This 1969 Saab 96 has been prepped for rally use, with both the seller and a handful of entrant stickers noting participation in several recent events, including this year’s Winter Challenge at Monte Carlo. A well-built-looking V4 powered example, the car has lots of thoughtful touches that separate it from most similar builds, including things like a heated driver’s seat, quick defrost and cabin heat systems, a hydraulic hand brake setup and more. Find it here on Autoscout 24 in Utrecht, Netherlands for 15,750 euros (~$17,800 USD today).
The car presents as nice and straight with good paint outside, and the swiveling, cabin-operated spotlight is an excellent, functional touch that also happens to look really cool. A skid plate protects the engine’s sump, the transaxle, and a good part of the exhaust system as well. Up front, a handful of auxiliary lights have been fitted, but apart from these, the roof unit, and a handful of decals, the car appears almost stock, including factory wheels and their covers.
Here it is tearing around in the snow–always a good look for these old teardrop Saabs.
Inside, shifting is still handled by the OEM column-mounted lever, with the prominent floor lever operating the rear brakes via an independent hydraulic circuit, allowing for quick pivots around tight corners and inducing slides. A cage is mentioned, but not visible. Seats are mated with four-point harnesses, and as mentioned above, the driver’s is heated. Several 12V and USB outlets are handy for navigation equipment and the like, while a rally computer helps keep time. Check out the full ad for many more details, including some unusually thoughtful touches like quick heat and defrost systems.
Underhood, the model’s standard, Ford-sourced V4 has been overhauled, with modifications including fitment of an aftermarket Weber carb, an upgraded intake, performance camshaft, pistons, rally-spec heads, flowed manifolds, and more, the seller estimating a solid 90+ HP–gains of at least 25 over stock. An increased capacity radiator is served by all new hoses, and the gearbox has been “revised and reinforced” by a Saab transmission specialist.
There aren’t many cooler or more affordable ways to get into the vintage rally scene than behind the wheel of an old Saab, and this FIA certified, ready-to-run example looks like a good one.