Saab 97 Sonett II V4
The Saab 97 designation refers to the competition-prepared and higher-specification version of the Sonett II sports car, featuring an uprated Ford V4 engine with twin Solex carburetors producing 73 horsepower compared to the standard car's 65 horsepower. While the '97' designation was used internally by Saab, it has become the way collectors and historians distinguish the hotter-specification Sonett II from the standard version.
The additional 8 horsepower over the standard Sonett II may seem modest, but in a car weighing just 780 kg, the improvement was perceptible. The twin-carburetor setup provided crisper throttle response and a more willing top-end than the single-carburetor version, giving the 97 a more sporting character that better matched its aggressive styling. Top speed improved to approximately 165 km/h, and acceleration was noticeably brisker, with the car reaching 100 km/h in around 12.5 seconds.
Mechanically, the 97 was otherwise identical to the standard Sonett II. The fiberglass body over a steel backbone chassis kept weight minimal, and the front-wheel-drive layout provided the same characteristic handling balance. The four-speed manual transmission with floor shift was the sole transmission option — no one buying a 97 was interested in anything other than a manual gearbox.
The 97's significance extends beyond its modest power increase. It represented Saab's recognition that the Sonett platform had genuine competition potential, and the 97 specification was used as the basis for various racing and rally variants that competed in Scandinavian motorsport events. The car's light weight, excellent traction, and nimble handling made it surprisingly competitive against more powerful but heavier rivals.
The 97 designation also helped establish Saab's model numbering tradition, following the 92, 93, 94 (original Sonett I), 95, and 96. This sequential numbering system, borrowed from Saab's aircraft division, gave the company's range a logical coherence that reinforced the brand's aerospace heritage.
The Saab 97/Sonett II with twin-carburetor specification was produced in very limited numbers, making it one of the rarest production Saabs. Today, it commands a premium over the standard Sonett II among collectors who value its motorsport associations and higher-specification engine. Authenticating a genuine 97-specification car requires careful verification of engine numbers and carburetor configuration, as standard Sonett IIs have been upgraded to twin-carburetor specification by enthusiasts over the decades.
Authentication is critical — verify the twin-carburetor specification is factory-original rather than an aftermarket upgrade. Check engine numbers against Saab's records if possible. All standard Sonett II buying advice applies: inspect the steel backbone chassis for corrosion, check fiberglass for stress cracks, and be aware that unique glass and trim parts are extremely scarce. The twin Solex carburetors require careful synchronization and periodic rebuilding. Documentation and provenance are crucial for values. Competition history, if documented, adds significant value.
The 97 designation was Saab's internal model code for the higher-specification Sonett II. Twin Solex carburetors replaced the single carburetor of the standard car. Production numbers for the 97-specific configuration are not precisely documented, as Saab's records sometimes blur the line between standard and uprated Sonett IIs. The 97 served as the basis for competition variants used in Scandinavian racing.