From the Classifieds: 1999 Saab 9-3 Monte Carlo

There are all kinds of rare, exotic, wrecked, pristine, niche, classic, desirable, modern, custom and unique treasures on carsales, it really is a smorgasbord of automotive goodness for all tastes and inclinations.

Saab has always been a left-field brand and rarely on the radar of the everyday consumer, but those familiar with the brand will know the Swedish manufacturer produced some of the most interesting, iconic and unique vehicles on the market, two of which pioneered mainstream turbocharging.

The average bear probably also wouldn’t know Saab was bought by General Motors in the early 1990s and remained under that tenure for the rest of its operational existence, but that still didn’t stop the Swedes churning out some of the most slept-on performance cars ever to grace our shores.

One such model was the 1999 Saab 9-3 Monte Carlo; a special-edition first-gen 9-3 that preceded the Aero as one of the first hot members of the YS3D portfolio alongside the bonkers Viggen hero.

Armed with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol good for 147kW/283Nm and paired to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission (autos were less powerful), only 195 Monte Carlos were ever produced, 50 of which made it to Australia.

There are currently just two 9-3 Monte Carlos listed for sale on carsales, with this particular example being vehicle #40, the only manual and showing 73,250km on the odometer.

Headlined by its signature yellow paint, the Monte Carlo was the penultimate variant of the 1999 9-3 range with not only the hot engine, but a hunkered down chassis, tri-spoke 16-inch aero wheels, sports body kit, ‘Recaro-inspired’ leather interior and all the associated bells and whistles too.

This formula would later evolve into the better-known 9-3 Aero the following year, minus the iconic ‘Monte Carlo Yellow’ paint, special edition badging, pleated leather seats and a few other minor details.

“This example, Monte Carlo Edition #40 must be one of the very best Saabs of any kind left in the country,” the seller said.

“It has covered a documented 73,250km, has its original books, stamped, and two original keys and fobs. It will be sold with a fresh service and sits on matching Michelin tyres all round.

“A peerless modern classic, now eligible for club registration in Victoria, this would be a perfect weekend road trip car, could star in an offbeat car collection or simply find a new home with another Saab lover who will continue its preservation into the future.”

The 9-3 Monte Carlo was only produced in 1999 as an homage to the back-to-back Monte Carlo Rally wins of Erik Carlsson in 1962 and 1963 in a Saab 96.

Click here to view the full listing while it lasts!

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