For classic car enthusiasts and Saab purists, the Saab 96 Monte Carlo 850 holds a special place in automotive history. Built in 1965, this rare model represents a golden era for the Swedish automaker, and now a beautifully restored example is available for sale at €27,500 on Car and Classic. Meticulously cared for by a collector, this Saab 96 Monte Carlo 850 boasts a unique blend of performance and style that few cars from the 1960s can rival.
The Saab 96 has long been a symbol of rally success and Swedish ingenuity. It was a model that not only excelled in motorsport but also captivated everyday drivers with its reliability and charm. The Monte Carlo 850 edition, however, elevated the 96 to new heights, offering enhanced performance with its 60 HP engine and upgraded braking system. This particular car, first registered in November 1965, represents the pinnacle of Saab’s engineering achievements during that period.
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Restored to Perfection: The 2014 Transformation
What makes this Saab 96 Monte Carlo 850 truly exceptional is the painstaking restoration it underwent in 2014 at a renowned classic Saab garage in Kanczuga (Poland). The restoration process covered every aspect of the vehicle, from the body and chassis to the drivetrain and interior. According to the seller, this was a complete restoration, ensuring that every detail matches the original Monte Carlo 850 specification. The restoration included using all-original parts, meaning the engine block, crank, cylinder head, and gearbox are all true to the car’s history.
With only 3000 km driven since the restoration, this Saab is in excellent mechanical condition. The current owner has taken extraordinary care of the car, ensuring that it remains in a climate-controlled garage when not in use. In addition, recent repairs in 2024 addressed ignition wiring, voltage regulation, new carburetors, and updates to the brakes and clutch. In short, this car is ready to be driven and enjoyed by its next caretaker.
Performance Upgrades: Monte Carlo Specifications
The Monte Carlo 850 was no ordinary Saab 96. It came equipped with a robust 841cc engine capable of delivering 60 horsepower—quite an achievement for a small car from the mid-1960s. This particular example retains its original high-performance Monte Carlo engine, complete with oil injection, a feature that set it apart from standard Saab 96s of the time.
One of the standout features of the Monte Carlo 850 is its long-ratio gearbox, which allows for smooth cruising at higher speeds, making this car as enjoyable on the highway as it is on winding country roads. The car also boasts front disc brakes, providing far superior stopping power compared to the drum brakes commonly found on cars of the era. These features made the Monte Carlo 850 a force to be reckoned with in rallies and on regular roads alike.
For those interested in vintage driving experiences, this Saab 96 Monte Carlo 850 provides an authentic feel of mid-century Scandinavian engineering. The Simons HP exhaust system and Vredestein Sprint Classic tires further enhance the driving experience, giving you modern performance while preserving the car’s classic character.
Collectible Appeal: A Rare Opportunity for Saab Enthusiasts
The Saab 96 Monte Carlo 850 is an extremely rare car. Very few of these models were produced, and even fewer survive today in such pristine condition. This particular car comes with an impressive history and has been maintained to an exceptional standard. The seller, a Saab aficionado with several other collectible Saabs, is parting with the car only because he doesn’t have enough time to drive all of his vehicles.
Additionally, the car comes with optional Ronal alloy rims and a rare chromed front grill blend, items that can be added to further customize the vehicle’s appearance. This level of rarity and customizability makes this Saab 96 Monte Carlo 850 a valuable addition to any collection.
The car also features modern safety updates, such as rear seat static two-point safety belts, which allow for the installation of child seats—something rarely seen in classic cars. This makes the Saab not only a stunning collector’s piece but also a practical option for occasional family outings.
A Piece of Saab Rally History
The Saab 96 Monte Carlo 850’s history in motorsport, especially in rally racing, is well-documented. It was cars like this that helped Saab build its reputation for rugged, durable vehicles capable of performing in the toughest conditions. With legendary drivers like Erik Carlsson piloting the Monte Carlo, this model is forever etched in rally folklore. Owning this car is owning a part of that history.
If you’re a Saab enthusiast or a classic car collector, this 1965 Saab 96 Monte Carlo 850 offers a unique chance to own a piece of Swedish motoring heritage. The combination of its restored condition, rare specifications, and documented history makes this car a standout in the world of classic automobiles.
Ready for the Road: Why This Saab Stands Out
Beyond its historical significance and meticulous restoration, the Saab 96 Monte Carlo 850 is also a driver’s car. It’s ready to hit the road, whether for a long-distance rally or a weekend drive. The current owner’s commitment to preserving its authenticity while maintaining its drivability means that you can enjoy this car without any concerns about its mechanical reliability.
The asking price of €27,500 reflects the car’s rarity, restoration quality, and overall condition. Given the increasing demand for vintage Saabs, especially Monte Carlo models, this is a car that will likely appreciate in value, making it not just a fun investment, but a smart one.
A Saab for the True Enthusiast
In a world where classic cars are becoming ever more desirable, this 1965 Saab 96 Monte Carlo 850 stands out for its unique combination of performance, history, and collectibility. Whether you’re a long-time Saab enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of vintage cars, this Saab offers something truly special. Don’t miss the opportunity to own one of Saab’s most iconic models—a car that embodies the spirit of Swedish engineering and rally dominance.
If you’re ready to make this Saab 96 Monte Carlo 850 yours, it’s ready for you. After all, cars like this one don’t come around often.
To make it 100% clear: it is 1966 model with all 1966 features and early 1966 chassis number, but it was manufactured and first registered already in late 1965 as Saab was changing model year to new in preceeding September.
I enjoy your writing and have the unique opportunity of being involved with many Vintage
Saab collectors and owners. I have a 1968 Saab Estate Wagon. Thank you for your article, we have this Monte Carlo currently, it is a daily driver.
We are sadly selling it because of lack of space.
Nice car.
Found this 850 MC 1966 behind a barn in mid Sweden approx 45 years ago. Bought it for 600 sek = 50 pund and built rallycar out of it. (Smart😳)The ”Safarifront”(?) was quite rare. Sold 1979.
SAAB 96 Sport, 2 temps, 850cc, 3 carburateurs, mélangeur d’huile. Année 64 ou 66 ….,SAAB 96 Sport, 2-stroke, 850cc, 3 carburetors, oil mixer. Year 64 or 66
No oil mixer in Saab Sport / GT 850 / Monte Carlo 850 but oil injection.
Oil mixer was used in Auto Union. It was pre-mixing oil from the oil tank with fuel just before it entered carburetor.
In Saab you have got oil pump that is pumping oil through oil chanels in engine block directly to the points that need lubrication(as cylinders’ surface and crankshaft bearings). It works more or less like in four stroke engine with one difference: oil is not recirculating but burned in with fuel. This is the most sophisticated lubrication system two-stroke car has ever had. To compare with standard mixing oil it uses only 0,5% oil per gasoline. You can also drive safely with shut off throttle and free wheel disengaged (engine braking) because lubrication is not related to amount of fuel but with engine revs.
The most fun I ever had in a Saab was in one of these. I had a front muffler modified into an expansion chamber per the instructions in an old Chilton’s manual with a two inch diameter pipe to the rear muffler made from a straight through performance muffler. I also rejetted the carbs to prevent lean running.
It’s true! Lean running is quite dangerous if you drive your two stroke hard. The problem is that you can have both tunings at the same time: daily road driving and for sport. I had this issue once in my GT750 and finished with hole in piston
No oil mixer in Saab Sport / GT 850 / Monte Carlo 850 but oil injection.
Oil mixer was used in Auto Union. It was pre-mixing oil from the oil tank with fuel just before it entered carburetor.
In Saab you have got oil pump that is pumping oil through oil chanels in engine block directly to the points that need lubrication(as cylinders’ surface and crankshaft bearings). It works more or less like in four stroke engine with one difference: oil is not recirculating but burned in with fuel. This is the most sophisticated lubrication system two-stroke car has ever had. To compare with standard mixing oil it uses only 0,5% oil per gasoline. You can also drive safely with shut off throttle and free wheel disengaged (engine braking) because lubrication is not related to amount of fuel but with engine revs.