Swedish cars have traditionally been safe and ruggedly built saloons and estates. Some have been pretty rapid, and many have appeal as an executive car that isn’t the predictable German choice. So the idea of the lightweight, glassfibre-bodied two-seater Saab Sonett seems unusual today. And strangely appealing, too.
Like many interesting automotive ventures, the original Sonett started out as a motorsport side project. Starting with the 93’s basic front-wheel-drive running gear, a lightweight aluminium monocoque chassis was constructed with a glassfibre body around it, weighing in at just 500kg. The completed prototype made its debut in March 1956, and six more were built for testing – only for the competition rules to be changed the following year, which made the 96 a more appealing motorsport prospect for Saab. Game over for the Sonett.
But then, in the mid-1960s, the company was looking to make headway in the USA by entering the lucrative sports car market. That presented the perfect opportunity to revive the Sonett project and name.
Project 97, which would become the Sonett II, carried over the basic ethos of the original, this time with a steel box-frame chassis and an integral roll-bar, topped off by a striking glassfibre coupé body. Power came from the same 841cc two-stroke three-cylinder engine found in the 96 Monte Carlo, which produced a buzzy 59bhp thanks to a triple-carb set-up. Driving the front wheels, and pulling just 740kg, it gave the Sonett reasonably swift performance, with a 12sec 0-62mph time and 100mph top speed.
The low weight ensured that it handled well and, although the cabin was notoriously snug, the luggage compartment was actually quite generous. Access through a small hatch was tight, however.
As with the 96, the characterful but notoriously dirty engine struggled with the USA’s strict emissions regulations. After only 258 Sonett IIs had been built and sold in the first two years, production shifted to the hastily revised Sonett V4. The easiest way to identify that is the bulging bonnet, to contain the larger engine (as pictured above). While cleaner and up by 5bhp, the 1.5-litre V4 increased weight by 35kg.
After moderate success, and 1868 built, the V4 was replaced by the heavily revised Sonett III in 1970. Immediately obvious is the external re-style by Italian designer Sergio Coggiola, adding rectangular tail- lamps, pop-up headlights, and a lower-profile bonnet. Entry to the boot was improved with a new glass tailgate. Engine size was increased to combat yet more emissions regulations, though power was unchanged at 65bhp. Ugly impact bumpers followed in 1972. Production continued until 1974, but relatively poor sales were wiped out completely by the 1973 energy crisis. In total, 8368 Sonett IIIs were produced.
Only sold in the USA and (very briefly) Sweden, the Sonett is a rare sight on this side of The Pond. Perhaps it’s just a lack of awareness, but they remain on the attractive side of affordable. Far from an obvious choice, this two-seater looks like nothing else. With market interest rising, now might be the time to strike.
Common problems
• It may have glassfibre panels, but rust is still the main killer. Inspect the main chassis box sections, as well as the floors.
• The weaknesses of the Ford V4 engine are well documented, and should have been rectified by now, but it’s always worth checking that the fibre balance-shaft pulley has been upgraded.
• Gearboxes aren’t the strongest, and any whining points to problems ahead.
What to pay for a Saab Sonett?
With a greater pool of cars to choose from in the USA, that is the place to find cheap Sonetts, although many have been brought to Europe and subsequently restored.
Two-stroke cars are the rarest and most valuable. Expect to pay somewhere between $15,000 (for a good example) and $30,000-plus for a show-winner. Keep an eye out on Bring a Trailer.
At the other end of the spectrum, project Sonett IIIs can be picked up from $1500 in the US, with decent runners from around $4000. Mint cars can still be found for $10,000-15,000. Pre-1970 V4s carry a slight premium.
