Description
SAAB – Svenska Aeroplan AB – started out as an aircraft manufacturer. The period of peace that followed the Second World War led the brand to focus on land mobility, especially automobiles. The first Saab appeared in 1949. Called the '92', it had a highly aerodynamic body and was equipped with a two-stroke DKW engine.
In order to promote its vehicles, the Swedish brand decided to enter rallies the following year, at the Monte Carlo Rally. Saabs were light, agile and aerodynamic, which, combined with front-wheel drive, led many drivers to choose Saabs to take on the World Rally Championship stages. The most famous of these was Erik Carlsson who, together with the also famous Per Eklund, designed the bonnet of this Saab 96.
The 96 was introduced in 1960 and, like its predecessor, was powered by a three-cylinder two-stroke engine, which used a three-speed manual gearbox to transmit 57 hp to the front wheels. Erik Carlsson won the Monte Carlo Rally, and dozens of other World Rally Championship events, with a 96 very similar to this one.
This Saab 96 was sold new in the Netherlands in 1962 and has never been fully restored, which is proof of the good care it has received over the past 62 years! Coming from a private collection dedicated to the Saab brand, it is almost completely original, with few signs of patina and no rust or corrosion.
Its interior, in a beautiful contrast of red fabric and grey leather, is in excellent condition and the sports steering wheel with a wooden rim also stands out. It has classic Firestone F-560 tyres fitted, it only shows 91, 000 km on the dashboard and is ready to enjoy!
