1973 Saab 96 V4
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Highlights
- Restored and maintained regardless of cost in current ownership
- Presented in an authentic looking and head turning tribute
- Complete with detailed records itemising work done and associated spend
- Over £25,000 spent since October 2019
- ULEZ exempt
The Appeal
The Saab 96 was launched in 1960 as a replacement for the 93 with similar looks representing an evolution in design rather than anything too revolutionary. Initially even the quirky two-stroke, three-cylinder power unit was retained. By 1968, however, this had been replaced by a V4, four-stroke Ford unit. The 96 proved to be a robust and hardy car in true Swedish style, going on to be a successful and title winning rally car in the skilled hands of Erik Carlsson and others.
This example is a fine tribute to those rally successes in its charming trim. This 96 has been restored diligently and thoroughly since 2019 at the hands of a trio of renowned classic specialists. It is MOT and VED exempt and will provide the next lucky owner with a very useable and enjoyable classic that is sure to be welcome at shows and events everywhere.
The History and Paperwork
- This 96 left the Trollhatten factory in 1973
- The 96 was registered for the first time in May of that year
- The first owner retained the 96 for a full 10 years
- This was followed by a tenure of an amazing 34 years by the second owner
- The third and previous owner acquired the car in 2017
- During this ownership period the 96 was resprayed
- The current owner acquired the Saab in October 2019
- Since that time an expenditure of over £25,000 has been invested in the 96
- The Saab comes with an excellent level of supporting paperwork
- This includes the current V5 registration document in the name of the owner
- This classifies the Saab as a Historic Vehicle
- An MOT exemption certificate is also on hand
- These mean the Saab is both MOT and VED exempt in the UK
- Numerous earlier MOTs in hard copy are included
- A range of the car’s tax discs are also included
- The original owners’ manual is on hand with accompanying leaflets
- A useful Haynes Workshop Manual is included
- Many invoices for work undertaken are also present
- Usefully a detailed manifest of spend in the current ownership is included
- This documents a spend of £26,713.08 since October 2019
- This spend is predominantly with three respected classic specialists
The Interior
- As part of the 96’s tribute trim, the interior is in stripped out specification
- As such, much of the cabin is finished in its white two-pack paintwork
- The original front seats are fitted, however
- These are finished in brown vinyl with complementary fabric centres
- These are complete with the signature Saab 96 black vinyl headrests
- The seats are in good order with just a couple of minor tears noted
- The front footwells are protected with a pair of rubber mats
- Door cards, side panels, rear seats and all carpets have previously been removed
- The original headlining is present and appears tightly fitted
- A fire extinguisher is fitted in the passenger footwell
- The dashboard is mostly standard 96 fare
- This consists of a black vinyl finished foam top roll
- The front panel is finished with black vinyl
- The switches and controls are labelled with Dymo tape in rally style
- A retrofitted, three spoke sports steering wheel is fitted
- The familiar 96 column mounted manual gear lever is noted
- The rear cabin is open to the boot area
- This is devoid of its original trim and houses the spare wheel and tyre
The Exterior
- This Saab 96 is finished in a bright white livery
- This was professionally applied with two-pack paint between 2017 and 2019
- As such the condition appears to be very good throughout
- This example is finished in a tribute specification
- This means the Saab is adorned with various rally stickers and decals
- Other rally cues include a bumper delete and external bonnet catches
- Twin spotlights with period Bosch covers, and the headlights are cross taped
- The Saab rolls on a set of silver painted, 15-inch steel wheels
- These are in good condition and shod with 155 R15 radial type tyres
- These were fitted in 2019 at a cost of over £700 including the spare
- The overall effect is very good and pays tribute to the 96’s rally successes
The Mechanics
- This Saab 96 is fitted with the later 1,498cc Ford Taunus V4 engine
- This is a four-stroke unit originally producing around 65bhp
- Power is fed to the front wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox
- Since 2019 much mechanical work has been undertaken on the 96
- The highlights of these include an uprated alternator and new carburettor
- A new Jetex exhaust system has been fitted and brakes have been refurbished
- A full top end engine rebuild has been performed by Chase Engineering
- Shock absorbers and springs have been replaced all round
- The radiator has been re-cored, and all associated pipes replaced
- A new diaphragm clutch has been fitted and the master cylinder rebuilt
- Professional welding has been undertaken to engine bay panels and suspension mounts
- A total spend in excess of £27,000 has been invested in the current ownership
- As such the Saab is reported to be in a good mechanical condition, with the seller stating the only thing that should be checked is the petrol tank sender as it seems stuck in the 1/4 marker
- It is ready to use and enjoy immediately
Summary
The Saab 96 is an example of a car whose reputation and popularity was significantly enhanced by its high-profile motorsport exploits. The “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” mantra certainly applied in the 96’s case. If ever there was a classic car that suited a light tribute specification, then, it is the Saab 96.
The key to this example is the work that has been undertaken in its current ownership. Literally every key mechanical system has received the attention it has required, regardless of cost. As such, the next owner should enjoy great peace of mind and be able to immediately get full enjoyment from this charming tribute Saab 96.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1973
- Make Saab
- Model 96 V4
- Colour White
- Odometer 74,931 Miles
- Engine size 1498
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Woodbridge
- Location Suffolk
- Country United Kingdom
6
bids
from 4
bidders
- el•••• £7,600 04/09/23
- ju•••• £7,500 04/09/23
- ju•••• £7,200 03/09/23
- al•••• £7,000 03/09/23
- ju•••• £6,200 31/08/23
- ni•••• £6,000 30/08/23
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