A one-off Saab prototype is headed to public sale shortly. Referred to as the Saab EX, the distinctive automotive is scheduled to cross the block at a Bonhams public sale on October 8.
Constructed to have a good time Saab’s fiftieth anniversary in 1997, the EX was constructed not in Sweden, however in Oslo, Norway, by Per Ekstrøm. Nonetheless, it was in-built collaboration with each the Saab manufacturing unit and Norwegian authorities, making certain that it’s absolutely street authorized and drives like Saab manufacturing vehicles of the interval, in keeping with the public sale itemizing.
Sharing a wheelbase with the up to date Saab 900, the EX has exaggerated coupe styling with a low roof and widened fenders. The styling was developed with sketches and clay fashions—identical to an idea automotive designed by an automaker.
The automotive began out as a inventory Saab 900 physique shell. The roof was then lowered 2.7 inches and the tailgate incorporates rear-window glass from a 900 convertible. The wide-body look was achieved with wheel arches from a Saab CS 9000. All of this work consumed an estimates 3,000 to 4,000 hours.
1997 Saab EX Prototype
Smaller design touches embrace a relocated gasoline cap and a rearview digicam. A novelty in 1997, the digicam is mounted within the tailgate lock cylinder and is related to an Alpine stereo system’s head unit.
Designed to be absolutely drivable, the EX is powered by a 2.3-liter turbo-4 producing 220 hp. The engine has 95,691 miles on it, however the automotive itself has a lot much less, in keeping with the public sale itemizing. For the final 5 years, it has been displayed at Norwegian Saab specialist Gjestrum Larsen AS.
1997 Saab EX Prototype
At the moment positioned in Belgium, the EX acquired a European Union technical inspection earlier this 12 months. Meaning it is nonetheless street authorized in most European international locations, Bonhams notes. The prototype can also be registered with the VIN from a 1987 Saab 9000CC, giving it “old-timer” standing in Europe. Whether or not age is set by the VIN or the 12 months of development, the EX additionally exceeds the 25-year rule that lifts many limitations to importation of vehicles not initially bought within the U.S.
The Saab EX prototype can be bought with out reserve, with an estimated hammer worth of 60,000 to 90,000 euros (roughly $63,000 to $95,000 at present alternate charges). That does not sound too dangerous for an uncommon piece of historical past from a defunct automaker that—no less than in some locations—you possibly can truly drive.
