Classified of the Day– 1973 Saab Sonett III

There’s nothing wrong with being a bit weird, it’s what makes something stand out. This is definitely the case here, with this 1973 Saab Sonett. It was a car built mainly for the American market, though in reality, it was a little too odd even for them. As such, the Sonett has been consigned to the history books as one of those automotive curios that nobody really knows much about.

While this, the third-generation, is the most – and we use this term loosely – well-known Sonett, the reality is that it’s been around since 1955. The first, and rather beautiful, Sonett was a two-seater open-top roadster with racing aspirations. It wasn’t commercially available though, it was more a means for Saab to show what it could do. It was the second-generation car that became available to the public. It featured a box chassis with a fibreglass two-seater body dropped over it, a pointed front end, a Kammback rear end and round headlights.

By the time the third-generation car – the one you’re looking at here – became available, the Sonett had become an altogether more angular affair. Originally penned by Sergio Coggiola, the third Sonett wouldn’t go on the existing frame, so trusted Saab man, Gunnar A. Sjögren reworked the design so it would work, but without having to make expensive changes to the production process. Clever man.

Powered by a Ford V4 engine and weighing only 880kg, the Sonett was a speedy machine. But just look at it, it looks like it’s going 70moh when it’s stood still. The car here is a perfect example, still fitted with the rare alloys and even the factory stereo, it’s how Saab intended. The tan interior and maroon paint might not be to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying it’s a very ‘of the time’ combination.

The only consideration to make is that this car is in the Netherlands. That’s no bad thing, it just means the drive home will be one hell of a test drive. But even if something should go wrong, you needn’t worry. The Sonett has a dedicated following and impressive mechanical parts availability.