Table of Contents
- 1 1968 Saab 96 V4 sells for $12,500 on BaT: what made this one special?
- 2 What makes this Saab 96 DeLuxe truly stand out?
- 3 Restored by a known Saab shop, backed by quality
- 4 Aesthetic upgrades with function in mind
- 5 Auction transparency and documentation
- 6 What the community recognized in this Saab 96
- 7 A Saab for those who understand
1968 Saab 96 V4 sells for $12,500 on BaT: what made this one special?
On July 11, 2025, a fully restored 1968 Saab 96 V4 DeLuxe was sold on Bring a Trailer for $12,500. At first glance, this price might seem average. But in reality, the buyer walked away with a highly desirable, show-ready car backed by a full restoration and rare rally-themed styling. Over 60 detailed comments followed the listing, reflecting the strong community interest.
Restored by Independent Auto Craft of Crystal Lake, Illinois, the Saab was repainted in custom True Blue with yellow vinyl rally stripes, fitted with Soccer Ball wheels, and updated with vintage rally accessories like Heuer timers, a dash-mounted compass, and auxiliary lights. The car was shown in complete detail with restoration photos, invoices, and shop manuals, giving buyers full transparency.
What makes this Saab 96 DeLuxe truly stand out?
Originally painted Silver Sand (Y5), the car was professionally repainted in 2017, including internal panels (doors, trunk, engine bay), and fitted with replacement bumpers, weather seals, and Mobil Pegasus emblems. The result? A cohesive, period-correct appearance that honors Saab’s rallying legacy.
- Grille badges included the Swedish flag and period-correct insignia
- Yellow-lens driving lights on the bumper
- Custom vinyl rally stripes matched the interior design cues
- Sport-style rocker trim added vintage flair
As the seller confirmed, this car was owned by a collector who took it to events but drove it sparingly — just 400 miles since restoration.
Restored by a known Saab shop, backed by quality
The work was completed around 2017 by Independent Auto Craft, Inc., a specialist Saab shop from Crystal Lake, Illinois. The restoration included:
- Full engine reseal (crank seals, valve cover, intake)
- Replacement of fuel system with electric pump
- Refreshed clutch, brake system, exhaust
- New suspension bushings and underbody cleanup
The result was a reliable, solid, and visually faithful reinterpretation of Saab’s rally machines.
According to the seller, the entire chassis was stripped, repaired, and repainted. Even the trunk lid, hood and door insides received proper paint protection — something often skipped in amateur restorations.
Aesthetic upgrades with function in mind
This wasn’t a trailer queen. It was built to run, and to evoke the competition-ready stance of the 96 rally cars:
- Rally timers by Heuer
- Yellow-lens auxiliary driving lights
- Sport rocker trim
- Saab soccer-ball 15” alloy wheels
- Wood-rimmed steering wheel
- Saab-Bendix period radio and functional dash heater
The column-shifted 4-speed transaxle with freewheeling still operates as intended, and while the odometer reads just 1,800 miles, previous service records (notably from 2017) show a more likely mileage of ~102,000 — still very acceptable given the mechanical condition.
Auction transparency and documentation
The seller, under the username SonettII, was responsive and informative throughout the listing — another reason the auction drew serious interest.
They clarified:
- Engine and gearbox were removed, cleaned, resealed, and reinstalled
- The striping was done by a professional graphics shop
- The original owner garage-kept the car for decades
- A Saab memorabilia shadow box was included in the sale
- All restoration invoices and photographs were available
This level of transparency matters, especially with classic cars where trust is a critical asset.
What the community recognized in this Saab 96
The auction’s comment section revealed a high level of engagement from experienced Saab owners and collectors. Several enthusiasts emphasized that the cosmetic restoration was exceptionally well done, arguing that mechanical work is often less demanding than achieving a flawless body and interior finish. Others pointed out the strong reputation of the restoration shop, a well-known Saab specialist in the Midwest, which added credibility to the listing.
There was also valuable context provided regarding the vehicle’s mileage. One commenter referenced a 2017 service invoice showing over 101,000 miles, confirming that the odometer reading of 1,800 was not reflective of actual usage – affirming the TMU (Total Mileage Unknown) status stated in the listing.
The seller contributed background on the car’s origin, revealing it was purchased from the estate of its original owner. The restoration included a full engine-out repaint, resealing of the V4 engine, installation of custom rally-themed striping, and carefully selected period-correct accessories.
One participant even recalled personal memories related to Kurt Vonnegut’s short-lived Saab dealership on Cape Cod, drawing a cultural connection that tied this particular 96 to Saab’s broader legacy in American automotive histor
A Saab for those who understand
This isn’t just about paint or auction numbers. This is about executing a vision that aligns with Saab’s design ethos and motorsport roots – all while keeping the car usable, legal, and enjoyable.
This car could’ve easily ended up over-restored and undrivable. Instead, it was preserved in a way that balances authenticity and practicality. Whoever bought it didn’t just get a car — they acquired a piece of Swedish rally history they can start up, drive, and enjoy immediately.
And in that, they got their money’s worth — and then some.
