A Survivor from Saab’s Glory Days: 1962 96 Sport with Only 48,000 KM

The 1962 Saab 96 Sport: A Turning Point in Saab’s Motorsport Ambitions

The early 1960s marked an era of technical breakthroughs and competitive spirit at Saab. Following the success of the Saab 750 GT primarily targeted at the American market, the company decided to domesticate its racing spirit with the Saab 96 Sport.

Launched in 1962, the Saab 96 Sport wasn’t just an upgrade—it was a clear statement. With an enhanced engine, distinctive exterior detailing, and an improved driving experience, the model carved out its place both in the showroom and on the rally stages across Europe.

This particular example, presented in a rare deep blue finish, is a remarkable survivor. With just 48,000 kilometers on the odometer, it offers an authentic glimpse into Saab’s ambitions during one of its most dynamic periods.

A Stunning Exterior That Defies Convention

Unlike the common racing red hue seen on many restored Saab 96 Sport models—an homage to their rally pedigree—this car stands out immediately with its original dark blue paintwork.
Restored around 2007, the finish remains exceptional today, with a depth and gloss that pays tribute to the craftsmanship that went into both the original design and the subsequent restoration.

Key exterior highlights include:

• Twin chrome side stripes, exclusive to the Sport model
• Period-correct Ronal alloy wheels paired with Toyo tires
• Original body lines preserved meticulously without any visual compromise

The car also benefits from a black stone chip protection treatment underneath, ensuring zero rust and solid structural integrity—a common weakness in many vintage Saabs, but not here.

Inside the Cabin: A Blend of Authenticity and Subtle Restoration

Stepping inside the 1962 Saab 96 Sport reveals a cabin that has maintained much of its original character. The dashboard layout is spartan yet purposeful, featuring the unique Sport-specific instrument cluster that hints at the car’s enhanced performance potential.

While the driver’s seat shows signs of wear and minor damage, it only adds to the car’s authentic patina.
Other notable points:

• New, correctly fitted period-correct carpeting
• Fully functional original instrumentation
• Original sport steering wheel in excellent condition, offering a direct connection to Saab’s racing DNA

The subtle balance between originality and careful restoration ensures that this car still smells and feels like a genuine piece of 1960s Swedish engineering.

Under the Hood: The Heart of a Rally Champion

Where the Saab 96 Sport truly separated itself from its predecessors was under the hood. The engine—a thoroughly re-engineered version of the 841cc two-stroke triple—was tuned to deliver an impressive 52 horsepower.

While that figure may sound modest by today’s standards, the lightweight construction and innovative drivetrain layout made the Sport a genuine performer, especially on twisting rally stages.

This example’s mechanical highlights include:

• Completely rebuilt original engine, with new pistons and gaskets
• Original 4-speed gearbox paired with Saab’s ingenious freewheel mechanism, allowing seamless shifting without clutch use
• Front disc brakes, a major innovation in 1962, providing far superior stopping power compared to its contemporaries
• Integrated two-stroke oil tank, eliminating the need for manual fuel-oil mixing—a nod to practical innovation

Fresh from a recent service in 2024—including refurbished carburetors, cleaned fuel tank, and new battery—this Saab 96 Sport is ready to drive and enjoy.

Provenance and Recent History: A Life Well Preserved

This Saab was originally delivered to its first Swedish owner on April 24, 1963, during a time when Saab’s rally reputation was soaring.

Between its initial delivery and the early 1970s, the car passed through several hands before being taken off the road in 1973. It remained stored and untouched until its full restoration began around 2007–2008.

Since the completion of its restoration, the car has seen very limited use—only about 1,400 km driven—and has been carefully maintained to preserve its condition. Its last technical inspection in 2020 remains valid today, confirming that it still meets Swedish roadworthiness standards.

The provenance of the car is well documented, and unlike many so-called “restorations” on the market, this Saab combines genuine originality with respectful rejuvenation.

A Saab Collector’s Dream: Why This 96 Sport Matters

Finding an early Saab 96 Sport in such a condition is exceptionally rare. Most have been either modified beyond recognition for rallying or restored with incorrect details.
This particular car strikes a rare balance:

• Original mechanical integrity
• Authentic, non-red paintwork
• Extremely low mileage
• Properly executed restoration

Priced at €36,000, it represents a serious opportunity for Saab collectors or anyone looking to add an important piece of Scandinavian automotive history to their garage.

For those unfamiliar with the significance of the Saab 96 Sport lineage, it is the immediate forerunner to the legendary 850 Monte Carlo, a name etched into rally history by drivers like Erik Carlsson. Owning a ’62 Sport is essentially stepping into the early pages of that very legend.

Final Words

This 1962 Saab 96 Sport is not just another classic—it’s a direct connection to Saab’s engineering roots, rally dominance, and relentless pursuit of innovation. For the true enthusiast, it offers an unrepeatable opportunity to own a car that doesn’t just look right—it feels right.

With its originality intact, engineering excellence preserved, and historical significance undeniable, this Saab 96 Sport is ready to continue its journey with a new, discerning caretaker.