Saab Sonett 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.