Saab Sonett V4 (Sonett II)

Saab Sonett V4 (Sonett II)

The Saab Sonett II, produced from 1966 to 1970, was one of the most distinctive and unlikely sports cars of its era. Created by an aircraft-turned-automobile company that had no tradition of building sports cars, the Sonett II combined a fiberglass body of striking proportions with Saab's characteristically unconventional engineering to produce a car that offered a unique driving experience quite unlike anything from Britain, Italy, or Germany.

The Sonett II's body was constructed of fiberglass over a steel backbone chassis, keeping weight to just 780 kg — remarkably light even by the standards of the 1960s. The bodywork was manufactured by ASJ (Aktiebolaget Svenska Jarnvagsverkstaderna) in Katrineholm before being shipped to Saab's Trollhattan factory for final assembly. The design was compact and aerodynamic, with a long hood, short rear deck, and a distinctive canopy-like greenhouse that reflected Saab's aerospace heritage.

The V4-powered Sonett II received the same Ford Taunus V4 engine used in the 96 sedan, producing 65 horsepower from 1,498 cc. While this was modest output for a sports car, the Sonett's light weight gave it a lively power-to-weight ratio that translated into genuinely entertaining performance. Top speed was approximately 160 km/h, and the car's nimble handling — a consequence of its low weight, compact dimensions, and front-wheel-drive traction — made it an engaging car on twisting roads.

Front-wheel drive was unusual in a sports car and gave the Sonett distinctive handling characteristics. Turn-in was sharp and responsive, and the driven front wheels provided excellent traction out of corners. The rear end, unencumbered by drive shafts, was light and followed the front with minimal drama. Experienced drivers found the Sonett's handling balance to be natural and confidence-inspiring, though it required a different approach than the tail-happy rear-drive sports cars of the period.

The interior was snug and purposeful, with two bucket seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and basic instrumentation. The low seating position and excellent forward visibility gave the driver a genuine sports car experience. Luggage space was minimal — this was not a car for grand touring — but the tight cockpit added to the intimacy of the driving experience.

The Sonett II was primarily targeted at the American market, where its combination of affordable pricing, distinctive styling, and sports car driving enjoyment positioned it as an alternative to the MG Midget, Triumph Spitfire, and Fiat 124 Sport Spider. However, sales were modest — only 1,868 Sonett II V4s were built — reflecting both limited production capacity and the American market's preference for more powerful sports cars. The Sonett III replaced the II in 1970 with a restyled body and Italian-influenced design.

Today, the Sonett II is one of the most collectible Saabs ever produced. Its rarity, distinctive design, and genuine sports car character have attracted a devoted following among enthusiasts who appreciate its unique blend of Scandinavian engineering and driving purity.