When Saab was unveiled to the world in 1949, some thought of it as an ugly duckling, it’s looked for all the world like a turtle and it’s mechanicals were in odds to it’s era. We think apt name would be “Underlig”.
“Underlig” is a Swedish word that means curious, odd, peculiar or strange. These funky Swedish delicacies were offered with front-wheel drive and a 2-stroke engine for starters. Saab 96 Monte Carlo 850, is extremely rare today as it was back then. Built to commemorate the victories of rally driver Erik Carlsson in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1962 and 1963.
To correlate to it’s dominance let’s get into some history; permit me to elaborate briefly that it began in 1958 when Saab added the Gran Turismo 750 model with a high-compression engine delivering 50 horsepower and 61 ft-lb of torque. It also featured front-disc brakes. The GT750 continued as the hot rod, and with the optional dual-carb “Super” kit, made up to 57 horsepower.
For the 1963 model year, Saab bumped the displacement to 841 cc and announced the Gran Turismo 850 with triple carburetors, 57 horsepower and 68 ft-lb of torque. The GT 850 had a top speed of about 90 mph, a 0–60 mph time of 21.2 seconds, and got 26 miles per gallon.
At some point in the 1964 model year, the Gran Turismo 850 was renamed the Monte Carlo, in honor of the brand’s 1962 and 1963 victories at the eponymous rally. No major changes were made to the car beyond the name change.
More clarity, history and details:- https://silodrome.com/saab-96-monte-carlo-850/
TRIVIA:- A 1964 Saab GT850 or Monte Carlo could be bought for $2,790. In comparison, a basic, 88-horsepower Porsche 356 coupe in the same era would cost you $4,195. Or you could buy an Austin Mini Cooper S for $2,181 and get 75 horsepower.
