1971 Saab

Coupe

4 - Cyl.

Manual

Clear

Gasoline

1971 SAAB Model 96: This unique car has been licensed and insured in New Mexico where it has had regular road use with 71,000 miles on the odometer. The engine was rebuilt less than 10,000 miles ago by Automotive Head Exchange here in Albuquerque. The 1700cc V4 engine is fitted with an Isky F4 cam, lifters, springs, and keepers. Rod and main bearings were new as were rings with only a light hone to the cylinder walls. A three-angle valve job was performed on stock valves/seats at the same time. Pushrods and rocker arms are stock. New oil pump, water pump, and over-sized radiator were also fitted. The intake is a hand-built aluminum, single plane manifold with a Weber 40 IDF dual choke, down draft carburetor with custom cable linkage from Pegasus. The balance shaft is stock. New motor mounts and transmission mount were used when the engine was installed. The manifold has been blended to the intake ports. The exhaust has been ported to a large diameter, rally-type header and Y-tube to a single, low restriction muffler. The 4 speed transmission was rebuilt also here in Albuquerque by Jeff’s SAAB shop. It is operated with a stock column shift. The CV joints have intact rubber boots both at inner and outer locations. The interior was refurbished with cloth upholstery. Carpets are good, but the dash cover is cracked from New Mexico sun although the car was garaged for many years. The windshield was replaced and all glass is in excellent condition. The Heater core and heater blower motor were rebuilt as well. The battery was relocated to the rear of the car where number 4 wire runs to the stock Bosch starter and alternator. All the lights and electrics work except backup lights and windshield washer. The bodywork is presentable with virtually no rust, but numerous rock pits and minor dents exist where it was not repainted. The hood and front fenders were repainted here in Albuquerque by Gilson’s Autobody with single stage Dupont paint that matched the remainder of the car. Note that the bumper brackets and bumpers are off the car to reveal the bodywork normally obscured by these parts. The tires and wheels are stock with stainless steel wheel covers. The locking gas cap is also stainless steel. All four corners are fitted with KYB gas shocks and an ADCO anti-roll bar was added to the rear. The fuel tank and lines to the engine are original, but flushed and a spin-on fuel filter was added. The car runs extremely well and climbs Sandia Mountain with no problems. Obviously, the car jetting and distributor advance have been set for high altitude conditions. The steering and brakes are straight, but some clicking can be elicited by power applied at full-lock. This is not your father’s SAAB. It is cold blooded in spite of the manual choke. It easily outperforms any stock version of the same model, yet it is tractable for normal use. Someone always asks, “Why are you selling the car after all this work and money spent?” The answer is funds are needed for a new project. The purchaser is expected to pay a $500 deposit within 24 hours of the close of the auction and the remaining portion of the purchase price must be paid within three days of the close of the auction. Payment must be via paypal only.