A retired garage owner has been reunited with a car he fell in love with 43 years ago – after his son unwittingly bought it at auction. James Edwards, 81, took a shine to the red 1972 Saab 96 with Shropshire registered plates at an auction in Wiltshire. John sold the 1972 Saab 96 from new for £1,023 when he was director of Westbury Garage in Shrewsbury, Shropshire

When his father saw the car, he recognised it as the same one he had fallen in love with and hung a picture of in their Shrewsbury dealership. Mr Edwards junior said: “I knew there was a local connection, but had no idea it was such a strong one!”

“I was amazed to discover Dad had sold the car all that time ago,” James Edwards said. “I knew there was a local connection, but had no idea it was such a strong one!”

Mr Edwards also tracked down Doris Williams, 86, from Westbury, Shropshire, who had worked in the garage and washed the car in 1972 while it waited to be sold. Auctioneer Mr Edmonds said: ” When James told us the story about the car and his father, we were blown away.

“I feel like we’ve played matchmaker in this story, which is wonderful for us and our team.

“Saab 96s were once very common in the UK but now you rarely see them up for sale. This one was in fabulous condition.”

James will display the car at Westbury Garage and use it occasionally. He is researching the car’s history, and would like any previous owners to contact him by email [email protected]

Here is video about this interesting Saab story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVsjmSL1mBQ