Unorthodox Legacy - Cars have always been a reflection of innovation and creativity, embodying the spirit of their creators. One particularly unique automotive tale belongs to SAAB, a brand that defied conventions and embraced bold engineering choices. Among its most remarkable creations is the SAAB Sonett, a sports car that stands as a testament to the company’s daring vision and technical ingenuity.
The SAAB Sonett I born out of the imagination of four SAAB engineers—Rolf Mellde, Lars Olov Olsson, Olle Lindkvist, and Gotte Svensson in 1955, debuted at the 1956 Stockholm Motor Show. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
The origins of the SAAB Sonett trace back to 1955, born out of the imagination of four SAAB engineers—Rolf Mellde, Lars Olov Olsson, Olle Lindkvist, and Gotte Svensson. This ambitious team crafted the first prototype, later named the SAAB Sonett I or SAAB 94, aka Super Sport, as an independent project. With its lightweight body made from glass-fiber-reinforced plastic and an alloy frame, the roadster weighed just 521 kilograms.
The SAAB Sonett I roadster featured with a lightweight body made from glass-fiber-reinforced plastic and an alloy frame, the roadster weighed just 521 kilograms. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
It was equipped with a modest 784cc inline-three engine delivering 58 horsepower, achieving a top speed of 201 kph and acceleration under 12 seconds. Designed primarily for circuit racing, the Sonett I debuted at the 1956 Stockholm Motor Show. However, regulatory changes allowing modified street cars in the target racing class led to the abandonment of plans for mass production after only six units were built.
The SAAB Sonett II (pictured, 1966 model), also known as the SAAB 97, was a compact two-seater coupe launched in 1966, marking the company’s first production sports car.(Picture from: Wikipedia)
SAAB wasn’t ready to close the chapter on the Sonett legacy. In 1966, a decade after the Sonett I, the Sonett II—also known as the SAAB 97—made its debut as the company’s first production sports car. The journey to its creation began in 1964 when designer Sixten Sason crafted a personal prototype—a sports car with a targa type resin body—named Catherina, which debuted in 1965. Around the same time, designers Björn Karlström and Björn Andreasson developed a compact two-seater coupe called the MFI-13.
The SAAB Sonett II (pictured, 1966 model) was initially powered by an 841cc inline-three two-stroke engine, delivering 60 horsepower.(Picture from: Wikipedia)
Both designs were submitted to SAAB’s leadership, who ultimately favored the MFI-13 over Sason’s Catherina, leading to its approval for production. The resulting Sonett II featured an 841cc inline-three two-stroke engine delivering 60 horsepower. However, its heavier weight of 710 kg made it slightly slower than its predecessor, the Sonett I.
To meet stringent American emissions requirements, the SAAB Sonett II had its engine replaced with a Ford-sourced 1.5-liter V4, and the model became known as the SAAB Sonett V4 (pictured, 1968 V4 model).(Picture from: Wikipedia)
Despite the reduced performance, the Sonett II made its mark, introducing more significant innovations when the engine was later replaced by a Ford-sourced 1.5-liter V4. This updated version produced 65 horsepower with similar acceleration but a lower top speed of 161 kph due to stricter American emission regulations. This Sonett V4variant saw better sales, with 1,868 units sold compared to the Sonett II inline-three model’s modest 229 units.
The SAAB Sonett III (pictured, 1971 model) embodied the aesthetic of the 1970s, complete with pop-up headlights that added flair.(Picture from: Wikipedia)
The journey didn’t end there. In 1970, SAAB unveiled the Sonett III, an evolution of the Sonett II with a strikingly different appearance was designed by an Italian designer Sergio Caggiola. This redesigned model embodied the aesthetic of the 1970s, complete with pop-up headlights that added flair. Initially powered by the same V4 engine as the Sonett II, the Sonett III later received an engine upgrade to a 1.7-liter V4 in 1971.
The SAAB Sonett III (pictured, 1972 model) was
an evolution of the Sonett II, featuring a strikingly different
appearance, and was designed by Italian designer Sergio Caggiola. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
However, stricter emission rules limited its output to 65 horsepower. Weighing more than its predecessors, the Sonett III had a 0-100 kph acceleration time of 14 seconds and a top speed of 164 kph. Despite its charm, rising costs due to regulatory compliance led to the Sonett III’s production ending in 1974 after 8,368 units were built.
The SAAB Sonett III (pictured, 1972 model) featured a dashboard with a three-spoke steering wheel and driver-focused gauges and instrument panels.(Picture from: Wikipedia)
The SAAB Sonett is a fascinating chapter in automotive history, showcasing SAAB’s unconventional approach and passion for innovation. Its quirky front-wheel-drive configuration, rare V4 engine, and distinctive designs make it a car worth remembering. Whether admired for its engineering or style, the Sonett remains a symbol of SAAB’s daring spirit in the competitive world of sports cars.
The SAAB Sonett III (pictured, 1974 model) quirky front-wheel-drive configuration, rare V4 engine, and distinctive designs make it a car worth remembering. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
The Sonett name was set to make a comeback as the production version of the SAAB PhoeniX Concept. Designed by Jason Castriota, it was envisioned as an affordable halo car for SAAB—a 2+2 sports car capable of producing up to 400 hp in its most powerful iteration. The car was planned to utilize the innovative Phoenix platform, which was also intended to support the next-generation 9-3 and 9-1 compact models. However, these ambitious projects were ultimately canceled following SAAB's dissolution in 2012.
The legacy of the SAAB Sonett invites car enthusiasts to reflect on its bold design and intriguing features. This model, like the SAAB brand itself, celebrates creativity and resilience in an ever-changing industry. For those who appreciate cars with unique character, the SAAB Sonett stands as a reminder that sometimes, taking the road less traveled leads to unforgettable milestones. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA ]
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The origins of the SAAB Sonett trace back to 1955, born out of the imagination of four SAAB engineers—Rolf Mellde, Lars Olov Olsson, Olle Lindkvist, and Gotte Svensson. This ambitious team crafted the first prototype, later named the SAAB Sonett I or SAAB 94, aka Super Sport, as an independent project. With its lightweight body made from glass-fiber-reinforced plastic and an alloy frame, the roadster weighed just 521 kilograms.
The legacy of the SAAB Sonett invites car enthusiasts to reflect on its bold design and intriguing features. This model, like the SAAB brand itself, celebrates creativity and resilience in an ever-changing industry. For those who appreciate cars with unique character, the SAAB Sonett stands as a reminder that sometimes, taking the road less traveled leads to unforgettable milestones. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA ]
