Cambria Saab Turbo

[Hog]

Was lucky enough to pick up a couple of kits recently - one is an original Tamiya Sand Scorcher, and the other a Cambria Saab Turbo.

The Sand Scorcher is totally complete - still has the original radio gear and hump cells as well. Body needs a tidy up but it's all there and operational. May restore it or may sell to fund other things I'm building.

The Saab - well I've never seen one in my life so I assume it must be rare? It's a fwd flat track racer. Guessing 12th scale? Again all complete and in good condition. I will try and get some pics up later but does anyone know much about the Saab? All I've found on the net was that it was manufactured in Wales! Is it worth much? Are there many about still?

[Hog]

Finally got around to taking some photos of the Saab.

Front axle is a solid spool (no diff) with a UJ at each end. No rear suspension - it relies on chassis flex to generate grip. Car doesn't appear to have been used. Top deck is cracked but it's an easy repair / replacement.

Must admit I'm rather tempted to repaint the shell in Will Gollop Saab colours....

Anyone know anything about the car? Over 100 people looked at my original post with no comment so I'm guessing it's not been seen much before?

[daz75]

Wow that's ugly

[matt]

Looks more like a Saab 900.

[Hog]

It's not the prettiest kit I will admit, and rather basic, but highly unusual being fwd.

It's of no real use to me so I'll tidy it up and it can go on Ebay alongside the Sand Scorcher.

[fidspeed]

cambria were better known for balsa aircraft kits im not sure if there still operating though ?

the saab is a 99 turbo "repllca" shell and in its day a stonkingly quick road car that was in the old days of turbos, open throttle nothing nothing nothing t,hen shit im in the dyke bottom !!

regards dave

[matt]

The 99 had the most awful seating arrangement. The pedals are off to the right a bit and the steering comes out a bit to the left. The 900 t16 was a nicer car but had the engine the wrong way round for a front wheel drive car and the gearbox under the engine.

[carrot]

Cambria also did a fwd buggy called the Trakstar ,basically the same as the Saab but with a different shell and bigger diameter foam tyres.I remember it use to destroy spur gears for no apparent reason.About 1980 I think

[Hog]

Originally Posted by carrot

Cambria also did a fwd buggy called the Trakstar ,basically the same as the Saab but with a different shell and bigger diameter foam tyres.I remember it use to destroy spur gears for no apparent reason.About 1980 I think

I'm guessing the lack of any sort of slipper combined with a solid front axle may have had something to do with it.

[cutting42]

Originally Posted by matt

The 99 had the most awful seating arrangement. The pedals are off to the right a bit and the steering comes out a bit to the left. The 900 t16 was a nicer car but had the engine the wrong way round for a front wheel drive car and the gearbox under the engine.

Utterly disagree. The 99 still remains one of the most comfortable cars I ever had, the seats were amazing and the slight pedal offset was irrelevant.

The engine was arranged North South rather than East West more usually for a FWD but the engine was canted over 45 deg to keep the height/cog low and for the most part very easy to work on. So different rather than wrong

[matt]

Not a fan of the 99(sorry forgot engine was N/S). I've worked on many Saabs over the years and would still go for a 900 if looking for a classic. I do agree that the seats are very comfy.

[cutting42]

Originally Posted by matt

Not a fan of the 99(sorry forgot engine was N/S). I've worked on many Saabs over the years and would still go for a 900 if looking for a classic. I do agree that the seats are very comfy.

Actually I would choose a 900 as well but my first Saab was a 99EMS converted Combi Coupe and I have a very soft spot for it.

This but with the hatch rather than the boot:

[matt]

I've got a good friend of mine that works for abbot racing and still get to hear him moaning about 900 popping out of gear. If I had the cash I would be looking for a saloon turbo.

[qatmix]

I had one of those! I used to do a Saturday job in a model shop and we sold these. I got one which we opened and used for spares which were non existent.

It's a basic old chassis but once enough silicon was slapped on the tyres it went around the polished school floor quick enough for me If its cheap (and I mean cheap) I could be interested if you are after moving it on.

[Hog]

Sorry Qatmix I've only just seen your post.

It went on ebay a couple of weeks ago I'm afraid.

[daz75]

Seems cheap at £40

[charlie2]

It's not a 99 it's a classic 900 you can tell by the bonnet.