The Unconventional Allure: Navigating the Enduring Appeal of the 1972 Saab Sonett III in Today’s Collector Market
For over a decade in the automotive industry, I’ve witnessed trends ebb and flow, from the relentless march of horsepower to the silent revolution of electrification. Yet, amidst this evolution, a captivating niche persists: the world of vintage and classic cars that defy conventional logic. Few vehicles embody this spirit of intelligent eccentricity quite like the Saab Sonett. Specifically, the 1972 Saab Sonett III stands as a fascinating case study – a rare, lightweight sports coupe that, even for Saab, was delightfully, almost stubbornly, unconventional. It’s more than just a car; it’s a testament to a bygone era of design and engineering philosophy that prioritized uniqueness and genuine driving engagement over pure brute force.
In an increasingly homogenous automotive landscape, the 1972 Saab Sonett III offers a refreshing counterpoint. It’s a vehicle that sparks conversation, demands appreciation for its intricate details, and rewards its owner with an unparalleled driving experience. This deep dive aims to unravel the layers of its appeal, from its innovative origins and distinctive design to its unique mechanical heart and its surprising resilience as a coveted collector’s item in 2025. We’ll explore why this Swedish oddity, particularly the Sonett III, continues to capture the imagination of enthusiasts and represents a compelling acquisition for those seeking genuine automotive character and a potential classic car investment.
The Genesis of an Iconoclast: Saab’s Vision and the Sonett Lineage
To truly understand the 1972 Saab Sonett, one must first grasp the idiosyncratic spirit of its creator. Saab, born from an aviation background, approached car manufacturing with a designer’s eye and an engineer’s pragmatism. Their vehicles were renowned for safety, aerodynamic efficiency, and unconventional front-wheel-drive layouts long before these became industry standards. This ethos naturally led to experimental ventures, and the Sonett project was perhaps the most audacious.
The Sonett lineage began in secrecy in 1955 with the Sonett I, a bare-bones, open-top racer, essentially a prototype conceived to compete in local sports car races. Only six were ever built. The concept lay dormant for a decade until 1966, when the Sonett II emerged. This fiberglass-bodied, two-seater coupe was Saab’s serious attempt at a lightweight sports car primarily aimed at the lucrative American export market. Its distinctive, almost aircraft-like design, coupled with a two-stroke engine (later a Ford V-4), was unmistakably Saab.
However, stricter U.S. safety regulations and shifting aesthetic preferences necessitated a redesign, leading directly to the Sonett III in 1970. This iteration, largely conceived for the North American market, sought to blend the sporting pretensions of its predecessors with a more contemporary, refined appearance and improved ergonomics. The 1972 Saab Sonett III represents the penultimate year of this final Sonett variant, before minor, often less aesthetically pleasing, revisions were introduced to comply with new bumper regulations. Its mission, much like the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia or the later Scirocco, was clear: to offer a stylish, unique coupe body draped over proven, albeit unconventional, production underpinnings. This strategy allowed Saab to enter the niche sports car segment without prohibitive development costs, creating a vehicle that was both exotic and surprisingly robust.
Design Language and Aerodynamic Artistry: The Sergio Coggiola Touch
The visual identity of the 1972 Saab Sonett III is undeniably its most striking feature. Unlike its more organic Sonett II predecessor, the Sonett III adopted a sharper, more angular aesthetic, a direct reflection of early 1970s automotive design trends. While Saab’s in-house team certainly had input, the primary credit for the Sonett III’s styling goes to Italian designer Sergio Coggiola, a former Ghia employee who brought a distinctive European flair to the Swedish marque.
Coggiola’s design masterfully balanced form and function. The Sonett III features a prominent wedge shape, a hallmark of aerodynamic efficiency that was gaining traction in performance car design. Its low-slung profile and sleek lines hinted at speed, even if the powertrain was more about agility than raw power. The most captivating design element, however, is arguably the pop-up headlights. These weren’t merely a stylistic flourish; they contributed to the car’s clean frontal aerodynamics when retracted, reducing drag and adding a touch of futuristic sophistication. When deployed, they gave the car an alert, almost insect-like gaze that remains instantly recognizable.
Further enhancing its sporty appeal was the subtle “power bulge” on the hood, hinting at the V-4 engine beneath, and the distinctive fastback rear hatch that offered surprising utility for a two-seater sports car. The 1972 Saab Sonett III benefits from being a pre-regulation model, meaning its elegant front and rear ends are unmarred by the larger, impact-absorbing bumpers that became standard in 1973 for the U.S. market. This makes the ’72 model particularly desirable for collectors focused on classic car aesthetics and design purity. The interior, while compact, was ergonomically thoughtful, with driver-focused instrumentation and an airy feel thanks to generous glass areas. It’s a cabin that speaks to Saab’s aviation heritage – purposeful, efficient, and surprisingly comfortable for its size. For enthusiasts pursuing genuine automotive design principles, the Sonett III offers a unique perspective on how a relatively small manufacturer could push boundaries.
Engineering Unpacked: The V-4 Heartbeat and FWD Philosophy
Beneath the sleek fiberglass shell of the 1972 Saab Sonett lies a powertrain as unique as its exterior: a 1.7-liter Ford Taunus V-4 engine. For those unfamiliar with Saab’s history, the choice of a V-4 from a mass-market European Ford might seem peculiar for a sports car. However, this decision was rooted in classic Saab engineering innovation. The compact dimensions of the V-4 were ideal for transversely mounting in a front-wheel-drive configuration, a layout Saab championed long before it was commonplace in performance cars. This design provided excellent traction in various conditions, a key Saab characteristic, and contributed to a surprisingly spacious cabin given the car’s diminutive footprint.
The 1.7-liter V-4, a descendant of the German-market Ford Taunus engine, produced approximately 73 horsepower. While this figure might seem modest by today’s standards, it’s crucial to consider the Sonett III’s featherlight curb weight of under 2,000 pounds. This power-to-weight ratio, combined with the engine’s eager and torquey nature, made the car feel far more spritely than the numbers suggest. The engine had a distinct thrum, a characteristic V-4 growl that was part of its charm. It was paired with a precise, four-speed manual transmission that allowed the driver to extract every ounce of performance, encouraging spirited driving through careful gear selection.
Saab’s commitment to front-wheel drive sports coupe design also influenced the car’s handling dynamics. While traditionalists might argue that FWD inherently limits a sports car’s performance due to understeer, Saab engineered the Sonett III for remarkable stability and predictable handling. The independent front suspension, combined with a rigid body, allowed for confident cornering. The FWD layout, often optimized for superior traction in adverse weather, also provided a level of confidence on wet or slippery roads that many of its rear-wheel-drive contemporaries lacked. This blend of V-4 engine dynamics and advanced FWD engineering resulted in a car that was not about outright speed, but about an engaging, unique driving experience—a true testament to Saab’s unconventional yet effective approach.
The Driving Experience: Lightweight Agility and Unconventional Fun
Driving a 1972 Saab Sonett today is a revelation, especially for those accustomed to modern performance vehicles. Forget neck-snapping acceleration or ear-splitting exhaust notes; the Sonett III offers a different kind of thrill. Its primary virtue is its agility, a direct consequence of its exceptionally light weight. At less than 2,000 pounds, every horsepower feels more potent, and every input through the unassisted steering wheel is directly translated to the road.
The steering, while heavy at parking speeds, comes alive with speed, offering commendable feedback and precision. On a winding back road, the Sonett III truly shines. It’s a car that encourages momentum driving, where smooth inputs and carrying speed through corners are rewarded. The four-speed manual gearbox, typically with a column-mounted shifter in earlier Saabs but a floor shifter in the Sonett III, provides satisfying, direct shifts, allowing the driver to keep the V-4 humming in its power band.
The cabin environment is unique. Low-slung and intimate, it creates a sense of being truly connected to the machine and the road. The distinct sound of the V-4 engine is ever-present, a mechanical symphony that becomes part of the driving experience. While it won’t win drag races, the 1972 Saab Sonett is a wonderfully balanced and entertaining classic. It’s a car that prompts you to explore its limits, not with reckless abandon, but with a nuanced understanding of its capabilities. This lightweight sports car offers a purist’s vintage driving experience, prioritizing engagement and handling over brute force. It’s a driver’s car for those who appreciate finesse, engineering ingenuity, and the sheer joy of piloting something truly out of the ordinary.
Ownership in 2025: Acquisition, Maintenance, and Investment
For the discerning collector considering a 1972 Saab Sonett in 2025, the landscape presents both exciting opportunities and practical considerations. These cars are, by virtue of their limited production and age, relatively rare. Platforms like Bring a Trailer often see well-preserved examples come up for auction, highlighting their rising stature as unique collectible sports cars. From my vantage point in the industry, the market for niche European classics like the Sonett has steadily appreciated, making them an intriguing classic car investment.
Acquiring a Sonett requires diligence. Due to their fiberglass body, rust isn’t the primary concern, but structural integrity and previous repair quality are paramount. Electrical issues, as noted in the original article, can be common in older Saabs, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a reputable Saab specialist is essential. Mechanical parts, thankfully, often share commonality with other Saab 95/96 models, making routine maintenance and some repairs manageable. However, Sonett-specific body parts or interior components can be harder to source, emphasizing the importance of buying the best example you can afford.
For those serious about preserving or enhancing their Sonett, researching automotive restoration services that specialize in European classics is critical. While a modest 73 horsepower is part of its charm, some owners explore period-correct performance upgrades classic car enthusiasts might consider, such as carburetor tuning or exhaust modifications, though maintaining originality is often key for maximizing vintage car valuation. Ensuring you have adequate exotic car insurance and obtaining a professional vehicle appraisal will protect your investment. The appeal of a 1972 Saab Sonett transcends mere monetary value; it’s about owning a distinctive piece of automotive history, a conversation starter, and a vehicle that offers a truly rewarding driver-owner relationship. For those considering rare car acquisition, the Sonett presents an accessible yet unique entry point into a vibrant segment of the collector market. Connecting with Saab Sonett enthusiasts groups or online forums can provide invaluable resources for parts, advice, and a sense of community.
The Lasting Legacy of an Orange Slice of Swedish Charm
The 1972 Saab Sonett III remains, decades later, a testament to Saab’s fearless pursuit of individuality. It’s a car that doesn’t scream for attention with overwhelming power or ostentatious design, but rather captivates with its understated sophistication, intelligent engineering, and unwavering commitment to a unique driving experience. For an industry expert who has seen it all, the Sonett offers a refreshing departure from the mundane, reminding us that true automotive passion often lies in the quirky, the unconventional, and the exceptionally well-engineered.
It embodies the spirit of an era where automotive innovation was still largely driven by independent thought rather than committee consensus. Its lightweight construction, efficient V-4 engine, and driver-focused ergonomics craft a compelling narrative for the discerning enthusiast. As the collector car market continues to mature, vehicles with genuine character, limited production, and a strong brand legacy are increasingly prized. The 1972 Saab Sonett is precisely one such vehicle, offering not just a mode of transport, but a unique journey into automotive heritage.
If you’re captivated by the allure of this Swedish classic and considering adding a distinctive chapter to your automotive story, the time to act is now. Explore the current offerings, connect with our automotive parts specialist team for restoration advice, or reach out for expert guidance on classic car financing to make your dream of owning a Sonett a reality. The open road, and the unique joy of a Sonett, awaits.
