A rare Saab prototype known as the Saab EX will soon be up for auction. This one-of-a-kind vehicle will be sold at a Bonhams auction on October 8th. The car was created in 1997 to commemorate Saab’s 50th anniversary and was built by Per Ekstrøm in Oslo, Norway, with the collaboration of the Saab factory and Norwegian authorities. As a result, the Saab EX is fully road legal and offers the same driving experience as other Saab production cars from that time.
The Saab EX shares a wheelbase with the Saab 900 and features exaggerated coupe styling with a low roof and widened fenders. The car’s unique design was developed through sketches and clay models, following the same process as concept cars created by major automakers. The vehicle began as a standard Saab 900 body shell, but has been extensively modified. The roof was lowered by 2.7 inches, and the tailgate incorporates rear-window glass from a Saab 900 convertible. To achieve the wide-body appearance, the Saab CS 9000’s wheel arches were used. The entire transformation took an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 hours of work.
Noteworthy design elements include a relocated fuel cap and a rearview camera, which was a novelty in 1997. The camera is mounted in the tailgate lock cylinder and is connected to an Alpine stereo system’s head unit.
The Saab EX is fully drivable, and it is powered by a 220 horsepower 2.3-liter turbo-4 engine. The engine has accumulated 95,691 miles, while the car’s overall mileage is significantly lower. For the past five years, the vehicle has been on display at Norwegian Saab specialist Gjestrum Larsen AS. The car is currently located in Belgium and received a European Union technical inspection earlier this year. Therefore, it remains road legal in most European countries. The prototype is registered with the VIN from a 1987 Saab 9000CC, which gives it “old-timer” status in Europe. Additionally, the Saab EX exceeds the 25-year rule that allows for the importation of cars not originally sold in the United States.
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During the auction, the Saab EX will be sold without a reserve price, with an estimated hammer price of 60,000 to 90,000 euros. For an unusual piece of history from a defunct automaker, this seems like a reasonable price range. Moreover, the Saab EX offers the unique advantage of being a usable vehicle in certain regions.
In conclusion, the Saab EX prototype presents a rare opportunity for automotive enthusiasts and collectors to own a highly distinctive Saab creation. Its association with Saab’s 50th anniversary, unique design, and fully drivable nature make it an appealing and valuable piece of automotive history. With its upcoming auction, the Saab EX will undoubtedly attract the attention of dedicated Saab enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone seeking a truly unique automotive experience.
