”Bandai Co. Ltd.” is a Japanese toy making and video game company, as well as the producer of a large number of plastic model kits. Its headquarters is located in Taito, Tokyo. Bandai was founded in 1950. In June 1959, the “Cars of the World" model car series launched, in which the Saab 93 B and the Saab 96 were produced. In the 1960s they expanded to include export sales. Bandai's racing car set, which first appeared in 1962, became a huge success. The 1970s continued to see Bandai expand, with Bandai Models being established in 1971. Although not their most profitable range, Bandai's 1/48 scale AFV models dominated that segment of the model kit market. Bandai America Inc. was established as local US sales/marketing operation in 1978. Since the 1980s, Bandai has become the leading toy company of Japan, and today it is the world's third largest producer of toys. After the merger with video game developer and producer “Namco”, Bandai Co. Ltd. is now under the management of “Namco Bandai Holdings Inc”.

Friction-motor. 'SAAB 93 B' + 'Sign of B Quality' + 'Made in Japan' on base-plate. There are two kind of hubcaps existing. Same casting as 93 B, but front-hinged doors, larger rear-window and re-styled hatch! This 96 is much rarer than the 93 B!