Could This Saab 96 Sport Be 2025’s Most Immaculate Two-Stroke Survivor?

A concours-level 1964 Saab 96 Sport 850 restored by a true Saab 96 Club legend resurfaces after decades—and it might just be the cleanest survivor on the market.

A Survivor of Swedish Rally Glory

There are classic Saabs, and then there are Saabs with pedigree. The 1964 Saab 96 Sport up for auction this July via Bilweb Auctions isn’t just another enthusiast-owned two-stroke—it’s a piece of Swedish rally heritage, lovingly restored by one of the marque’s most respected insiders. This Sport model, powered by the iconic 841cc triple-carb two-stroke engine, represents the final year before Saab adopted the extended “longnose” front for improved cooling and safety, marking this as a last-of-its-kind example.

And unlike many survivors that show their age or rely on surface-level refreshes, this example underwent a nut-and-bolt restoration by Saab 96 Club parts coordinator Jensen. The result? A concours-level classic that hasn’t seen a drop of rain in decades, with a mechanical and aesthetic presentation so perfect it could pass for a new build.

Rebuilt from Bare Metal by a True Saab Craftsman

What sets this Saab apart isn’t just its model year or rarity—it’s the provenance of its restoration. The car was found in the early 1990s by Jensen, a well-known figure in Sweden’s Saab 96 Club community, whose knowledge of spare parts and factory-correct specs was second to none.

At the time, the vehicle had been sitting dormant since the early ’70s, having vanished from the Swedish registry altogether. Jensen embarked on a painstaking full rebuild, stripping the car to bare metal and replacing or refurbishing every single component. Original and NOS (New Old Stock) parts were used wherever possible, including correct-spec chrome, lighting, and interior materials.

He even fitted a rare Golde sliding roof, a highly desirable option for the model year. The car was resprayed in an authentic white finish and treated to fresh undercoating and full interior retrim. No corner was cut; no detail overlooked.

A Legacy Frozen in Time

Completed around 1995, the car lived a quiet, cherished life. Jensen used it sparingly, attending only select summer Saab gatherings. In 2008, he tragically passed away during an event at Kinnekulle Ring while participating with his brother, another long-time Saab enthusiast. Since then, the vehicle has remained in the care of his widow, stored in a heated garage and started regularly to preserve mechanical health.

It has barely aged a day since its restoration nearly 30 years ago. Today, the engine fires up immediately. The gearbox is crisp. The triple Solex carbs provide the signature crackling two-stroke soundtrack that defined Saab’s motorsport era. Even the dashboard clock still works—a testament to the obsessive quality of the rebuild.

Inspection Notes: No Surprises, Just Excellence

The latest inspection confirms what’s visible from the gallery: this car needs nothing. A recent checkup by Jensen’s brother included new ignition coils and rebuilt rear brakes, ensuring roadworthiness. The body remains arrow-straight and rust-free, with the only flaw being a faint 10 cm dent on the rear right fender and a minor touch-up under the trunk lid—both practically invisible to the naked eye.

Interior-wise, the red-upholstered seats, new carpets, and retrimmed door panels present in outstanding condition, save for a slightly loosened seam on the rear bench and a passenger-side door pocket that doesn’t latch perfectly. The period-correct wood-rimmed steering wheel adds just the right touch of rally-era flair.

Technical Details That Matter to Enthusiasts

This model packs the factory 841cc two-stroke three-cylinder engine with triple carburetors, producing 52 hp—far more than the base 38 hp variant. Paired with a four-speed manual transmission, this gave drivers nimble performance and torque on tap. Front disc brakes were advanced for the era, and the car rides on upgraded aluminum wheels with fresh tires.

Importantly, the vehicle is tax and inspection-exempt in Sweden, registered and ready to drive. It’s also eligible for historic rallies or to be shown at high-level concours events. The odometer may not matter here—what counts is the mechanical precision and documented restoration history.

Saab Sport vs Monte Carlo 850: What’s the Difference?

In the U.S., this car would be considered a GT850—the export name Saab used for its sport-tuned models. But 1964 marked a turning point. That year, Saab rebranded the car as the Monte Carlo 850, following rally wins at events like Monte Carlo.

However, the vehicle up for auction is a true Swedish-market Saab Sport, which predates the Monte Carlo badge but carries essentially the same mechanical package. The Sport retained the basic 96 shell but featured rally upgrades such as auxiliary lighting, a revised dashboard, improved seating, and chrome accents along the rockers. If you’re a collector interested in rally history, the Saab Sport represents the start of the legend.

For further reading, see Saab Sport history at Svenska Saabklubben.

Auction Outlook: Saab’s Hottest Classic in 2025?

At the time of writing, this car has already received a high bid of 251,000 SEK ($25,000), despite the reserve not yet being met. Bilweb Auctions estimates its final value between 330,000–360,000 SEK ($30,000–$38,000), which would make it one of the most expensive Saab sales of the year.

That figure isn’t just a reflection of rarity—it’s a testament to the quality of the restoration, the pedigree of ownership, and the authenticity of the build. Cars like this don’t hit the open market often. Most remain in private collections or are passed down within enthusiast families. For any serious Saab aficionado, this is a rare chance to own one of the finest surviving pre-longnose 96 Sports.

The Right Saab at the Right Time

This isn’t just another pretty classic with shiny paint and superficial upgrades. It’s a car that embodies the passion and precision of a Saab master craftsman. In an era where vintage car values are increasingly tied to story and provenance, this 1964 Saab 96 Sport checks every box: history, restoration quality, authenticity, and driveability.

Expect it to meet—and possibly exceed—its reserve. Whether it ends up in a museum, a private showroom, or tearing through backroads in the Swedish summer, one thing is certain: we won’t see another like it anytime soon.

Related story: a Saab Sport rebuilt under the guidance of a legend

If you enjoyed the restoration journey of this 1964 Saab 96 Sport, you’ll want to read our newest deep-dive into another remarkable two-stroke project from northern Sweden. It’s the story of Anders Jonsson, his fully renewed Saab Sport, and the decades of knowledge passed down to him by rallycross icon Ture Karlsson.

Click here to read the full feature:
https://www.saabplanet.com/saab-sport-anders-jonsson-ture-karlsson/