The Saab Sonett: A Unique Swedish Sports Car Saga

Join this channel to get access to perks:
   / @chrisvscars  

The Saab Sonett's roots can be traced back to the mid-20th century when Saab, originally an aircraft manufacturer, decided to venture into the world of automobiles. In the 1950s, Rolf Mellde, a Saab engine developer and racing enthusiast, teamed up with engineers Lars Olov Olsson, Olle Lindkvist, and Gotta Svensson to create a lightweight, two-seat roadster prototype. This prototype, built with a mere budget of 75,000 Swedish kronor, was christened the Sonett, derived from the Swedish phrase "Så nätt den är," meaning "how neat it is."
Now The first incarnation of the Sonett, known as the Sonett I, was unveiled in 1956. It featured a three-cylinder, 748cc two-stroke engine producing 57.5 horsepower and a featherweight aluminum box-style chassis designed by Sixten Sason. This agile racer was designed with the potential to reach speeds of up to 120 mph, making it a formidable contender on the European race circuit.
However, changing racing regulations and economic feasibility led to the production of only six Sonett I vehicles, all of which were right-hand drive (RHD). The original prototype, known as "No. 1," was preserved and eventually found its way to the Saab Heritage Car Museum USA.
Then In the early 1960s, Saab's interest in sports cars was rekindled. Independent designers suggested a new two-seat roadster called the "Shrike," leading to the creation of two prototypes: the Saab MFI13 and the Saab Catherina. These prototypes culminated in the production of the Sonett II in 1966.
The Sonett II was initially equipped with a three-cylinder, two-stroke engine, making it a lightweight and agile sports car. It was designed as a racing car and successfully competed against other European sports cars in SCCA races. The Sonett II's freewheeling clutch, front-wheel drive, and column-mounted shifter set it apart from typical American sports cars.
As the two-stroke engine faced increasing challenges in meeting US emission control standards, Saab switched to the Ford Taunus V4 engine in the middle of the 1967 production year, creating the Sonett V4. The Ford V4 engine, delivering 65 horsepower, maintained the Sonett's spirited performance. And With its advanced safety features, including a roll bar and high-back bucket seats, the Sonett V4 found a niche market in the US.
But saab wasn’t content and they kept working on the next model. The Sonett III, which was introduced in 1970, this model marked a significant departure from the previous models. Sergio Coggiola initially designed it, with modifications by Saab's Gunnar A. Sjögren to adapt it to the Sonett II's existing chassis. The Sonett III featured hinged rear-window glass and a "bulge-less" hood, albeit with more limited engine access. It was tailored to US market tastes with a floor-mounted shifter and optional air conditioning.
Despite its unusual features and quirky design, the Sonett III resonated with American buyers. The Ford V4 engine now produced 65 horsepower, and the car accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 13 seconds, with a top speed of 165 km/h.
Anyways the mark 3 would be the end of this cool little 2 seater sports car.
You see Disappointing sales and increasing regulatory challenges, exacerbated by the 1973 oil crisis, led to the end of Sonett production in 1974. A total of 8,368 Sonett IIIs were manufactured during its four-year run.
Although Saab's sports car journey came to a close with the Sonett III, the brand's focus shifted to turbocharged family cars, becoming a pioneer in that field leading to cars like the 99 Turbo, the 900 Turbo and the 93 Turbo. My dad actually owned a Saab 93, I cant remember this, but my mom says it was a shit car.
Anyways The Saab Sonett saga, from the experimental Sonett I to the commercially successful Sonett III, is a testament to Saab's innovative spirit and its ability to adapt to changing automotive landscapes. Despite its relatively short-lived existence, the Saab Sonett left an enduring legacy in the world of unique and distinctive sports cars.

#scca #Racing #Saab