• Year: 1963
• Make: Saab
• Model: 96
• Trim: Gran Turismo
• Cylinders: 3
• Color: Red

This GT850 is the very FIRST Saab the Donney family owned. Tom’s older brother Tim and their father (E.P.) went searching for a first car for Tim in the spring of 1969 in Omaha. E.P. decided that the Saab automobile was safe, practical, and economical choice for Tim. It was used by Tim until the engine failed (which was sometime after Tim went away to The Merchant Marine Academy in 1970). Tom was able to fix the engine and then used it through high school and then it was handed down to the next brother in line, Thad. The history of the car before the Donney purchase is a bit unknown. The car had all four fenders painted a different shade of red and many of the engine components had been chromed. E.P. speculated the car was used in rallies since that was its Pedigree!

A “Patina restoration” is in progress!

Check out the drivers seat…The Donney’s did not have enough money to reupholster the seats in the correct fabric. Heck they could not even afford the SAME FABRIC!  So their Mom redid the seats with the best material she has around the house!  Patches!

NOTE: this car had many components CHROMED in the engine bay.  Some think it might be a real early Saab NY Auto Show display car.  Or maybe someone who owned it between 1963 and 1969 also owned a chrome shop!  No one really knows for sure.