Description
26th Oct, 2024 10:00
The October 2024 Auction
1964 Saab 96
Early 96 with two-stroke engine, driven 2½ hours to us
Estimate
£7, 000 - £8, 000
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: CBU866B
Chassis: 216180
Odometer: 37, 381 km
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt
Desirable “bullnose” model
Registered in the UK in 2022
Complete with import papers and NOVA
Recent new exhaust
Lovely condition
The Saab 96, introduced in 1960, was a pivotal model in Saab’s history, known for its distinctive design and strong performance. It evolved from the Saab 93 and shared much of its mechanical underpinnings, but with refinements in styling and engineering. The car initially featured a two-stroke, three-cylinder engine, which was later replaced by a Ford-sourced V4 engine in 1967. The Saab 96 gained a reputation for its durability and was particularly successful in rally racing, with notable wins in events like the Monte Carlo Rally. It remained in production until 1980, becoming one of Saab’s most iconic models and cementing its legacy in both motorsport and consumer markets.
We are delighted to offer this 1964 Saab 96 in beige with brown and cream interior. This was a Norwegian market car that was first registered in the UK in 2022. Import papers and the all important NOVA letter come with the car. There’s no history from its time in Scandinavia but there is a small collection of invoices from over the last couple of years. Notably, a Jetex exhaust system has been fitted and a couple of invoices suggest a rebuild of the Solex carbs. The car certainly seems to be in fine fettle, the little 841cc two-stroke having driven some 2½ hours to get to us from the vendor’s home in Yorkshire - not a journey you’re likely to undertake if you lack confidence in your car!
Externally, the little Swede is in fabulous condition, clearly having been restored at some point. It has been done with a rally-type aesthetic, obviously harking back to Erik Carlsson’s fantastic results in the early “bullnose” 96s. We think it looks great with its painted steel wheels and spotlights front and rear. However, if you did want to take it back to a more original look, the back bumper and wheel trims are supplied with the car. The inside wears its years exceptionally well and the vendor believes it to be all original, with the exception of some fairly fresh-looking seatbelts. Being super-picky, the floor mat has a few rough edges but that doesn’t detract from a charming cabin with 60s-style and materials that the later cars lack.
The car comes with V5C, import papers, NOVA letter, invoices for parts and maintenance, a manual and a couple of workshop manuals.
Saab has always tried to plough its own furrow and few cars are as characterful as an early 96. From the aero-styling to the distinctive sounds and smells of the two-stroke motor, this is a car that attracts a huge amount of positive attention. They don’t come up that often and even less so in this condition, so don’t miss this opportunity.
