Quirky But Lovable: 1974 Saab Sonett III
I’m not really sure why the Saab Sonett III hasn’t achieved a higher level of collectability or price tag among sports car enthusiasts yet, but maybe just the fact that they don’t come around for sale as often as some of their counterparts could have at least something to do with it. The Swedish manufacturer produced the Sonett in 3 different versions, the first in production between 1955 and 1957. The car took an extensive break before returning in 1966 then got another redesign in 1970, finally being put to rest at the end of ’74, so the Sonett III like the example here on eBay is truly the end of the line for the model. This one’s located in Bellbrook, Ohio, where bidding is only up to $1,775 so far, but it’s not leaving The Buckeye State for that as the reserve hasn’t been reached.
With a body constructed of fiberglass, the panels are pretty durable against the elements, with this car seeming to be in overall decent condition all the way around on the outside. A couple of specific things the seller points out that could use attention are the headlights, which need rewiring, but they’re manually operated so just reconnecting the linkage should make opening and closing functional again. He also mentions the car would benefit from a fresh coat of paint, although I feel the finish could survive a bit longer unless you’re just eager to get into a respray immediately.
The German-made Ford 4-cylinder is a V-type engine, which by this time had grown to 1.7 liters and was making somewhere in the neighborhood of 75 horsepower, but in a two-seater weighing less than a ton and with a 4-speed manual it seems like a sportster that would be fun to get behind the wheel of. That’s what the seller says, as he drives the car every few days so no problems here with long periods of inactivity.
For the most part, things inside look to be in about average condition for a nearly 50-year-old car, but that empty hole in the dash is going to need filling if you want any tunes inside and the seller mentions the seats could stand new upholstery. The car is not completely rust-free down below, with corrosion said to be present in the rockers and some in the floors, but it doesn’t look to be entirely out of hand at this point and the trunk has already been replaced. If I calculated the math correctly, the hint provided by the seller for where he’s set the reserve may be around the $3,500 mark, which seems reasonable for what we’re seeing here. What do you think?
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Comments
Wicked fun car. I had a ’73 for 14 years. MSS carb and exhaust.
If this car is originally from Ohio, it’s rusted… somewhere. It’s not called the rust belt for nothing.
love these, the earlier better, but that bent4 is makin my hands itch. Never tuned on one (the precurser toa essix6 in my ford fox wagon). Agreed w/those above great car, fella in the E. of the state collects SAAB, or may B just these hasa great bit of uTubes (go out, capture, later: bring back alive). The sonnett, granada, lancia, any more?
I am a muscle car guy but I have always liked these after seeing one 25 years ago. If the prices stay low I might have to buy one to play around with when I retire..glwta
while i’ve never been a saab fan, this is a sweet looking ride. and a blast to drive i bet.
no i wouldn’t kick it out of the door yard
I gotta say. These things are super cool. Would love to get one
Never heard of this model until now. SAAB wasn’t a popular make in my neck of the woods in Update New York back then…
Pretty cool looking little car. I guess it had to compete with the 240z in sales back then. Didn’t see many over the years but I do recall seeing an orange one and a green one. Sold for 3K which I guess isn’t a bad price.
These would not have competed with the 240Z directly, much smaller and underpowered in comparison. These are much tinier than they may appear in photos. Maybe more like competition in the MGB and Midget, Fiat 850 and X1/9 category.
Sooo tempting! 5 SAABs at one address, maybe a bit much!
Back in 1974 or so I test drove a new Sonett. The sales guy drove it off the lot and we came to an intersection with a red light. He said, “Watch this” and, from a stop, he dumped the clutch, got the front wheels spinning, turned right and we made what was basically an exact 90 degree right turn, or square turn in some circles. I don’t remember driving the car myself but that turn sure is burned into my brain.
I owned a 74 Sonnett and it is an interesting design, but it was both painfully lacking in power and had so much body roll it felt more like VW Bus than a sports car. I swapped out the carb for a Weber 2 barrel and the exhaust for a low restriction exhaust to no avail because it remained a dog.On the plus side it had good fuel economy.
These cars a held together by rocker panels and floor! Be careful; let’s see some close up pictures of both without the carpeting!
I have a lot of respect for the Sonnet. In 2019 Tom Downey’s racing team took their 750 two stroke Sonnet over 129 mph at Bonneville. The body is more aerodynamic than it looks. Neat video while running from inside the car.
This are crazy cool looking and I am sure a great corner carver! There once was a yellow one like this on a lot in Scotia NY for a while. Would have loved to have bought it!
I worked at a Buick dealership in the early-mid seventies when they started selling these and I can attest to the fact that although tiny, they can do front wheel burnouts at the drop of a hat!