No Reserve Saab Alert: Ultra-Rare 1954 Saab 92B Project Available to Collectors

A Rare Offering: The 1954 Saab 92B Emerges on Bring a Trailer

In the world of automotive collecting, few opportunities capture the attention of enthusiasts quite like a vintage Saab project car. Garry Small Saab, a renowned name among Saab aficionados in Portland, Oregon, has put forth a compelling proposition to the classic car community: a 1954 Saab 92B project car listed on Bring a Trailer, offered without reserve. Currently priced at a modest $3,500, this iconic piece of Swedish motoring history presents a tantalizing restoration challenge paired with significant potential for appreciation.

This specific example, chassis number 10446, has an intriguing backstory and a distinctive visual character, largely influenced by its current bright yellow livery, a departure from the original blue-gray paint that still peeks through in areas beneath the hood. Despite the vibrant hue, this 92B carries a unique charm, signaling a chapter in automotive history that predates the common Saab presence on American shores.

A Piece of History: Saab’s Early Ambition in the 92B

Introduced as Saab’s first-ever production car, the Saab 92 established the Swedish marque as a notable presence in European automotive markets between 1949 and 1957. This particular 92B was imported into the United States during the 1970s by the then-owner of Scandia Volvo in Seaside, California, and served proudly as a showroom display piece—a testament to its design significance and allure. After a change in stewardship in 1999, it spent over two decades showcased within Garry Small Saab’s Portland showroom, where it maintained a dignified, though static, presence.

Notably, the 92B model designation marked the first Saab 92 to feature an external trunk lid—an evolution indicative of Saab’s early responsiveness to practicality and usability demands. This relatively small but significant change highlights Saab’s continuous effort towards innovation and refinement, even in these formative years.

Aesthetics and Condition: An Honest Representation

Visually, the car presents itself honestly, bearing clear indicators of its age and history. The yellow paint, though visually striking, exhibits areas of peeling on the right front fender, and other minor blemishes that reflect the car’s life of exhibition rather than active road use. The body panels retain their structural integrity, a vital consideration for collectors keen on authenticity and restoration feasibility.

Key distinguishing features that amplify its vintage charm include a split windshield, rear-hinged suicide doors, and period-correct chrome bumpers with overriders. These features not only enrich the visual narrative of this 92B but also enhance its authenticity, crucial elements that seasoned Saab collectors highly appreciate.

Mechanical Heartbeat: The Quintessential Saab Two-Stroke

The mechanical centerpiece of the 1954 Saab 92B is its legendary 764cc two-stroke twin-cylinder engine, a compact yet robust powerplant synonymous with early Saab engineering philosophy. Coupled to a column-shifted three-speed manual transaxle, this drivetrain reflects Saab’s dedication to front-wheel-drive technology from its very inception.

Although it hasn’t seen regular use since acquisition, the car did undergo essential fluid changes, and its engine was reportedly last operated in July 2024. The new caretaker of this Saab classic should anticipate mechanical recommissioning, particularly brake servicing, to return the vehicle safely to drivable condition.

Interior Simplicity: Elegant Functionality

The 1954 Saab 92B’s interior embodies the minimalist yet functional ethos that defined post-war Scandinavian automotive design. The seats are finished in gray cloth upholstery, neatly accented with vinyl trim, while the door panels cleverly integrate elastic storage pockets—practical and characteristic details typical of early Saab interiors.

Centralized around the striking white steering wheel—bearing the revered Saab emblem—the dashboard houses minimalist yet essential instrumentation. The VDO speedometer, clock, and auxiliary gauges, all prominently presented, underline Saab’s approach of straightforward practicality fused with elegant simplicity. The odometer’s reading of just over 61,000 kilometers (approximately 38,000 miles) underscores the vehicle’s gentle usage over the decades.

Undercarriage and Wheels: Solid Foundation Awaiting Attention

The chassis and suspension components of this 92B are notably original and robust, a testament to Saab’s build quality during its early years. Mounted on black-painted 15-inch steel wheels equipped with Saab-branded hubcaps, this vintage Saab sits confidently on classic whitewall tires, aligning perfectly with its period aesthetic. Notably, this car still features Saab’s intriguing torsion bar suspension, a hallmark of early Saab models that provides simplicity, durability, and a distinctive driving feel once restored.

However, prospective owners should note the inoperative brake system—a critical aspect that demands immediate attention and thorough overhaul before any intended road use. Nevertheless, for seasoned restorers, this represents a familiar and expected step in bringing such a venerable classic back to operational condition.

The Appeal for Collectors: Why This 92B Matters

True enthusiasts recognize the historical and sentimental value inherent in a model like the Saab 92B. With very few 92 models ever imported officially to the United States, opportunities to acquire one stateside are exceedingly rare. For this reason, the current listing on Bring a Trailer not only presents a viable restoration project but also a unique chance to own and preserve an early example of Saab’s innovative engineering and distinctive design philosophy.

Restoring this Saab 92B is not merely about achieving mechanical operability; it’s about preserving and reviving a historically significant artifact of automotive ingenuity. Those who appreciate the Saab marque know that each restoration project undertaken contributes meaningfully to the ongoing legacy of a beloved, though sadly defunct, car manufacturer.

Garry Small Saab: A Legacy of Saab Dedication

Since its founding in 1986, Garry Small Saab has maintained a steadfast commitment to supporting the Saab community through dedicated sales, service, and parts support. The dealership’s ethos emphasizes long-term relationships, exemplified by its decision to list this car transparently and without reserve.

As the auction on Bring a Trailer winds down over the next several days, anticipation will undoubtedly mount among dedicated Saab collectors eager to breathe new life into this classic Swedish automobile. Whether destined for meticulous restoration, preservation as a static display, or something in between, this 1954 Saab 92B undeniably presents a significant and rewarding opportunity to Saab enthusiasts worldwide.

For more details and bidding, visit the official listing on Bring a Trailer.