Description
There are few more enduring and iconic combinations in the history of rallying than Erik Carlsson and Saab. The Swedish legend helped to put the marque on the map, and drove a Saab to victory on the RAC Rally in 1960, ’61 and ’62.
Carlsson also won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1962 and ’63, and was particularly proud of twice finishing second in the gruelling Spa-Sofia-Liège Rally – all of which was achieved in the simple, rugged and reliable 96.
Launched in 1960, the Saab 96 initially featured an 841cc, three-cylinder, two-stroke engine. This was offered in various states of tune until, in 1967, Saab introduced the V4, which was powered by the 1498cc four-cylinder unit from the Ford Taunus.
The gearbox was a three-speed unit at first, later replaced by an all-synchromesh four-speed; both featured a column-mounted gearchange. The transmission also had a ‘freewheel’ system, which was retained all the way through production.
The last Saab 96 left the factory in 1980, and even into the 1970s the model had remained successful in top-level rallying. Stig Blomqvist drove one to victory on the Swedish Rally in 1972 and ’73, and Per Eklund did likewise in 1976 – all three wins being claimed by the V4 variant.
The 1972 Saab 96 V4 being offered for sale here was built for rallying by an enthusiast who had competed in a Mini Cooper S during the 1970s. Having considered an Escort, he went for the Saab because it promised to be ‘a very competitive car without the need to spend a fortune on bodyshell and mechanical upgrades’.
He bought this V4 from someone who had already started the process of converting it into a rally car. It was found to be a sound bodyshell with little rust, and a lot of works-spec parts had already been bought. The car was nonetheless stripped down again and completely rebuilt. Only the gearbox – which had recently been rebuilt by Modus Enterprises – was left alone.
A new engine block was sourced and bored out to accommodate 93mm pistons. A longer-throw crankshaft was fitted and the capacity was increased to 1815cc. The engine was fully balanced, the crank journals reground, and new pistons rings and bearing shells were fitted.
The cylinder head features larger valves, stronger springs and heavy-duty competition valve gear. A works-spec camshaft was fitted, along with Weber 45 DCOE carburettors on a crossover inlet manifold. The flywheel had already been lightened and a competition clutch was installed.
The bodyshell was strengthened around the front suspension towers and the holes through which the driveshafts pass in the engine bay, and it was seam-welded around the upper damper mounts. The front upper and lower wishbones were also strengthened. Uprated springs and adjustable dampers were specified.
Twin Facet fuel pumps were fitted, and a bespoke 77-litre fuel tank was fabricated and still leaves enough boot space for two wheels. Goodridge 811-series fuel lines were used throughout and a Kenlowe fan was added to the cooling system.
The finished car was painted Toreador Red, and fully kitted out with a Safety Devices roll cage, harnesses, and an automatic Lifeline extinguisher system. It passed to a new owner in 2023 and is now being offered for sale with an extensive history file that details the entire build process. It’s a superbly prepared and highly eligible example of this competitive and charismatic rally car suitable for many classic car rallies, from HRCR rounds to the many events offered by Rally the Globe or HERO.
The car is currently residing with Rally Preparation Services sister Company, RPS Storage Ltd and available for inspection.
All viewings and test drives welcomed through direct contact with Rally Preparation Services.
All email enquiries please contact us on using the button below or telephone
Images subject to copyright – Rally Preparation Services Ltd
Specifications
Date of original manufacture: 1972
Roll Cage
Recaro seats
TRS Harness’
Brants Trip Meter
Brantz Stopwatch
Mota Lita Steering Wheel
Navigators Footrest
Cibie Spot Lamps
Twin coils
Electronic ignition
Electric cooling fan
Air horn
Facet fuel pumps
High capacity bespoke fuel tank
Lifeline Fire Extinguisher
Underbody protection
