Saab Sonett III

Vehicle Overview

The Saab Sonett III design was revised by the Turin design company Carrozzeria Coggiola in 1969. The Sonett III was equipped with a V4 engine from Ford. It was produced from 1970 to 1974. In 1971, the displacement was increased to 1699 cc. The power remained at 65 hp. The car was 3900 mm long, 1500 mm wide and 1190 mm high. The Sonett III was the first Saab in the V4 range with a floor-mounted gearshift. The drag coefficient was 0.31. In the Sonett III a hinged rear-window glass replaced the Sonett II/V4 rear compartment hatch door. With the mandate for a “bulge-less” hood, the engine compartment opening evolved into a small front popup panel, resulting in more limited access than in the Sonett V4. Extensive engine work required the removal of the entire front hood section. Because of its high selling price, the Saab Sonett III found fewer buyers than hoped, and U.S. emissions and safety laws eventually led to the end of production after only 8351 cars. The most successful year of the Saab was also its last. In 1974, 2483 Sonett were produced. Photo courtesy of Pyritz Classics.