This morning I went up to the attic to look for something and I found a 48 year old Dune Buggy magazine that I've had for over 30 years. I flipped through it and there was an article about Saab engines (V4 and Saab 99/Triumph inline) and their corresponding transaxles. The basic tone of the article was that they were excellent choices for dune buggies. Aside from that, I found myself fascinated by these things, and how well they are packaged. They are almost (or maybe more) compact than a Subaru engine/transaxle combo.
I'm really disappointed in myself for not giving these cars more respect when I was younger and they were cheap and plentiful. I don't really need a Saab, but I think I would like to own one someday, before they all turn to dust.
I almost had a chance a very clean 99. Sadly the owner passed and his son sold it before I had a chance to talk to him
Had a 1973 99 during the snowacaine in Cleveland Ohio in 1978....6+inches of snow running way skinny tires ...no problem.
Woody said:
Hmmm....it may be underpowered, but it seems like that could be used to build a little mid-engined sports car. Maybe a replica of the 1962 Mustang 1 concept car? It used a V4 engine.
In reply to stuart in mn :
I was thinking in terms of Formula cars (and yes, I'm aware of Formula Saabs, but they didn't use this engine). I think there are lots of applications for something like this.
I used to ice race a 96 model, great car! It overheats so you roll into the pits, toss a shovel of snow at the engine and get back out there; try that with your girly aluminum heads.
If I didn't have a garage full of airplane, I'd love that white project.
In reply to 914Driver :
That’s a cool looking car! What year was it?
I think that car may have been to a couple of out Historic Ice Races. It was owned by a gentleman who lived in Marbletown NY.
I owned a 1965/66 96 Special Sedan. It had all of the Monte Carlo running gear, including the three carb engine. Later became a dedicated race car, summer and winter, It ended up with a modified 940cc engine. Reportedly about 85 hp. Much fun.
There was a nice Sonnett 3 at the recent Keene Hillclimb reunion. It was driven there.
My dad had one of these and was just talking about how much of a POS it was last night. The trans went out on him and he sold it. Back in '79. My mom said the exact words "Saab story."
This car has been in GRM before.
RossD
MegaDork
10/6/17 11:57 a.m.
The Ford V6 Cologne was based off of the Taunus V4, and I believe the bellhousing pattern was the same between them. That means you could grab a transmission from a 2010 V6 mustang and bolt the V4 up or alternatively a 210hp /240 lb-ft V6 into your Saab.
Sonic
UltraDork
10/6/17 12:11 p.m.
That gold and black one, 34, currently races Lemons in the northeast. It is now powered by a turbocharged geo metro engine. They have sorted it pretty well over the years.
That 34 has a long history. When it was new or close to it, it was an ice race car owned and driven by a fellow from NJ, he was really good. I think his name was Miller.
