A one-off Saab prototype is headed to auction shortly. Called the Saab EX, the unique automobile is scheduled to cross the block at a Bonhams auction on October 8.
Built to rejoice Saab’s fiftieth anniversary in 1997, the EX was constructed not in Sweden, but in Oslo, Norway, by Per Ekstrøm. Nonetheless, it was in-built collaboration with each the Saab factory and Norwegian authorities, ensuring that it’s fully road legal and drives like Saab production cars of the period, in line with the auction listing.
Sharing a wheelbase with the contemporary Saab 900, the EX has exaggerated coupe styling with a low roof and widened fenders. The styling was developed with sketches and clay models—identical to an idea automobile designed by an automaker.
The automobile started off as a stock Saab 900 body 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 include a relocated fuel cap and a rearview camera. A novelty in 1997, the camera is mounted within the tailgate lock cylinder and is connected to an Alpine stereo system’s head unit.
Designed to be fully 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 automobile itself has much less, in line with the auction listing. For the last five years, it has been displayed at Norwegian Saab specialist Gjestrum Larsen AS.
1997 Saab EX Prototype
Currently situated in Belgium, the EX received a European Union technical inspection earlier this 12 months. Meaning it’s still road legal in most European countries, Bonhams notes. The prototype can be registered with the VIN from a 1987 Saab 9000CC, giving it “old-timer” status in Europe. Whether age is decided by the VIN or the 12 months of construction, the EX also exceeds the 25-year rule that lifts many barriers to importation of cars not originally sold within the U.S.
The Saab EX prototype shall be sold without reserve, with an estimated hammer price of 60,000 to 90,000 euros (roughly $63,000 to $95,000 at current exchange rates). That does not sound too bad for an unusual piece of history from a defunct automaker that—not less than in some places—you may actually drive.
This Article First Appeared At www.motorauthority.com
