About The Blaauwbank Collection:

This lot is part of The Blaauwbank Collection, an eclectic mix of vehicles spanning nearly a century of motoring. The collection showcases everything from practical classics to high-end collector cars, all carefully curated and stored in purpose-built, climate-controlled storage hangars in Central South Africa's arid climate.

For overseas buyers, this is an opportunity to acquire classic cars that have never been exposed to salted roads and the damp European climate.

Shipping Logistics:

A fixed-rate containerised shipping quote of £1,189.00 (Cape Town to London Gateway Port) has been secured by the seller via export agent VA Auto Traders (excludes SA transport and UK port fees).

Click here for a full quote or to view international destination options

Highlights

One former registered keeper, in single ownership for over 50 years
Fascinating provenance: purchased new by the Swedish Ambassador to South Africa
Reportedly the only Sonett on the African continent
Numbers-matching Ford V4 with recent engine rebuild
Described by the vendor as factory original throughout, including rare alloy wheels and pop-up headlights

The Appeal

Few cars are so visually arresting as the Saab Sonett. It's one of the most characterful sports cars of the 1970s, a unique collaboration where Italian coachbuilder Sergio Coggiola penned the lines, Ford of Britain supplied the V4 engine, and Saab assembled the whole in Trollhättan. With its fibreglass body, pop-up headlights, and lightweight construction, it offered a different proposition to the mainstream sporting coupes of the era, and today remains a rare and sought-after classic.

This example boasts remarkable provenance. Purchased new in 1973 by the Swedish Ambassador to South Africa directly from Saab in Sweden, it was imported to SA that same year and remained in his ownership for over five decades, making this a genuine one-prior-registered-keeper car. Reportedly the only Sonett on the African continent, it is finished in its original Burnt Orange over beige and tan velour and is described by the vendor as retaining its factory specification throughout.

The numbers-matching Ford V4 has recently benefited from an engine rebuild, along with a replacement flywheel and starter motor. The fibreglass shell sits over what the vendor describes as a very well-preserved chassis, and the car is said to be very clean, dry, and straight throughout.

Key Information

Mileage: 62,230 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: South Africa
Technical inspection status: offered without technical inspection
Technical specs: Ford V4 petrol, four-speed manual, left-hand drive, fibreglass body over steel chassis
Paperwork: all SA export paperwork, local export clearance and local customs declarations are included with each vehicle sold from The Blaauwbank Collection

The Detail

Numbers-matching Ford V4 engine recently rebuilt
Replacement flywheel recently fitted
Replacement starter motor recently fitted
Fibreglass body over steel chassis; the vendor describes the chassis as dry and solid
Burnt Orange exterior described as original
Beige and tan velour interior with solid wood door cappings
Rare alloy wheels described as factory original
Side Saab decals retained
Full instrumentation with three-spoke steering wheel and original switchgear
Pop-up headlights
Two-seater layout with rear hatch luggage compartment
The vendor describes the car as very clean, dry, and straight

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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