Saab Sonett History
History
The Sonett name covers three distinct sports car projects. The original Sonett I (1956–1957) was a prototype two-seat roadster with an aluminium body and the 93's 57.5 hp triple-carburettor two-stroke three-cylinder; only six were built and it was never sold to the public. Saab shelved the project when US motorsport rules changed to ban two-stroke engines.
The Sonett II (1966–1969) revived the concept as a lightweight two-seat coupé with a fiberglass body and the standard 96's 841 cc two-stroke engine. All 28 built in 1966 used the two-stroke; a 1967 switch to the 1,498 cc Ford Taunus V4 (as used in the 96 V4) gave the car considerably more punch. Total Sonett II / V4 production reached 1,868 units.
The Sonett III (1970–1974) was restyled by Italian designer Sergio Coggiola into a more conventional wedge-shaped coupé and continued with the V4 engine. Disappointing sales — particularly after the 1973 oil crisis — led Saab to end production in 1974. A total of 8,368 Sonett IIIs were made, bringing combined Sonett production to just under 10,300. The Sonett III remains the most collectible and recognisable of the three versions.
Generations
-
Sonett I · Prototype roadster
Six prototype aluminium roadsters; triple-carb two-stroke; never sold publicly. Built to challenge US club racing before rule changes killed the programme.
-
Sonett II / V4 · Fiberglass two-stroke, then V4
Fiberglass coupé; two-stroke in 1966 (28 cars), Ford Taunus V4 from 1967; 1,868 total.
-
Sonett III · Coggiola redesign
Sergio Coggiola wedge-coupé restyle; V4 engine retained; 8,368 built before the oil crisis ended the programme.
Body styles
- Two-door roadster / targa (Sonett I)
- Two-door coupé (Sonett II / III)
Related models