In the 1950s, a Saab engineer and racing enthusiast named Rolf Mellde, along with three partners, built a two-seat fiberglass roadster in a barn near Trollhattan, the site of Saab’s factory. They called it Sonett, a contraction of several Swedish words that means “it’s so neat.” Mellde wanted to promote Saab’s two-stroke engines in competition, but due to rule changes in European racing, only six of the new roadsters were built. Budget constraints killed further development of the Sonett until 1966 when it was resurrected as a sports car. Like the first Sonett, this car received a two-stroke engine. Only 28 Sonett IIs were built before Saab decided it was too difficult to sell a two-stroke in the U.S. A switch to the Ford Taunus four-cylinder, four-stroke in 1967 produced the Sonett V4. To accommodate the larger engine, the new car acquired a “power bulge” in the hood. The difference between the Sonett II and the Sonett V4 is readily apparent in profile. Here on eBay, is a 1969 Saab Sonett V4, bid to $13,200, reserve not met. This car is located in Clayville, New York. As evident from the photos, this is an extremely well-kept example, despite the 123,500 miles noted by the seller.

The engine was made by Ford in Germany. It is a water-cooled, 1.5 liter, V4 configuration, developing about 65 bhp. The transmission is a front-wheel-drive, four-speed column shift affair, with a freewheel feature – a holdover from earlier two-stroke days. Freewheeling allows the oil/gas mixture to continue to lubricate the two-stroke engine when the car rolled downhill with the throttle closed. Though the four-stroke doesn’t require freewheeling, the function remains in the Sonett V4. Thanks to just 1,940 lbs curb weight, the car will reach 60 mph from a standstill in just over 12 seconds. The car is quick – not fast – and very entertaining to drive. This engine bay could barely be nicer.

The interior, though cozy, is ergonomic and comfortable – I know this because I own a V4. The controls fall to hand easily, and the seats are supportive in all the right places. The owner states that he has had this car for 26 years, and has spared no expense keeping it fettled.

One of my favorite views of the Sonett V4 is from the rear, with its distinctive back window, stacked tail lights, and delicate overriders. Speaking of the back window, a prospective buyer should ask if this is glass or Perspex, as these are unobtainable if a replacement is needed. These cars are becoming more collectible by the day, and prices have been rising. Would this quirky Swede be welcome in your garage?