Rare Mid-Engine SAAB Sports Prototype: A Hidden Gem of Late Eighties

⛔Rare GEMS💣 - There are many stories about unique sports cars that remain relatively unknown to the public, especially those crafted by automakers from Northern Europe, such as Sweden. One such example is the concept car launched by SAAB Automobile in the late 1980s, which boasted a distinctive design. Despite its uniqueness, this car did not achieve widespread recognition or a significant breakthrough, resulting in its obscurity among automotive enthusiasts.

The SAAB UNO 001, also known as the Catlin, emerged from its Trollhättan-based builder's garage in 1989, with up to three units produced. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

This remarkable vehicle, identified alternately as the SAAB UNO 001 - Catlin, first emerged from its Trollhättan-based builder's garage in 1989. It is believed to be the first of three prototypes, although information is somewhat inconsistent. The car features a custom steel tube frame beneath its attractive steel bodywork, with mechanics primarily based on the pre-GM SAAB 900, including its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gearbox, and suspension.

The SAAB UNO 001, features shark gill intakes behind the doors that are mirrored by vents on the B-pillars, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. (Picture from: SAAB Planet)

The car's journey is a bit mysterious, with some sources suggesting it was either restored or completed in 2009. Despite the conflicting details, it is clear that the vehicle was built to a high standard. The design has been compared to a blend of the contemporary Mazda RX-7, Chevrolet Camaro, Acura NSX, and Eagle Talon, though it bears a stronger resemblance to the Peugeot 406 coupe and Opel Calibra.

The SAAB UNO 001 features a custom steel tube frame beneath its attractive steel bodywork, which embodies the design essence of the late 1980s. (Picture from: SAAB Planet)

A noteworthy aspect of the car is its steel bodywork, which is quintessentially a product of the late 1980s. The design language incorporates themes from several European manufacturers of the time, particularly Peugeot and Opel. An older image shows the car with smaller wheels but otherwise identical to its current configuration, highlighting the round fuel door on the upper right corner of the front lid, which allows access to the fuel tank without needing to open the entire panel.

The interior of the vehicle features period-correct Recaro seats, commendable fit and finish, and a dashboard equipped with serious-looking white-on-black VDO gauges, power windows, and locks. (Picture from: SAAB Planet)

The rear design features a neatly integrated wing and segmented taillights that blend seamlessly into a central grille, showcasing classic period styling. The car's overall finish is impressive for a hand-built prototype developed on a limited budget of 3 million Swedish Krona (SEK), which is roughly equivalent to the US $345,000 in 2018 terms.

The SAAB UNO 001 - Catlin, is powered by a 175-horsepower Saab 900-sourced four-cylinder mid-mounted engine, specifically a later 16-valve twin-cam version.. (Picture from: SAAB Planet)

Modern enhancements, such as the likely 17-inch wheels, suit the car well. The shark gill intakes behind the doors are mirrored by vents on the B-pillars, adding to its sporty aesthetic. The interior is equipped with period-correct Recaro seats, and the overall fit and finish are commendable for a vehicle of this nature. The dashboard features numerous serious-looking white-on-black VDO gauges, along with power windows and locks. Air conditioning seems to be part of the package, and under the front "frunk" lid, there are a pair of brake boosters.

Modern upgrades, like the probable 17-inch wheels, complement the SAAB UNO 001 - Catlin perfectly. (Picture from: TeknikensVarld)

Powering the car is a 175 horsepower Saab 900-sourced four-cylinder engine, specifically a later 16-valve twin-cam version. Enthusiasts hope it provides an enjoyable driving experience despite its rarity. Alternatively, it would make a fantastic addition to a local SAAB heritage museum.

The rear design boasts a neatly integrated wing and segmented taillights that seamlessly blend into a central grille, showcasing classic period styling. (Picture from: SAAB Planet)

Back in 2018, the car was listed on sale in Trollhättan, Sweden, and available for 179,900 SEK (approximately the US $20,600). At the time, it has accumulated just under 3,000 kilometers, and it appears to be road-registered and ready for use. However, to this day, the outcome of the car's sale remains unknown. | MF35ai3rUG0 |

This unique sports car, with its rich history and striking design, stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation of Northern European automakers. Though it may not have achieved widespread fame, the UNO 001 remains a symbol of what can be accomplished with vision and ingenuity. As it awaits its next chapter, it continues to inspire those who appreciate the art and science of automotive design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SAABCARMUSEUM | BRINGATRAILER | SAAB PLANET | TEKNIKENSVARLD ]

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