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A one-off Saab prototype is headed to public sale shortly. Referred to as the Saab EX, the distinctive automobile is scheduled to cross the block at a Bonhams public sale on October 8.
Constructed to have fun 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 facility and Norwegian authorities, making certain that it’s totally street authorized and drives like Saab manufacturing automobiles 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—similar to an idea automobile designed by an automaker.
The automobile 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 gas cap and a rearview digital camera. A novelty in 1997, the digital camera is mounted within the tailgate lock cylinder and is linked to an Alpine stereo system’s head unit.
Designed to be totally 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 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 obtained a European Union technical inspection earlier this yr. Which means 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 decided by the VIN or the yr of building, the EX additionally exceeds the 25-year rule that lifts many limitations to importation of automobiles not initially bought within the U.S.
The Saab EX prototype might be bought with out reserve, with an estimated hammer value of 60,000 to 90,000 euros (roughly $63,000 to $95,000 at present trade 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’ll be able to really drive.
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