OK, I’ve got Saab Sonett fever tonight.
Inspired by both the Sonett III that I posted about earlier, and this Sonett II, I’ve even pulled my finger out and written up the Sonett II car page in the archives!
This Saab Sonett II was spotted by Dan S at a recent autocross event in San Antonio, Texas. Dan snapped off a bunch of shots, a number of which I’ve reproduced here, but the full story about the car is over at his blog, Racing Ready.
In short, it’s a 1968 Saab II V4 that’s been through a couple of separate rebuilds of the body and the engine (see RR for the details and more photos). It certainly looks a treat and apparently the owner got it through the autocross event with the shiny side up and was able to drive it home again – a worthwhile day’s work.
Every time I see one of these babies I want one more and more. I’d settle for a Sonett III as these are much rarer and harder to get, but geez they’re nice.
Yes, Swade – when I talked to this guy he was very nonchalant about putting that sweet & clean car through its autocrossed paces. It really looked new for a 40 year old car!
It was fun to see this vintage Swedish iron (fiberglass). I mused, “What were those Swedes thinking about back then?”
As you can see, autocrossing is not just about running around cones with your daily driver. I’ve seen a Volvo 1600, a Lister replica racer, a couple of vintage Triumphs & a sweet/cute little Fiat Abarth I will be writing up about later this week – it’s all in the blog – check it out!
See you out there…
All of the sonett love here has given me a big case of sonett fever. I’d love to do an autoX/track car powered by one of those Yamaha 155 hp two-stroke inline 3 jetski engines.
I test drove a new Sonett V4 in 1967 or 68, and if I close my eyes and think real hard, it’s almost like I’m there again, cruising that 2-lane concrete highway, on top of the world. I want one soooo bad.
Alex.. There were a bit over 10000 Sonett´s made I, II and III. There are not many of them left. So why do anything but restore to original condition and give them a whole lot of TLC (Drive it). The Sonett is a part of Saabs history.. A rare part.
My favorite is the Sonett II 2-stroke. And some day I will own one… If there are any left by then without a 2-stroke jet ski engine
Oh come on, you know the Yamaha engine would be sweet and that the Saab gods would smile on you for doing something like that to one of their babies…
I like the wood interior. That makes a car look even better in my opinion. (I guess it’s a Jag thing?)
Alex.. No.. just say no.
Hmmm, I do think both Alex and Tompa are right in there opinions. If it is a good restoration object. Keep it original if possible. If it is a rescued shell without drive train. Just do what you have to(like to) do to get it running.
My favorite Saab to restore would be a -68 96 V4. I would prefer a bad one, so i wouldn’t feel guilty about building a rally replica.
The sonett is really something though. But with the oz dollar nosediving, i can’t see that i will ever be able to afford to import one.