A Saab with no equal: why this 1963 Sport GT 850 stands alone
In the long history of Saab’s sporting two-stroke era, few cars can claim absolute singularity. This 1963 Saab Sport GT 850 is one of them – and not just for its immaculate provenance. According to Bilweb Auctions and corroborated by Swedish media, this is the only known surviving 1963 Saab Sport GT 850 with a factory-installed sunroof.
The GT 850 was already a rarity in period, produced in limited numbers and positioned as Saab’s most performance-focused short-nose model. But this particular car – finished in deep dark blue, fitted with every available option, and destined for the US market – pushes exclusivity to another level. Built as a dealer demonstrator for American showrooms, it left Trollhättan “maxutrustad” (fully loaded), complete with unique rear-deck badging that predates the 1964 emblem style.
For Saab purists, the existence of this car is a historical anomaly. For collectors, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
From Trollhättan to the US: early life as a dealer demonstrator
This Sport GT 850 was born in 1963 with a low chassis number, earmarked for export to the United States. Saab’s US dealers needed a statement piece – something that could sell the idea of a compact, aerodynamic, rally-winning Swedish car to an audience steeped in chrome-heavy Detroit iron.
The car was shipped across the Atlantic and registered in the US that same year. For its first chapter, it lived in showroom spotlight, equipped with front disc brakes, the 841 cc three-cylinder two-stroke engine producing 52 hp, and that distinctive factory sunroof — a feature almost unheard of on early GT 850s.
Unlike many demo cars that fade into obscurity, this one quickly found a home with an enthusiast. From the early 1970s, it belonged to what the auction listing describes as “the largest Saab collector in the USA”, based in Pennsylvania.
The Saab collector trail across America
Following its Pennsylvania years, the GT 850 began a slow migration across the US Saab collector network:
- California — remained in active use until 2016, benefiting from the state’s dry climate.
- New York State — sold to another Saab enthusiast.
- Illinois — acquired by a dedicated collector.
Each transition kept the car within Saab-knowledgeable hands, preserving its originality. At some point in the early 1980s, it was repainted in its original dark blue — a job that has aged into what can best be described as honest patina, showing its decades of life without hiding them.
Return to Sweden – mechanical renewal in 2025
In 2022, the car’s story took a decisive turn when CS Autoparts repatriated it to Sweden. By February 5, 2025, it was fully registered in its homeland. Before returning to the road, it underwent significant mechanical work at the hands of experienced Saab mechanics:
- Engine and gearbox fully rebuilt
- Fuel tank replaced
- New brakes installed
- Fresh 2024 tires (only 30 km driven)
The auction listing notes that it starts easily and runs beautifully, with “fine song and operation” — a phrase any two-stroke Saab owner will understand immediately. The underside is solid, with only a small rust hole near the left rear fender trim and some bubbling on the lower trunk lid (a better trunk lid is included with the sale).
Inside, much of the original textile upholstery and trim remain, with comfortable seats, intact headliner, and a well-preserved sunroof. The sunroof crank is a replacement, though an original-style unit is included. All major instruments and controls function correctly.
Auction attempt and market reality
This singular GT 850 was offered in Bilweb Auctions’ July 2025 sale. Despite spirited bidding reaching over 100,000 SEK (more than $10,000 USD), the reserve price – reportedly around a quarter of a million SEK – was not met.
The outcome underscores a challenge familiar to the classic Saab market: the gap between a car’s historical importance and the liquidity of high-end buyers willing to meet a top-tier valuation. For a world-unique Saab in driving condition, the price expectation is not unrealistic – but the right buyer will need both resources and the passion to preserve it.
Understanding the Saab Sport GT 850 line
The Saab Sport GT 850 debuted in 1962 as the evolution of the GT 750, now featuring the larger 841 cc two-stroke engine, improved brakes, and a focus on competition-inspired equipment. The “short-nose” front end still bore the rounded form of the Saab 96 Mk I, but under the skin the GT 850 was a far more capable car.
Key 1963 changes included:
- Adoption of the Saab 96 instrument panel with large round speedometer and tachometer
- 52 hp engine output paired with front disc brakes
- Subtle trim updates and revised heating/ventilation system
These cars were homologation-friendly for rally competition, and the GT badge carried genuine motorsport credibility thanks to Erik Carlsson’s international successes.
What makes this example irreplaceable for collectors
While many GT 850s survive in Europe, the combination of factory sunroof, early production, documented US dealer demonstrator history, and continuous Saab-collector ownership makes this car singular.
Other noteworthy points for a potential buyer:
- Structurally sound and nearly rust-free, eliminating the need for major metal restoration.
- Mechanically refreshed, road-registered, and inspection-exempt in Sweden.
- Includes spare trunk lid and original-style sunroof crank.
- Wears its age honestly, offering the choice to preserve patina or restore to concours condition.
For the Saab historian, it’s a case study in how the brand adapted its European performance ethos for the American market in the early 1960s. For the serious collector, it’s an opportunity to secure a documented, one-of-one survivor — a phrase that almost never applies in Saab circles.
