Saab’s quirky Sonett coupe underwent a few transformations in its short-lived existence, with cars like this Sonett III the swan song for perhaps the most sporting car Saab has ever made. Sure, the later 900 SPGs and 9000 Turbos had their share of athleticism, but the Sonett’s design was far more beguiling than the later hatches and sedans. This 1971 example here on eBay will need complete mechanical and cosmetic restoration, but it’s also quite cheap.
How cheap? There’s a handful of bids to $63 right now. That’s the ultimate expression of a no reserve auction. Although the cosmetics are rough, the Sonett’s fiberglass construction means rust on the body should be non-existent. Despite this, there were still shortcomings with the Sonett’s construction, including a narrow hood that made removal of nearly the entire front end necessary for any significant engine work. The seller notes a replacement for the rear hatch glass will need to be sourced even though it’s shown in photos.
Inside, the Sonett’s signature bucket seats and three-spoke steering wheel restore some confidence this example is simply tired and not hacked up.The Sonett badge on the dash is a hallmark of the company’s attempt at building a sports car, along with the floor-mounted shifter that U.S. customers demanded. Despite making these changes, the car was never the sales success the company hoped for, and the federally-mandated safety bumpers did nothing to help enhance the Sonett’s curb appeal (however, they’re missing from this example).
What’s perhaps most impressive about this listing considering the cheap opening bids is that this Sonett still runs. The seller notes it will fire up when fuel is poured directly into the carburetor bowl, but the clutch is sticky due to a failed slave cylinder. Overall, if you’re looking to get into a project-grade Sonett, this seems like a great place to start, especially with the possibility of bidding staying below $500. The Saab is located in Salinas, California, with eight days left in the auction.
If they throw in the Big Healey beside it I will take it.
I bought half a Sonett once, to get the tail lights, they are the same as the 904!
I’ve always thought these were interesting cars. A funky departure from the usual Saab formula.
Ah, if I only didn’t have so many projects…
I think they went thru 3 or 4 body styles (mid 50s then again late 60s – mid 70s).
All looked great to me. ‘S guy wid a web site or Utube channel collects/restores/ services them (near here in MA).
Kinda good place to catch these vehicles as he is a mechanic of sorts, digs em outta holes in da ground, brings em back alive & knows where/how to get prts.
The body is fiberglass but the pan it attaches to is a modified still pan based off the one used for the 96 sedans. They are quite prone to rust front floor at base of firewall, the rockers and the trunk floor are all common rust spots. And many of those spots are structural. And those tail lights Adam mentioned from a Sonett II/V-4 were also used on the 95 (wagons)
An acquaintance had one that I thought was cool. It had (at the time) a very distinctive exhaust note/sound. Now that I think about it. It is very Subaruish.
Transplant a WRX engine into one of these? (I have no idea if it would fit.) But that could be a real riot out on a rally road. (I am an ex-pro-rally driver and have never lost the desire to “DO IT” out in the woods.)
Wayne, why not go whole hog and put an entire WRX driveline/suspension into it? Now that really would be a fun toy for the backroads.
B. B.,
Sounds like “expensive” fun! You sponsor it, I will do it. Want to come for the ride?
Someone here should write a sonnet about this Saab Sonett, soon.
I just saw it at Dodi’s Classic Cars in Monterey. It’s pretty rough.