Description
A unique opportunity. Quite possibly the finest example of its type currently for sale in the UK, this astonishingly good 96 presented in rare California Burgundy has been the subject of a full and very recent rotisserie-style restoration to an exceptional standard. Numbers matching and rebuilt to original specification (albeit with a handful of recognised upgrades), this stunning car drives every bit as good as it looks and comes with comprehensive early history as well as a considerable restoration file from 2021-2024 featuring over 120 colour photographs as well as receipts and handwritten notes. If you seek the best with provenance to match, this is it and it genuinely doesn`t disappoint on any level.
With a 20-year production run, the 96 was introduced by Saab in 1960 to replace the outgoing and popular 93 and featured similar aerodynamic 2-door coachwork with seating for four passengers. Offering better storage and comfort than its predecessor, the 96 was initially available with a 2-stroke, 3-cylinder engine of 841cc developing around 40BHP with a Ford V4 option available from 1967 onwards. Being a 4-stroke 1498cc engine from the Ford Taunus, this gave much improved performance with 65BHP and as such competed well against its contemporaries of the time. Both engine options were mated to the same column-shift 4-speed gearbox and featured a “freewheel” clutch allowing the transmission to run faster than the engine. This was necessary on the 2-stroke engine as there was limited lubrication and it became a standard item on all models until the end of production. The 96 became an immediate hit with drivers in international rallies and most famously in the hands of Erik Carlsson who took wins in the 1960, 1961 and 1962 RAC Rally as well as first place in the 1962 and 1963 Monte Carlo Rally. With a reputation for reliability and toughness, the 96 went on to further success in the East African Safari Rally and with Stig Blomqvist in the driving seat, first place in the 1972 and 1973 International Swedish Rallies. Production ceased in January 1980 with almost 550, 000 built. It is believed that around 350 examples exist today in the UK.
Our car was delivered to Haymill Motors of Farnham Common on the 24th March 1972 and was sold to a local gentleman on the 6th April. Interestingly, Haymill Motors were the first appointed UK Saab dealership opening in 1960 with the showroom itself being launched in 1963 by Erik Carlsson and Pat Moss. Early service history (fully stamped-up) documents regular servicing at Haymill with 10 entries to 1976 with a recorded mileage of 35, 415. The paper-trail then goes cold for a while when the car is rediscovered languishing in a barn with a blown head gasket. This was now 2009 and with recorded 72, 000 miles, the Saab was recommissioned, freshly MoT`d and put back on the road. In 2014, it was sold again on eBay to an enthusiast in Plymouth who invested quite heavily in the car, completely retrimming the interior in the style and colours of the Swedish flag and undertaking some recognised upgrades that have been retained to this day to include the fitting of Aldon electronic ignition and a Weber 34 ICH carburettor. In 2021, the car was sold again on eBay as an excellent runner with new trim but rather tired bodywork. It was purchased by a Saab fanatic from the village of Yelverton, on the edge of Dartmoor, and so began a full-on 2 year rebuild that effectively transformed the car into essentially what it is today. The shell was completely stripped of wings, doors and glass and with all mechanical parts removed, repairs were made as necessary before the shell was rotisserie prepared and painted in its original California Burgundy (Code R2B). All suspension parts were painted and Poly-bushed prior to reassembly with new lower and upper wishbones, coil springs, axle stop straps, ball joints and drive shaft boots. Mechanically, the engine was fully overhauled with new fuel tank, sender and pump, all new hoses and belts, complete new cooling system and new exhaust whilst brakes were replaced with stainless steel pistons, new lines, discs and hoses. Over 120 colour photographs document the rebuild showing the car before, during and after. These are further supplemented and supported by a vast quantity of invoices and receipts. Back on the road in 2023, the Saab was sold again to another marque enthusiast residing in Salcombe, South Devon. Over the following 12 months, the car benefitted from a proper “shake-down” with appropriate fettling and considerable detailing. Work is documented on a month-by-month basis starting in October with the fitting of a complete set of front and rear Sachs Touring shock absorbers, a wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel and thermostat whilst November saw a new water pump, new rear and indicator lights, stainless steel washer jets and new stainless-steel front and rear bumpers with over-riders. That Winter saw a replacement gear change and the fitting of an indicator buzzer, classic rev counter and locking chrome filler cap. In March 2024, the engine benefitted from a full service with Weber carburettor overhaul, all new plugs, leads and filters whilst in May, the fuel pump was upgraded to a Facet electronic unit. That Summer saw many further minor improvements culminating with a replacement Jetex exhaust system, new plywood boot floor and a set of new temperature and fuel gauges. With little else left to replace or upgrade, our keen but short-term keeper decided to find the 96 a new home. In April 2025, it was purchased by a serial classic and vintage car enthusiast in Weymouth and the car has resided with him to this day. Sadly, poor mobility has limited his enjoyment of the Saab as intended and with huge reluctance, the car now finds itself for sale again.
The Saab presents just as can be seen in the photographs. It is utterly gorgeous. Both panel fit and condition are superb and the 2-pack paintwork is of the highest quality and unsurprisingly virtually blemish-free. With all new stainless-steel bumpers and trim, repainted wheels, new light fittings and new screen, door and glass rubbers, the car is genuinely of show-winning quality. Under the bonnet tells the same story. The engine compartment is heavily detailed and needs for nothing. Open the driver`s door and the custom Blue and Yellow “Swedish flag” interior contrasts brilliantly with the Burgundy exterior and is very much in keeping with the 1970`s era of the car. Red carpets and burgundy door-cards complete the look whilst the original dashboard is in great shape complimented by the retrofitted narrow-rimmed Moto-Lita wheel and classic rev counter. After a few pumps of the throttle, turn the key and the V4 fires into life sounding sweet and ready for action. On the road, the 96 is an absolute delight with easy gearchanges from the column-mounted 4-speed `box, positive steering and remarkable road manners. On a sunny October afternoon, I piloted the car through traffic out of Weymouth towards Dorchester and then out in the direction of Bridport. With a surprising turn of speed, the little car encourages spirited driving and has both the roadholding and handling to match. No surprise it was such a success in rally circles and is a popular choice in classic motorsport today.
The Saab comes with a substantial history file to include the original supplying dealer Sales Invoice and stamped-up Service Book from 1972-1976, MoT Certificates from 2009-2016, copies of eBay advertisements from 2014 and 2021, invoices and receipts from the ownership period 2017-2021, a comprehensive hand-written account of the full rebuild 2021-2023 with a full file of receipts and over 120 colour photographs, a further hand-written diary of work undertaken from October 2023 to December 2024 with accompanying invoices, a file containing original magazine articles and sales brochures, an original Workshop Manual, Haynes Manual, copies of Owners Club magazines, a current V5C and 2 sets of keys. Registered Historic, the car is naturally both road-tax and MoT exempt.
Stunning in all respects. True collector quality and ready to show.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
