manufacturer with a good reputation can sell more of any given model than a not so praised one could.

[lynn]

Marc posted another great Brekina Ford Taunus 12M G13 in www.mo87.de/?site=1&val=ber-mot&cont=322