This 1969 Saab 96 remained with the original owner until 2013 and has since been modified into a rally-inspired tribute. Built with the help of Saab guru Paul Perry at Bay Area specialist shop European Auto Factory, the car features many rare period performance parts including a vintage crossflow intake with dual Webers, a “Tavlingsdetljer” Saab factory performance cam and more detailed below. This looks like a great entry for fast road rallies, and the car has around 300 break-in miles since completion. The car was purchased new in the Bay Area where it has lived all its life, and the seller has been careful to balance modifications with the car’s original finishes.

The seller says red paint is original, and the satin black with Swedish rally stripes recall Pat Moss’ (Stirling’s sister) works rally car. The custom light bar is matched by a custom front skid plate, and freshened factory wheels conceal new brakes. Tires are new as well.

This car was originally purchased from Leif Linden Motors in Berkeley, California, and an included factory service booklet shows stamps from delivery mileage all the way through 70,951 miles. The odometer now shows 73k miles.

The interior is said to be largely original, and a new carpet kit conceals freshly cleaned and rust-treated floors. No corrosion was found during prep. All lights, controls and instruments work. The seller added a column-mounted tachometer, and the freewheeling 4-speed is shifted on the column. The freewheeling feature works and can be engaged via the stock lever under the dash. Upholstery looks clean front and back, with the rear bench visible in additional photos contained within the gallery below.

The engine has been freshly rebuilt by R & R Auto Care in Richmond, California with all new seals and gaskets. The heads were rebuilt with enlarged 44mm exhaust ports, fitment of larger Ford 289 exhaust valves, hardened seals and stiffer springs. Internals include a polished, balanced crankshaft, refurbished pistons and new compression and oil control rings. The 4-speed gearbox was pulled for inspection and new seals were fitted.

Other details include a Saab works style front-mounted oil cooler, custom exhaust header and pipe feeding a side-exit, Austin Healey-sourced muffler, new clutch and slave cylinders, a new clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing, new brakes, rebuilt and balanced carbs with adapted manual choke, custom-adapted Hitachi vacuum advance distributor, and auxiliary electric fuel pump.

The fuel tank and radiator were boiled and refurbished, and the car received new tires, new wheel cylinders and new wheel bearings all around. The seller says it drives excellently and he has enjoyed taking it to local Bay Area meets.