- Special-edition 9-3 marks 50th anniversary of Erik Carlsson's win in 1960 RAC Rally.
- The sedan gets unique 19-inch wheels, a deck spoiler and upgraded leather.
- Unfortunately, all 96 9-3 Carlsson sedans are right-hand-drive and for the U.K. only.
LONDON — To mark the 50th anniversary of Erik Carlsson's first victory in the 1960 RAC Rally in a Saab 96, Saab's U.K. arm is offering a limited-edition Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson model. Saab will build only 96 of these special 9-3 sedans, each priced from the equivalent of $42,250 each in the U.K. Unfortunately, no U.S. sales are planned.
Carlsson, the legendary Swedish rally driver — still an active global ambassador for the brand at age 81 — helped put Saab on the map with his wins at Monte Carlo, San Remo and Acropolis.
Compared with the Saab 96's tiny 750cc three-cylinder engine, the 9-3 Aero Carlsson model features a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 that makes 276 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
Additional enhancements include 19-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, twin exhaust pipes, a deck-lid spoiler, bi-xenon cornering headlamps, titanium-finish grille and foglamp surrounds, plus premium leather interior trim.
Inside Line says: If ever a driver was worthy of a special namesake edition, it is the venerable Mr. Carlsson. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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compressor says:
11:12 AM, 10/09/2010
Modern rally cars have come a long way, but there is something about the pace, combination of body and suspension movement, and driving style required in 2wd vintage rally cars that I find way more pleasing to watch.
lions208487 says:
12:02 PM, 10/08/2010
Looks cool, but until Spyker does something to improve on the power to cost ratio, I will stick with an Infiniti. If I want Niche, the new Volvo S60 is still a better buy.
Once Spyker establishes a new production line that is not of GM bloodline, it will be a serious contender. Nothing against GM, but if I buy Swedish, I want an actual Swedish product.