A just one-off Saab prototype is headed to auction soon. Known as the Saab EX, the distinctive auto is scheduled to cross the block at a Bonhams auction on Oct eight.
Created to rejoice Saab’s 50th anniversary in 1997, the EX was manufactured not in Sweden, but in Oslo, Norway, by For every Ekstrøm. Nonetheless, it was crafted in collaboration with the two the Saab manufacturing facility and Norwegian authorities, making sure that it is absolutely street authorized and drives like Saab creation automobiles of the period of time, in accordance to the auction listing.
Sharing a wheelbase with the modern Saab 900, the EX has exaggerated coupe styling with a lower roof and widened fenders. The styling was made with sketches and clay versions—just like a principle auto built by an automaker.
The auto began out as a inventory Saab 900 overall body shell. The roof was then decreased two.seven inches and the tailgate incorporates rear-window glass from a 900 convertible. The vast-overall body glance was reached with wheel arches from a Saab CS 9000. All of this do the job eaten an estimates three,000 to four,000 hrs.
1997 Saab EX Prototype
Scaled-down style and design touches include things like a relocated gasoline cap and a rearview digicam. A novelty in 1997, the digicam is mounted in the tailgate lock cylinder and is linked to an Alpine stereo system’s head device.
Created to be absolutely drivable, the EX is run by a two.three-liter turbo-four creating 220 hp. The motor has 95,691 miles on it, but the auto alone has considerably much less, in accordance to the auction listing. For the very last 5 many years, it is really been exhibited at Norwegian Saab expert Gjestrum Larsen AS.
1997 Saab EX Prototype
At present found in Belgium, the EX acquired a European Union specialized inspection before this 12 months. That signifies it is really even now street authorized in most European nations, Bonhams notes. The prototype is also registered with the VIN from a 1987 Saab 9000CC, supplying it “previous-timer” position in Europe. Whether or not age is identified by the VIN or the 12 months of design, the EX also exceeds the 25-12 months rule that lifts numerous boundaries to importation of automobiles not initially offered in the U.S.
The Saab EX prototype will be offered devoid of reserve, with an believed hammer rate of 60,000 to 90,000 euros (around $63,000 to $95,000 at present-day trade costs). That won’t seem also poor for an uncommon piece of background from a defunct automaker that𠅊t minimum in some destinations—you can essentially travel.