The Unconventional Icon: Why the Saab Sonett III Remains a Masterclass in Quirky Classic Car Investment
For over a decade, my journey through the labyrinthine world of classic automobiles has consistently led me to the conclusion that true distinction lies not in the commonplace, but in the wonderfully weird. While many seek the roar of a muscle car or the polished chrome of a mainstream luxury cruiser, a discerning few gravitate towards vehicles that defy convention, yet deliver an utterly unique driving and ownership experience. Among these automotive outliers, the Saab Sonett III stands as a particularly fascinating specimen. It’s a car that, even for Saab, was an anomaly – a lightweight, front-wheel-drive sports coupe built with a peculiar V4 engine, designed primarily for export, and brimming with an inimitable Swedish charm fused with Italian styling cues.
In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by homogenous design and digital interfaces, the Saab Sonett III offers a refreshing antidote. It represents an era when engineers and designers were given the freedom to experiment, to imbue vehicles with personality that went beyond mere horsepower figures. As we navigate the complexities of the 2025 classic car market, understanding the nuances of such specialized vehicles is paramount for both enthusiasts and potential investors. This isn’t just about acquiring a car; it’s about investing in a piece of automotive history, a testament to a brand’s unique vision, and a driving experience unlike any other. For those seeking genuine classic car investment opportunities that stand apart from the usual suspects, the Saab Sonett III warrants a serious look.
The Enigma of Saab: A Brand Apart
Saab, as a marque, has always held a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate intelligent engineering and idiosyncratic design. Born from aircraft manufacturing, the company approached automotive design with an aerodynamicist’s precision and an engineer’s pragmatism. Their cars were often ahead of their time in terms of safety, ergonomics, and efficiency, yet they always maintained a certain “Saab-ness” – an undeniable character that made them instantly recognizable, even if often misunderstood by the broader market. This legacy of innovation and independent thinking is what fuels much of the vintage car appreciation we see for the brand today.
The Sonett project, initially conceived in the mid-1950s with the Sonett I, was Saab’s early foray into creating a lightweight, two-seater sports car. It was a departure from their sensible sedans, a nod to the company’s sporting ambitions. The subsequent Sonett II, produced from 1966 to 1969, matured the concept, retaining a fiberglass body and introducing the distinctive Ford Taunus V4 engine that would become a hallmark. These earlier iterations laid the groundwork, but it was the Saab Sonett III, arriving in 1970, that truly refined the vision, blending greater accessibility with an undeniably exotic flair. For collectors focused on European classic cars, a Saab Sonett III isn’t just another notch on the belt; it’s a testament to a distinct philosophical approach to performance and design.
Unpacking the Sonett Lineage: From Concept to the Cult Classic III
The journey of the Sonett series is a microcosm of Saab’s ambitious spirit. The original Sonett I (or Saab 94), a stunning open-top roadster, was a pure concept car, essentially a racing prototype. Only six were ever built. Its successor, the Sonett II (Saab 97), embraced a closed-coupe design, initially with a two-stroke engine before adopting the Ford Taunus V4, a move driven by market demand and emission regulations. This model, with its radical, almost futuristic shape and limited production, set the stage for its more commercially viable, yet still wonderfully eccentric, sibling.
The Saab Sonett III emerged in 1970 as a more polished, contemporary evolution, intended to boost sales, particularly in the crucial North American market. It was a conscious effort to make the Sonett more appealing to a wider audience without sacrificing its core identity. Saab realized that the Sonett II, while unique, was perhaps too extreme for many buyers. The goal was to create a sports coupe that blended the lightweight, agile characteristics of its predecessors with a more modern, accessible aesthetic and improved interior ergonomics. This export-oriented strategy was not unlike Volkswagen’s approach with the Karmann Ghia, creating a stylish coupe atop conventional mechanicals. The Saab Sonett III was ultimately the culmination of Saab’s efforts to carve out a niche in the competitive small sports car segment, a segment often dominated by British roadsters and Italian coupes. Its relatively low production numbers contribute to its appeal as a rare classic car auction find today.
Design & Aesthetics: Italian Flair Meets Swedish Pragmatism
The most striking aspect of the Saab Sonett III is arguably its design. While the earlier Sonett II possessed an undeniably raw, almost brutish charm, the Sonett III brought a touch of sophisticated European elegance. This transformation was largely due to the intervention of Italian designer Sergio Coggiola, a former employee of Ghia, with final input from Saab’s own in-house design team, notably Gunnar Sjögren. Coggiola’s touch softened the Sonett’s lines, creating a sleeker, more aerodynamic profile that was distinctly modern for its time.
Gone were the Sonett II’s fixed headlights; in their place appeared innovative pop-up units, a feature that lent the Saab Sonett III a decidedly futuristic and sporty edge. The front end was streamlined, the cabin expanded slightly for better occupant comfort, and the rear hatch, which cleverly provided access to a small luggage area, was redesigned. A subtle power bulge on the hood hinted at the engine beneath, adding to its athletic stance. The side profile, characterized by a low roofline and elongated rear, made the car look faster than its modest horsepower figures might suggest.
Despite the Italian influence, the Saab Sonett III retained an inherent Swedish pragmatism. The fiberglass body, a carryover from earlier models, contributed significantly to its incredibly light curb weight – typically under 2,000 pounds. This choice of material, alongside its compact dimensions, was a testament to Saab’s engineering principles of efficiency and aerodynamic optimization. The interior, though small, was ergonomically sound, with controls intuitively placed, reflecting Saab’s aircraft cockpit design philosophy. For those who appreciate quirky automotive design, the Saab Sonett III is a masterpiece, a bold statement that married form and function in a truly unconventional way. Its styling, particularly in the pre-1973 bumper regulation era, remains a visual delight for Saab collectors.
Engineering Marvel (or Oddity): The Ford Taunus V4 Heart
Beneath the sleek fiberglass skin of the Saab Sonett III lies its most distinctive mechanical feature: the 1.7-liter Ford Taunus V4 engine. To many unfamiliar with Saab’s history, the idea of a Ford engine in a Swedish sports car might seem incongruous. However, this compact, robust unit was a logical choice for Saab. Originally designed for Ford’s European models like the Taunus and Corsair, and even seen in some early models of the German Ford Capri, this V4 was known for its durability and relatively smooth operation for its configuration.
In the context of the Saab Sonett III, the V4 was tuned to produce around 73 horsepower (later slightly more with electronic ignition in some markets). While this number might seem modest by today’s standards, it’s crucial to remember the car’s featherlight construction. The power-to-weight ratio was surprisingly respectable, enabling the Saab Sonett III to feel far more sprightly than its on-paper specifications suggested. Paired with a precise, four-speed manual transmission – a five-speed was briefly offered in very late models – the V4 provided an engaging driving experience.
The front-wheel-drive layout, another Saab hallmark, was unusual for a sports car of its era, which predominantly favored rear-wheel drive. However, Saab had pioneered FWD since its first car, the 92, and had perfected its application. In the Saab Sonett III, this configuration contributed to excellent traction, predictable handling, and surprisingly stable road manners, even in adverse conditions. The engine was mounted longitudinally ahead of the front axle, with the transmission tucked behind it, a layout that optimized weight distribution for a front-wheel-drive car. This unique blend of a non-traditional engine and FWD in a dedicated sports coupe cemented the Saab Sonett III as an engineering curiosity, a testament to Saab’s willingness to chart its own course rather than follow established norms. For those interested in performance upgrades classic cars, the robust nature of the V4 does allow for some thoughtful modifications, though originality often holds more value for collectible automobile valuation.
The Driving Experience: More Than Just Horsepower
Driving a Saab Sonett III in 2025 is an exercise in pure, unadulterated automotive nostalgia and engagement. Forget modern creature comforts and driver-assist technologies; this is a car that demands your full attention and rewards it with tactile feedback and an intimate connection to the road. The low seating position, the slender steering wheel, and the precise, short-throw gear lever all contribute to a distinctly sporting ambiance.
Turn the key, and the V4 engine thrums to life with a characteristic, slightly gruff but endearing note. Out on the open road, the Saab Sonett III truly comes alive. The lightweight chassis, combined with independent front suspension and a live axle rear, provides surprisingly agile handling. It carves through corners with a delightful eagerness, exhibiting minimal body roll and a sense of directness that belies its age. The steering, unassisted, offers excellent feel, communicating every nuance of the road surface directly to the driver’s fingertips.
Acceleration, while not blistering, is more than adequate for spirited backroad adventures. The key is to keep the V4 singing in its power band, utilizing the manual gearbox to maintain momentum. It’s a car that encourages you to drive it properly, to revel in the art of maintaining speed through corners rather than relying on brute force. The Saab Sonett III isn’t about drag races; it’s about the joy of a well-balanced, communicative chassis and an engine that, while humble, is eager to please. It’s a true vintage sports car that embodies the joy of driving for driving’s sake. Many owners describe it as a sophisticated go-kart, delivering smiles per gallon rather than raw horsepower figures.
Ownership in 2025: Challenges and Rewards for the Saab Enthusiast
Owning a Saab Sonett III in the modern era presents both unique challenges and deeply satisfying rewards. As a relatively rare car from a defunct manufacturer, parts availability can sometimes be a hurdle. However, the passionate global community of Saab collectors and enthusiasts is a significant asset. Forums, specialist suppliers, and dedicated clubs often hold a wealth of knowledge and can assist in tracking down elusive components. Many mechanical parts, particularly for the V4 engine, are shared with other Ford Taunus models, making them somewhat easier to source than bespoke Saab components.
For routine classic car maintenance or more involved automotive restoration services, finding a skilled technician is crucial. While a general mechanic might handle basic tasks, for specific issues, you’ll want to track down a local Saab specialist who understands the intricacies of these unique vehicles. Many cities, especially those with established classic car scenes like Los Angeles or those with a strong European car presence, have garages specializing in European classic cars. Engaging with the community, perhaps through local classic car show attendance, can often lead to invaluable contacts.
The rewards, however, far outweigh the occasional complexities. The satisfaction of preserving a piece of automotive history, the admiring glances and conversations it sparks wherever it goes, and the sheer joy of piloting such a distinct machine are immeasurable. A well-maintained Saab Sonett III is a reliable and engaging companion, offering a driving experience that feels wonderfully analogue in a digital world. Its lightweight construction also means that fuel efficiency is quite reasonable for a classic, making it a viable candidate for weekend drives.
Investment Potential & Market Trends: Is the Sonett III a Smart Buy?
From an investment perspective, the Saab Sonett III occupies a fascinating niche within the classic car investment market. While it may not command the stratospheric prices of a Ferrari or a Porsche, its rarity, unique design, and growing appreciation for unconventional collectible cars position it as a solid, long-term acquisition. As mainstream classics become increasingly expensive and less accessible, discerning collectors are increasingly turning to underappreciated gems like the Sonett.
Market trends in 2025 continue to show strong vintage car appreciation for vehicles that offer genuine character and a compelling backstory. The Saab Sonett III, with its Italian-Swedish heritage and peculiar engineering, fits this bill perfectly. Its values have been steadily climbing, particularly for well-preserved, low-mileage examples like those often seen on rare classic car auction platforms. The relatively low production numbers – just over 10,000 Sonett IIIs were built globally – ensure a degree of exclusivity that protects against market saturation.
Prospective buyers should focus on cars with solid, rust-free fiberglass bodies (though underlying chassis components should be inspected for corrosion) and documented service history. While automotive restoration services can bring a project car back to life, a vehicle in good, original condition will almost always command a premium. For those looking to enter the European classic car market without breaking the bank on a more common model, the Saab Sonett III represents an intelligent and distinctive choice. Many boutique classic car dealerships are increasingly recognizing the appeal of these unique pieces of automotive art. Securing classic car financing for such a specialized vehicle might require working with lenders experienced in antique and collector vehicles, but the investment often pays dividends in both monetary appreciation and sheer driving pleasure.
The Undeniable Allure of the Sonett
The Saab Sonett III is more than just a car; it’s a statement. It’s a testament to a company that dared to be different, that valued innovation and individuality above all else. For the connoisseur of classic automobiles, it offers a blend of quirky charm, engaging dynamics, and solid investment potential. Its sleek lines, spirited V4 engine, and lightweight chassis combine to create a driving experience that is both unique and deeply satisfying. In an era where automotive distinction is often fleeting, the Saab Sonett III stands as an enduring symbol of engineering ingenuity and timeless, unconventional design.
Are you ready to discover the peculiar magic of this Swedish-Italian anomaly? Explore current listings, connect with classic Saab communities, or visit a reputable boutique classic car dealership to experience the unique appeal of the Saab Sonett III firsthand. This distinctive classic car offers an opportunity not just to own a vehicle, but to embrace a piece of automotive history unlike any other, promising years of driving enjoyment and continued vintage car appreciation. Don’t just drive; embark on an adventure.
