Description
Owned by me for nearly 10 years it is now time to sell my exceptional and extremely rare 1963 model, Roundnose, 2-stroke, Saab 95 Estate.
The Saab was fully restored in Sweden before coming to the U. K. in 2010. Continuing attention has been paid to preserving it's superb bodywork as well as a focus on mechanical reliability by both of it's U. K. owners.
The bodywork had been completely stripped with all rust removed. Paying attention to material thickness, panel profiles, spot welds and seams, any welding carried out has been to such a high standard that I can hardly see where there was any! It pays testament to this workmanship, diligence in preparation and painting that the car remains completely rust-free today. The underside was painted in top-coat, only having a thin coating of underseal applied by it's 1st U. K. owner. It was also completely cavity treated as well at this time (Bilt Hamber products I believe).
The interior presents well with the correct trim and seat coverings, all in excellent condition.
In the care of it's 1st U. K. owner a re-cored radiator and green thermostat were fitted. (There's no overheating!) The prototype silicon coolant hose set from "The Saab Shop" is fitted and has stood the test of time (same external pattern as the original Saab hoses).
The gearbox was re-built by Chris Partington with later planetary gears fitted, facilitating later driveshafts and therefore V4 disc brakes, currently with "Green Stuff" pads.
Gaz adjustable front shock absorbers were fitted and rear lever-arm ones were very neatly replaced with bespoke Gaz adjustable ones without any bodywork "butchering".
With young children, 2 inertia-reel seat belts were discreetly fitted to the middle-row seats (easily removed if originality is needed).
An exhaust gas temperature gauge was fitted for engine safety.
In my care attention has been paid to getting the car "running right".
Compression pressures would suggest a head-skim but "squish" is still correct. An X. P. 31mm carburetor venturi is fitted with appropriate jetting thus improving low-end torque.
A 1965 air cleaner is fitted (improved air flow).
A twin-pipe Saab Sport exhaust system is utilised with genuine Saab, recently cleaned out, rear box.
The car pulls very well!
A rebuilt (S. S. K.) crankshaft was fitted in 2019 and evaluation of the engine "top end" at this time showed un-scored bores with what appear to be excellent Hepworth pistons. Ports remained original sizes but the rough casting had been smoothed.
An X. P. copper head gasket is fitted.
A diaphragm clutch is fitted.
A new voltage regulator (genuine Bosch) together with new dynamo bearings, brushes and water pump seal have been fitted with correct Bluecol antifreeze added.
The original fuel pump was rebuilt with E10 compliant parts.
"E" marked warm-white l. e. d. headlamp bulbs are fitted aiding night vision and additionally these do not suffer from dimming when going downhill in free-wheel mode.
The original speedometer's odometer didn't work and so shortly after purchase 1 speedometer was made from 3 and now records in m. p. h. and miles.
Everything on the car works as it should including all locks (2 sets of keys) and even the clock keeps reasonable time!
From the outset, and subsequently, great attention has been paid to originality with this car. The only modifications, all non-intrusive, have been to aid usability and safety. It would therefore be straightforward to retro-fit original items if absolute originality is a priority.
Although well known in local classic car circles (M. W. C. V. C.) and the greater Saab community (S. E. C.), it's unlikely you'll see my car at a show since I much prefer to drive it! Nevertheless, in my care, the car has won "best engine bay" at a Saab-based event in 2018 and "best, most unusual car" at a general classics show in 2023.
Like every 2-stroke Saab I've ever owned, this car has never let me down in the 16, 000+ miles of driving it. It's furthest trip was a long-weekend drive of 950miles, laden with camping gear, to the Saab International in Germany.
The Saab is kept in an insulated, semi-subterranean garage thus eliminating damp, condensation and any extremes of temperature and so hopefully aiding preservation.
This Saab arrived in the U. K. through a word-of-mouth transaction between known Saab enthusiasts and I purchased it the same way. You now have a unique opportunity to buy this exceptional and unique piece of Saab engineering and history......
