Classic cars come in all shapes, sizes, and varieties. I like to think of myself as someone that appreciates them all. So whenever I see someone with an interesting car, I have to ask about it.

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Michael about his 1962 Saab 96. I have seen the car once or twice around the neighborhood, but didn’t know the owner. He shared that he bought the car for his wife who likes vintage Saab’s. How cool is that?

We talked about the car having a 2 stroke engine and three on the tree manual transmission. Car guy confession: I had never driven a three on the tree. Until now. He said “well, you have to drive it.”

I have to admit, it was pretty fun. I am always nervous about driving someone else’s car but driving another guy’s vintage car with a manual transmission had me on pins and needles. I pulled it together so that I wouldn’t stall or grind any gears. I think I did alright. I kept wanting to to treat the shifter like the gear selector in my Cutlass.

I learned that the motor revs high and it has a unique sound. Also, first gear is not synchronized, so I only went back to first gear while at a complete stop. I had to look up information on the car to find the standard 841 cc engine produced 38 horsepower in 1962. The curb weight of the car is approximately 2,000 pounds.

It didn’t matter. There is something about a classic car that brings a smile to my face. I appreciate having the opportunity to drive something unlike anything I have driven and experience three on the tree!