The Unconventional Icon: Dissecting the Enduring Allure of the 1972 Saab Sonett III
As a veteran in the automotive enthusiast community, with over a decade immersed in the intricacies of collector vehicles and market dynamics, I’ve witnessed countless trends ebb and flow. Yet, certain cars consistently defy easy categorization, standing as enigmatic monuments to unique engineering philosophies. Among these fascinating outliers, the 1972 Saab Sonett III occupies a particularly intriguing niche. It’s a vehicle that, even for the notoriously unconventional marque of Saab, pushes the boundaries of peculiar charm, offering a singular experience that resonates deeply with those who seek more than just horsepower or conventional luxury in their classic European sports car.
To truly appreciate the Saab Sonett III, one must first understand the idiosyncratic world from which it emerged. Saab, an acronym for Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aeroplane Limited), brought an aeronautical engineer’s approach to automotive design. Their cars were often characterized by safety innovations, ergonomic excellence, and a rugged front-wheel-drive architecture that felt more akin to a tank than a typical family sedan. This pioneering spirit birthed cult classics like the 96 and 99, but it was the Sonett, particularly the refined yet still unconventional 1972 Saab Sonett III, that truly showcased Saab’s willingness to experiment with the very definition of a sports car. For those monitoring the classic car investment landscape, the Sonett III represents a compelling, often undervalued, proposition that warrants closer inspection.
The Genesis of an Anomaly: From Track Dream to Production Reality
The Sonett story began in the mid-1950s with the Sonett I, a bare-bones two-seater designed for racing. It was an ambitious, lightweight fiberglass roadster, embodying pure function over form. However, production limitations and changing regulations curtailed its trajectory, with only six prototypes ever built. Fast forward to the mid-1960s, and the concept of a small, lightweight Saab sports car was revived. This led to the Sonett II, a slightly more conventional but still radically styled coupe featuring a two-stroke engine (later a Ford Taunus V4). It was quirky, undeniably Swedish, and built primarily for export to the lucrative North American market, designed to compete with popular imports like the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia.
The 1972 Saab Sonett III represents the culmination of this lineage, the most commercially successful and visually distinct iteration. Introduced in 1970, the Sonett III was a deliberate attempt to modernize the Sonett’s aesthetics and broaden its appeal, without compromising its fundamental character. Saab brought in Italian designer Sergio Coggiola, a former Ghia employee, to restyle the car. Coggiola famously provided the initial sketches, which were then refined by Saab’s in-house team. The result was a dramatic departure from the Sonett II’s almost amphibian appearance. The Sonett III boasted a sleeker, wedge-shaped profile, a larger rear glass hatchback, and, most notably, a set of cleverly concealed pop-up headlights that gave it a contemporary, almost futuristic edge for its time. These stylistic updates were crucial for making the Saab Sonett III a more attractive proposition in an increasingly competitive market for unusual sports cars.
Under the Skin: Engineering with a Distinctly Swedish Flair
While its exterior was redesigned for modern appeal, the core mechanicals of the 1972 Saab Sonett III remained deeply rooted in Saab’s pragmatic engineering. The most prominent feature, and often a talking point among enthusiasts, is its engine: the Ford Taunus 1.7-liter V4. In an era dominated by inline-fours and V6s, a V4 was an uncommon choice, yet perfectly aligned with Saab’s inclination for robustness and compact packaging. Mated to a four-speed manual transmission, this engine produced approximately 73 horsepower. On paper, these figures might seem modest, especially when considering contemporary muscle cars or even other European sports car classics. However, this is where the Sonett III’s true brilliance shines through.
The genius of the Sonett III lies in its power-to-weight ratio. Tipping the scales at well under 2,000 pounds (approximately 1,800 lbs or 820 kg), the modest 73 horsepower translates into a genuinely spirited driving experience. This isn’t a car built for drag strips or outright top speed; it’s a nimble, engaging machine designed for winding roads and responsive handling. The front-wheel-drive sports car configuration, coupled with Saab’s renowned chassis tuning, provided exceptional stability and predictable dynamics. This characteristic makes the 1972 Saab Sonett III a rewarding car to drive, inspiring confidence rather than white-knuckle apprehension. For anyone engaged in classic vehicle maintenance, the Ford V4’s relative simplicity and widespread availability of parts (owing to its Ford origins) offer a degree of practicality rarely found in bespoke sports car engines.
The Sonett III also retained Saab’s commitment to safety, a hallmark of the brand long before it became a mainstream concern. Its unibody construction, robust rollover protection (integrated into the design), and thoughtful ergonomics, including a well-designed cockpit, underscored Saab’s core values. The interior, though compact, felt surprisingly airy thanks to the expansive glass area. For collectors seeking a unique coupe that marries distinctive design with a touch of engineering ingenuity, the Saab Sonett III presents a compelling case.
The Driving Experience: More Than Just the Sum of Its Parts
From my vantage point, having driven and evaluated countless classic vehicles, the experience of piloting a 1972 Saab Sonett III is profoundly unique. It demands a different kind of appreciation than, say, a thundering American V8 or a high-revving Italian exotic. Slide into the low-slung cabin, grab the sturdy steering wheel, and engage the four-speed manual, and you’re immediately transported. The V4 engine, with its characteristic burble, provides adequate torque off the line, and as you build speed, the car feels remarkably composed.
The Sonett III’s lightweight construction is immediately apparent in its agility. Steering is direct, if a little heavy at low speeds, and the car corners with minimal body roll. This isn’t a power-sliding machine; it’s a car that grips tenaciously, allowing the driver to carry speed through bends with precision. It rewards smooth inputs and thoughtful driving, making even mundane commutes feel like a rally stage. This engaging dynamic is precisely why the Sonett has garnered a passionate following among those who prioritize driver involvement over raw statistics. It’s a reminder that true driving pleasure often stems from the connection between car and driver, a quality increasingly sought after in today’s performance cars. For enthusiasts looking for vintage rally cars spirit in a road-legal package, the Sonett offers a taste of that era’s dynamic ethos.
Ownership and Collectibility: Navigating the Niche Market
For prospective owners and automotive heritage preservation advocates, embarking on the journey with a 1972 Saab Sonett III requires a nuanced understanding of its place in the classic car market. Sonetts, especially the III, are relatively rare, with total production numbers for all Sonett variants hovering around 10,000 units. This scarcity contributes to their appeal as a rare sports car, but also poses unique challenges.
Finding a Saab specialist or a workshop familiar with these specific vehicles can be crucial. While the Ford V4 engine offers a degree of parts interchangeability, unique Sonett-specific components—such as body panels, interior trim, or electrical systems—can be difficult to source. This is where the dedicated community of Saab enthusiasts and online forums become invaluable resources, offering advice, parts leads, and camaraderie. Many Sonetts have undergone classic car restoration, ranging from sympathetic preservation to full, concours-level rebuilds. The cost of exotic car restoration or even standard maintenance can vary widely, but for a Sonett, focusing on mechanical soundness and addressing known electrical quirks (as sometimes noted by sellers on platforms like Bring a Trailer) is paramount.
From an investment-grade automobiles perspective, the 1972 Saab Sonett III has seen a steady appreciation over the past decade. While it won’t typically command the same high-value classic cars prices as a Ferrari or Porsche, its unique blend of rarity, design, and quirky engineering makes it an appreciating classic car. Discerning collectors are increasingly seeking out vehicles with compelling narratives and distinctive character, moving beyond mere brand cachet. A well-maintained, historically documented Sonett III can represent a sound acquisition. Factors influencing its car valuation include originality, mileage (a Sonett with 43K original miles, for example, is highly desirable), condition of the fiberglass bodywork, and completeness of its unique features like the pop-up headlights. Those exploring collector car financing options or boutique car dealership offerings might find Sonetts listed at various price points, reflecting their condition spectrum.
The Sonett III in 2025: A Modern Perspective on a Timeless Oddity
Looking ahead from a 2025 vantage point, the appeal of the 1972 Saab Sonett III is only likely to strengthen. In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by electrification, autonomous features, and homogenized design, cars like the Sonett offer a vital connection to a bygone era of pure, unadulterated driving. They are tactile, mechanical, and demand active participation from the driver. This retro appeal, combined with its distinct Scandinavian design ethos, makes it a conversation starter at any Concours d’Elegance vehicles gathering or local car show across the USA.
Furthermore, as younger generations of collectors enter the market, their tastes often gravitate towards the unconventional and the overlooked. The Sonett III, with its blend of sleek European styling and quirky Swedish engineering, fits this demographic perfectly. Its manageable size also makes it ideal for urban enthusiasts or those with limited garage space. For those considering a classic car acquisition, the Sonett III offers a relatively accessible entry point into the world of truly distinct vintage import car parts and ownership, without the astronomical running costs associated with some other marques. Maintaining a classic vehicle maintenance schedule and engaging with the community ensures a rewarding ownership experience.
The legacy of Saab, though the company itself is gone, lives on through cars like the Sonett. They serve as a testament to an uncompromising vision, a willingness to innovate, and a dedication to safety and ergonomics that often put people before profit. The 1972 Saab Sonett III is more than just a car; it’s a piece of automotive philosophy on wheels. It’s an acquired taste, perhaps, but one that once cultivated, offers endless delight and a deep appreciation for the ingenuity of its creators. Its timeless oddity ensures its place in the pantheon of truly memorable automotive rarity index entries.
If this deep dive into the engineering, aesthetics, and enduring appeal of the 1972 Saab Sonett III has sparked your interest, whether as a seasoned collector, a budding enthusiast, or someone intrigued by the path of appreciating classic cars, we encourage you to explore further. This distinctive coupe stands as a vibrant reminder that automotive passion often thrives in the most unexpected corners, inviting you to discover your own unique connection to this remarkable piece of Swedish automotive design. Perhaps, for you, the next step is to research current listings, connect with fellow Saab enthusiasts North America, or even embark on your own journey to own a piece of this distinctive automotive heritage.
