The Saab Monte Carlo 850, introduced in 1963, was a factory-built high-performance version of the Saab 96 developed specifically for rallying. Based on the earlier 96 platform, it featured an uprated 841 cc three-cylinder two-stroke engine, tuned suspension, and unique trim. Named to commemorate Saab’s success at the Monte Carlo Rally, the MC 850 became a rally icon in the early 1960s and was piloted by Swedish rally legend Erik Carlsson.
Performance upgrades included a close-ratio 4-speed gearbox, larger fuel tank, oil injection system (Saab’s "Autolube"), and enhanced brakes and dampers for competitive endurance rallying.
The Monte Carlo 850’s victories helped solidify Saab’s reputation as a serious force in international motorsport during the early 1960s.
The Saab Monte Carlo 850 became a rallying legend, helping establish Sweden as a motorsport powerhouse. It directly influenced the evolution of the Saab 96 platform and elevated the brand’s status globally. Today, it remains a sought-after collector’s piece and a symbol of two-stroke rally performance at its peak.
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