The Enduring Allure of the Saab Sonett: A Deep Dive into Sweden’s Quirkiest Sports Coupe
As an industry veteran with a decade embedded in the volatile yet endlessly fascinating world of classic and collectible automobiles, I’ve witnessed countless trends ebb and flow. Yet, certain vehicles consistently defy conventional categorization, carving out their own unique niche in the hearts of discerning enthusiasts. Among these, the Saab Sonett stands as an undisputed champion of automotive eccentricity, a testament to Swedish engineering ingenuity and a distinct design philosophy that, even today, makes it an exceptionally compelling choice for collectors. Far from being just “weird,” the Sonett represents a brilliant exercise in lightweight performance and thoughtful, if unconventional, design.
Let’s cut through the noise: when we talk about a Saab Sonett, we’re discussing a car that embodies the very spirit of its parent company – innovative, safety-conscious, and resolutely individualistic. The Sonett’s journey from a racing prototype in the 1950s to the sleek, mass-produced Sonett III of the 1970s is a fascinating narrative, reflecting an era when car manufacturers dared to be different. The original article highlights a 1972 model on Bring a Trailer, a platform that has revolutionized how luxury vintage cars and other unique classics find new homes. This particular example, a Sonett III, represents the zenith of the Sonett’s production, offering a blend of European styling and robust, if unusual, mechanics.
The Genesis of an Icon: From Track to Tarmac
To truly appreciate the Saab Sonett, one must understand its origins. The very first Sonett, the Sonett I (or Sonett Super Sport), emerged in 1955. It was a minimalist, two-seater roadster, built by a small team primarily for racing, leveraging Saab’s advanced aerodynamic research and lightweight construction techniques. Only six were ever made, making them extraordinarily rare and valuable pieces of classic car investment today. This initial foray established Saab’s commitment to combining performance with their signature quirkiness.
The concept lay dormant for a decade until the mid-1960s saw the emergence of the Sonett II. This iteration transitioned from a pure racing machine to a more street-oriented sports car, though still built in limited numbers. What’s crucial here is the adoption of Saab’s three-cylinder, two-stroke engine – a characteristic engine that further cemented the brand’s unique mechanical identity. However, as emissions regulations tightened and market demands shifted, a new powerplant was required. This brings us directly to the Sonett III and its peculiar, yet effective, Ford Taunus V4 engine.
Engineering Elegance: The Heart of the Sonett III
The 1972 Saab Sonett on offer is a Sonett III, a model that truly refined the concept of a compact, front-wheel-drive sports coupe. Its most defining mechanical characteristic, as noted, is the 1.7-liter Ford Taunus V4 engine. For many, a V4 configuration in a sports car sounds utterly bizarre, and indeed, it is rare. However, the Taunus engine was a remarkably durable and torquey unit for its displacement. In the Sonett III, typically producing around 73 horsepower, it might not sound like much on paper, especially when contrasted with the muscle cars of the era. But the genius of the Sonett isn’t found in raw horsepower figures; it’s in the power-to-weight ratio.
Weighing in at under 2,000 pounds, the Sonett III is exceptionally light. This featherlight construction, combined with a slick four-speed manual transmission, transforms those 73 horses into a genuinely lively and engaging driving experience. It’s not about blazing quarter-mile times; it’s about nimble handling, excellent stability, and a sense of directness that modern cars often struggle to replicate. The front-wheel-drive layout, while unconventional for a sports car by purist standards, offers predictable behavior and excellent traction, especially in less-than-ideal conditions – a typical Saab characteristic rooted in its Swedish heritage. For those contemplating performance car upgrades, careful consideration of the V4’s robust yet limited potential is key, often focusing on induction, exhaust, and ignition system enhancements rather than wholesale power increases.
Design Philosophy: A Symphony of Function and Form
The styling of the Sonett III is another area where its distinctiveness shines. Penned by Italian designer Sergio Coggiola, with final touches from Saab’s in-house team, the Sonett III sported a more contemporary, wedge-like aesthetic compared to its predecessors. It features striking pop-up headlights – a staple of 1970s sports car design – and a subtly integrated power bulge on the hood that hints at the engine beneath. The overall impression is one of compact aggression and aerodynamic efficiency. The 1972 model, prior to the mandated “low-impact” bumper regulations in the U.S., retains the cleanest, most unadulterated lines, making it particularly desirable. The specific orange-over-brown color scheme mentioned, while unequivocally 1970s, now holds a certain vintage charm, reflecting a specific period in automotive history.
Saab’s design philosophy was always rooted in functionality and safety, and the Sonett III is no exception. Its compact footprint, excellent visibility (despite the low-slung profile), and rigid fiberglass body shell were all part of an integrated approach. For those in the market for luxury vintage cars, the Sonett might not possess the outright glamour of an Italian exotic, but it offers a unique form of understated luxury – a luxury of clever design and engineering.
The Collectible Factor: Market Dynamics and Ownership Insights (2025 Perspective)
From a collector’s standpoint, the Saab Sonett presents a fascinating proposition. It’s rare enough to be distinctive but shares enough mechanical components with more common Saabs (like the 95 and 96) that parts availability, while sometimes challenging, isn’t entirely insurmountable. This aspect is crucial when evaluating vintage car restoration costs or ongoing maintenance. The mention of the stereo and wipers needing attention on the example in question is typical; these are often the first items to show wear and tear in cars of this vintage.
The market for these unique Swedish coupes has seen steady appreciation, though not meteoric growth like some blue-chip classics. The collector car market trends for niche vehicles like the Sonett tend to be driven more by enthusiast passion and historical significance than by speculative investment. However, as the number of well-preserved examples dwindles, and interest in quirky, engaging driving experiences grows, a well-maintained Saab Sonett can certainly be considered a sound classic car investment. Prospective buyers should always obtain a thorough inspection and consider professional automotive appraisal services to understand the true value and condition of any Sonett. For those considering purchase, exotic car financing options are increasingly available for unique collectibles, making acquisition more accessible than ever.
Ownership of a Saab Sonett is an acquired taste, much like the original article suggests. It’s for someone who appreciates mechanical idiosyncrasies, distinctive aesthetics, and a truly analogue driving experience. Finding a reputable local Saab specialist is paramount for ongoing care, especially for addressing specific issues like the mentioned ignition system work. These specialists often possess invaluable knowledge passed down through generations of Saab mechanics, and their expertise is crucial for preserving the integrity of these vehicles. Enthusiast forums and dedicated classic Saab communities are also vital resources for sourcing specialized parts and advice, often transcending geographical boundaries to connect owners globally.
Beyond the Auction: The Legacy of Saab and the Sonett
The original article poignantly notes that “Saab is stone cold dead,” yet “the great works persevere.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the enduring appeal of the Saab Sonett. It’s a relic of an automotive era where innovation was king, and a company could stamp its personality onto every vehicle it produced. Saab’s demise was a loss for the automotive world, but its legacy lives on through cars like the Sonett.
The 1972 Saab Sonett isn’t just a car; it’s a conversation starter, a piece of automotive art, and a spirited driving machine. It defies the ordinary, challenges perceptions of what a sports car should be, and delivers a unique blend of Scandinavian sensibility and surprising performance. It’s a car that, almost 50 years on, still holds its own with an undeniable charm and a driving character that is both rewarding and endlessly entertaining. Its lightweight construction, coupled with that distinctive V4 engine, ensures that every journey is an experience, not just a commute.
As we look towards 2025 and beyond, the appreciation for truly unique and engaging analogue driving experiences is only set to grow. The Sonett, with its blend of rarity, idiosyncratic engineering, and charming design, is perfectly positioned to capture the hearts of a new generation of collectors. Whether you’re a seasoned collector looking to diversify your garage of luxury vintage cars or a newcomer seeking a distinctive entry point into the world of classics, the Saab Sonett deserves serious consideration. Just remember to secure proper specialty car insurance for this exceptional piece of automotive history.
For those intrigued by the singular charm and spirited performance of the Saab Sonett, or perhaps considering a foray into classic car investment, the time to act is now. Explore current listings, connect with enthusiast communities, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this truly remarkable Swedish icon. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a driving legacy that refuses to fade into the background.
