Sonett

The Saab Sonett is a fascinating and often overlooked gem in the world of classic European sports cars. Emerging from Sweden in the mid-1960s, the Sonett marked Saab’s ambitious attempt to break away from its reputation as a maker of quirky, sensible sedans and enter the competitive sports car market. Rooted in a lineage that began with the rare, aluminum-bodied Sonett I prototype, the Sonett II and later the Sonett III became the most recognizable versions, produced between 1966 and 1974. The example described here is most likely a Sonett II V4, which swapped Saab’s earlier two-stroke for a Ford-sourced 1.5-liter V4 engine – a move that dramatically altered the car’s personality and performance.

Under its distinctive fiberglass skin, the Sonett II V4 features a 1.5L V4 engine producing 65 horsepower and 87 lb-ft of torque, sent to the front wheels through a 4-speed manual gearbox. While these figures might seem modest by modern standards, the Sonett’s lightweight construction—tipping the scales at just 1,874 lbs—ensures a lively and engaging driving experience. With a 0-60 mph time of around 14 seconds and a top speed of 95 mph, the Sonett was never intended to challenge the era’s high-performance exotics, but rather to deliver accessible sports car thrills in a uniquely Scandinavian package.

On the road, the Sonett’s front-wheel-drive layout sets it apart from most contemporaries. Its compact proportions, light weight, and responsive rack-and-pinion steering make for nimble handling and a surprisingly agile feel through tight corners. The suspension setup, consisting of independent front suspension with coil springs and a live rear axle, is tuned more for spirited touring than outright track dominance, but it rewards smooth inputs and maintains composure even when pushed. The cabin is intimate, with a driver-focused dash and a cockpit that evokes the spirit of 1960s European sports cars.

While the Sonett’s motorsport pedigree isn’t as celebrated as some of its rivals, its roots are firmly planted in Saab’s rallying heritage. The company famously dominated winter rallies with its two-stroke models, and the Sonett’s engineering reflects that DNA. Its lightweight build, strong chassis, and front-wheel-drive traction made it an unconventional but capable competitor in SCCA sports car racing and various club events, where handling and reliability often trumped outright speed.

What truly makes the Saab Sonett special is its blend of rarity, innovative engineering, and unmistakable style. With fewer than 2,000 Sonett II V4s built, it remains a rare sight on both road and track. For enthusiasts, it represents a bold chapter in Saab’s history—a nimble, characterful coupe that dared to be different. Whether you’re drawn by its motorsport roots, its distinctive design, or its unique driving dynamics, the Sonett stands as a testament to Saab’s adventurous spirit and its commitment to building cars for true individualists.