1964 SAAB 96 BULLNOSE

1964 SAAB 96 - BULLNOSE

In 1960 the first SAAB 96 rolled out from the factory in Trollhattan, Sweden. This body style, aka Bullnose, ended production in 1964. The Bullnose had more Rally successes than any other model between the years of 1960 to 1964. With Saab's iconic factory driver Erik Carlsson, aka "Carlsson On The Roof”, the Bullnose won numerous Rally races, including the most prestigious International Rally Races; RAC Rally in 1960, 1961 and 1962, Monte Carlo Rally 1962 and 1963, Acropolis Rally in 1961 and the San Marino Rally in 1964. The Bullnose's front-wheel drive and light-weight handling on curvy roads left the more powerful and heavier cars behind. The SAAB 96 was also a rugged quality built car that could take some hits and seldom broke down during races.

This displayed Bullnose has a very unique history. It was exported from the factory in Sweden to Holland in 1964 and had a very rare built in sunroof installed by Hollandia, an aftermarket specialty shop still in business. The original owner moved to from Holland to Canada in 1965 and brought his beloved Bullnose with him. It was sold for about 10 years ago to another Canadian, who completed a professional multi-year restoration of the car. I bought the car as the third owner and imported it to the USA in 2017.

The Bullnose has recently been dressed up to honor its Rally and Racing heritage; Hella Rear View Mirrors, Hella Extra Rally Lights with Stone Fence Posts, Hella Front Headlights with Stone Mesh Guards, Saab Prancing Moose Fender Shields, Rally Stickers from its prestigious Rally wins, correct Hood Hold Down Strap, Monte Carlo Emblems, Monte Carlo Dash Board and the Mahogany Steering Wheel. This Bullnose also have a correct Tikka Search Light in perfect condition, ready to be installed on the roof.

The Two Stroke Engine is fully restored and built for the joy and ease of driving. It runs very smoothly with the original Three Carb (Solex). The cylinders are bored 0.5mm with new pistons and rings, porting restored but not modified to keep more drivable, the crankshaft is rebuilt with new rollers (double) which are now housed in designed cages machined from bronze. The crank has oil injection and the car takes premium fuel without having to mix in oil. The oil tank is brass with a gauge glass, new rubber seals have been installed on the glass gauge tube. The engine compartment is fully restored to the original specification, painted and detailed.
Transmission and Drive Train are in perfect overhauled condition. As the engine has oil pump injection, there is no problem in using the engine as a brake. The original drive train is replaced by a three prong inner drive (model 99), shortened shafts and CV outer drive (model 96), new CV boots and shaft seals have been installed in steering knuckles and hubs and wheels are the four bolt type.

Suspension and Brakes, all parts were individually sandblasted and painted. All rubber bushings are in good condition. Nothing was really rusted when disassembled. Wheel alignment is to ideal factory settings. The front brakes are wheel disks type and dual stainless steel pistons. All rubber seals have been replaced. Master cylinder is equipped with pressed in 304 Stainless Steel sleeve, no more pitting.

Body and Exhaust are absolutely rust free. The body is perfect with no plastic fillings. The car has been repainted in a Silver metallic DuPont's IMRON 1. The car has never been winter driven and has always been stored inside.

The Radiator curtain is new and operable and wheels and tires are in great condition. A dual speed wiper motor and an electric windscreen wash pump have been fitted but the original container is still utilized. Bumpers are in good shape as are the steel plates that are fastened to the bumper and fill the gap to the body. The exhaust is all 304 Stainless Steel, handmade copied factory muffler and TIG welded Front muffler is new factory type.

Interior comes fully detailed and the upholstery and headliner are original and in perfect condition. Front seat belts installed. The retracting mechanism for the seat belts is hidden behind rear seat side panels. A wooden subfloor has been fitted to raise the floor 1cm above its normal level in order to ensure that the floor remains dry and that way rust is kept at ba. The trunk wood wall and the floor are original with holes for rubber drain plugs present Suspension. Arms have no cracked rubber bushings. The Monto Carlo Dash Board and seats are in perfect condition and the mahogany steering-wheel complete the looks of this very unique and iconic car that is fun and easy to drive.

This 1964 Bullnose won 1st Price in Production Road Racer, at World of Wheels, Indianapolis, IN February 10, 2018. It is in pristine condition and very rare.