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Junkyard Rescue: 1965 Saab 96 Monte Carlo 850

As we all know too well on these pages, I love rescuing rare or obsolete vehicles from the junkyard. In many cases, that’s the only place you’re going to find a project-grade version of a special car that was produced in limited quantities. That’s certainly the case with this 1965 Saab 96 Monte Carlo 850 here on eBay, which is supposedly one of less than 1,000 made. It came with a bump in power, unique seats, Nardi steering wheel, and more, but this one is missing most of those. Check out the picture below of it sitting in a sun-baked junkyard before it was rescued.

I wish the seller included more photos of its “as-found” condition, but this is how it looked before getting some steel wheels from the scrap pile to roll around on. The seller is located in Illinois but the old-school license plates indicate this Saab resided in Oklahoma before calling the junkyard home. This, to me, is one of the most exciting feelings out there, of realizing you’ve found a car that many would otherwise consider extinct, and it’s not past the point of revival given it’s largely rust-free condition and no evidence of accident damage. Note the twin chrome strips at the bottom of the doors – those were a distinguishing feature of the Monte Carlo editions.

In the close-up photos on eBay, you can see where the rare Monte Carlo badge left its outline on the trunk lid beneath the corporate logo. These cars were built in commemoration of Erik Carlsson’s success in rallying behind the wheel of a 96 in the ’62 and ’63 Monte Carlo rallies. The special model received a 55 b.h.p. version of the familiar two-stroke, along with front disc brakes, reclining bucket seats, a tachometer, a clock, and the aforementioned Nardi wheel. Despite being a very cool package, it didn’t do much to help with sales and was discontinued a short time later. Surprisingly, the chrome bumpers appear to be in good shape.

Of course, with anything that spends time in the junkyard, the elements and individuals are the primary threats to a car’s existence. If it’s a yard that’s open to the public, parts seekers tend to treat the cars like garage; and if it’s been relegated to a junkyard, most owners assume its driving days are done and the car may be used for occasional target practice. Fortunately, no such damage appears to have befallen this 96, but it will still need a complete restoration – starting with sourcing an engine and the necessary replacement badges. Would you restore this rare Saab 96 or put it back out to pasture?

Comments

  1. Avatar alphasud Member

    The resale of collectible Saab’s is on the rise but sourcing the 850 triple and the specific parts to this Monte Carlo will be more than it’s worth. Find another cancered out Monti Carlo with all the good bits and use this body but do it for the love of Saab and not the investment.

    Like 10
  2. HoA Howard A Member

    This is too far gone, but for someone that has a driver, a treasure trove of parts.

    Like 7
  3. Avatar CCFisher

    I was surprised to find three NOS steering wheels for this car on eBay. Prices ranged from $2490 – $2750. One would have to be a true SAAB enthusiast to resurrect this one.

    Like 6
  4. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    What is with these sellers ?? No pics of the mill, or the underside or does it have one? Junk on the inside?? Geez. Good parts car, better look it over and see if it has what you want on it, being horsed around a junkyard with a forklift. Does show a little of the bottom near the rocker panel- swiss cheese. Good luck to the new owner.
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 3
    • Avatar Robert L Roberge

      It’ll probably buff out.

      Like 2
  5. Avatar MikeH

    So it’s missing the special 850 engine, the Monte Carlo badges, the chrome strips under the doors and the nardi steering wheel. It’s missing almost all the special parts. Sorry, this isn’t a Monte Carlo. It’s just a Saab 96.

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Claudio

    Well, if you cant LS it , why bother !!!

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Burger

    As a kid, I looked at these and thought WTF ? Who would buy and drive such an ugly car. 50 years later, I am still asking the same question. Of all the cars out there to buy, own, restore, drive, why on earth would a person choose a gutless POS, styled to look like a turd ? In all these years, I have never heard a good argument for why this would be a good idea.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar The one

    Just another Saab story, get it?

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Kurt Member

    Sort of Art Deco styling, reminds me of Yank tanks of the same era; streamlined but not really very fast. The Sci Fi author Kurt Vonnegut once sold these for a living.

    Like 0

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