Although based around a Trollhattan-built two-stroke Saab 96, D-Type gets the point as this is actually a Saab 60 from 1962, a rare 60bhp RHD model unique to the British market (and the only other Saab model, besides the Delta-based 600, not to be numbered with a '9'). Here are more details and photos;
The Saab 60 was a 'special'. It was a limited edition modification of the 1962 Saab 96, peculiar to the UK. Modifications were carried out at Saab (GB) Ltd. in Slough.
In the early 1960s, Erik Carlsson and his little Saab 96 two-stroke achieved a legendary series of victories in the RAC Rally and Monte Carlo Rally (among others). In honour of these successes "against the odds" and in view of the high demand in the UK for a 'sport' model (the Saab Sport), which was not yet available in right-hand drive form, the Saab UK importers of created a special series of approximately 56 modified Saab 96 cars, between June 1962 and April 1963. Thus was the Saab 60 born.
The Saab's standard 45 bhp (34 kW; 46 PS) was increased to 60 bhp (45 kW; 61 PS) by engine modification. The crankshaft was changed, the inlet ports were lowered and the exhaust ports raised. The carburettor and ignition settings were modified. A Saab Sport exhaust system was fitted. The suspension was lowered, by removing one 'turn' from each coil spring and Koni shock absorbers and Pirelli Cinturato radial-ply tyres were fitted. The three-speed gearbox was swapped for a four-speed box (but the original speedometer was left in situ, with its three-speed markings). A Smith's tachometer was also fitted. The engine modifications were executed by Mike Langton and the blocks were initialled and numbered by him. A Porsche "60" badge was requisitioned for the boot lid motif, in order to denote the car's special status and upgraded power output. An Oleopress fire extinguisher was fitted.
