Saab 96

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In production from 1960 to 1980, the Saab 96 was beloved by rally drivers and architects alike and most would agree that the best of the bunch were the early cars, like this 1960 bull-nose model.

Idiosyncratic – and, famously, built by trolls in Trollhätten – the early 96 was powered by a three cylinder two-stroke producing all of 38bhp, drove through a three-speed gearbox complete with free-wheel, and was surprisingly quick across country. Eric Carlsson was virtually unbeatable rallying them and won the 1962 and 1963 Monte Carlo Rallies in a 96 just like this one (well, tweaked a bit but basically the same).

Despite the badge (don’t believe everything you read) this is not a Sport model, but it does have a sports exhaust – worth an extra 2bhp they say - and does have surprising turn of speed according to its owner, a well-known motoring journalist.

962 UYM is a bit of a time-warp car and is said to be highly original and still retains its plug-in cabling for the engine heater system so essential for those cold Swedish nights. The car is not concours, but is very sound and appealingly authentic. The interior, seat, and headlining are all very good for a car of this age and the minor patches of rust on the body are only to be expected, although the car is remarkably sound throughout.

Our vendor has owned the car for around four years and has replaced the head gasket, petrol pump, carburettor gaskets, and had the brakes completely overhauled including fitting a rebuilt master cylinder. The car had its last MOT in August 2017 when it passed with no advisories and has only covered 472 kilometres (295 miles) since then.

This is a rare and appealing early model Saab 96 which is extremely tidy and invitingly original. The sporting classic car enthusiast could have a lot of fun with the car as it is, but the temptation to turn it into an Eric Carlsson Replica will be hard to resist.