1974 Saab Sonett III (LHD)
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Highlights
- US import in 1981
- One of only 8,368 ever made
- Only 44,776 miles indicated
- Recently recommissioned
- Historic vehicle status
The Appeal
If you’re looking for an interesting, quirky and fun little sports car, the Saab Sonett III is definitely one to consider. Saab employed Sergio Coggiola to redesign the awkwardly styled Sonett II, and this is the result – a far more cohesive, modern and attractive machine. Although the drivetrain was largely unchanged from the later ‘V4’ Sonett II, the Sonett III was much more popular. Sadly, it never officially came to the UK, so US imports like this are the best way to get your hands on one.
This example benefits from a superb colour scheme and is in the ‘Luxury’ specification, which added cast aluminium wheels and leather as well as air conditioning. Presented in fine condition, with a comprehensive history file, this rare and stylish lightweight sports coupé is sure to put a smile on the face of everyone that sees it.
The History and Paperwork
- US import in 1981
- First registered in March 1981
- One of only 8,368 Sonett IIIs ever made
- ‘Luxury’ specification
- Only 11 on the road in the UK, according to ‘How Many Left’
- Two UK owners
- Current owner since 2001
- Only 44,776 miles indicated, with MOT record confirming the low mileage
- Recently recommissioned in early 2022 after some years in storage
- Just about 20 miles covered since the recommissioning
- Historic vehicle status - tax and MOT exempt
- Extensive maintenance and servicing file with Workshop and Parts manuals
- Original import engineers’ report included as well as a number of old MOTs and invoices
The Interior
- Striking period interior design
- Leatherette and wool-like cloth seats designed by Henrik Thor-Larsen (of Ovalia Egg Chair fame), in good overall condition with a couple or scuffs and marks
- The upholstery to the door cards, headlining and boot area is also in good condition, with a few minor blemishes and some stitching beginning to come away
- Interior believed to be completely original, other than the headlining which has been replaced
- The air conditioning has been removed and the system degassed, although the pump can be supplied with the car if required
- The vendor notes that the horn is not working and that the fuel gauge can be temperamental, otherwise all the switchgear and instrumentation works as it should
- We particularly like the original Motorola radio unit
- Generally, the internal trim is in decent condition, with some marks and scuffs commensurate with the car’s age and a few pieces of trim that need reseating
- In the passenger side, a fire extinguisher has been installed
- Under the hinged rear glass, there is a decent amount of boot space and a full size spare wheel
The Exterior
- Orange paintwork was refinished a few years ago and new factory-spec side graphics applied, according to the history file
- We’re informed that the nose cone was repainted in early 2022
- The paintwork looks to be in fine overall condition, with a few minor marks and blemishes – there is some microblistering in places too
- The GFRP bodyshell looks to be in good order, with no cracks or damage we could see
- It’s reported that the steel chassis is in good order and has never been welded
- Underneath the car looks straight and clean, with no immediately apparent issues
- It is wearing the correct US-spec post-1973 impact bumpers
- Hand-operated pop-up lights (using a lever in the cabin) function as they should
- New CIBIE headlights were fitted in 2004
- Original cast aluminium two-tone wheels present well, with no major scuffs or damage and a matched set of Firestone F560 tyres
The Mechanics
- 1,698cc Ford Taunus V4 engine, offering 65hp to the front wheels
- Rebuilt Weber 34 ICH carburetor
- Manual four-speed transmission
- Work carried out in early 2022: new clutch, radiator, water pump, silicone coolant hose kit and engine mounts
- Stainless steel twin exhaust system
- New springs fitted approximately six years ago, since when the car has hardly been used
- The engine bay looks tidy, with no evidence of leaks we could observe
- We’re informed that the car starts and runs well, with no reported mechanical issues
Summary
Cars as rare and interesting as this Sonett III do not come along very often. If you love quirky, imaginative cars and want to be absolutely unique at any event you may attend, this is definitely the car for you.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1974
- Make Saab
- Model Sonett III (LHD)
- Colour Yellow
- Odometer 44,776 Miles
- Engine size 1698
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Chelmsford
- Location Essex
- Country United Kingdom
21
bids
- jo•••• £15,000 08/02/23
- ch•••• £14,500 08/02/23
- jo•••• £14,000 08/02/23
- ch•••• £13,250 08/02/23
- jo•••• £13,000 08/02/23
- ch•••• £12,750 08/02/23
- Da•••• £12,250 08/02/23
- ch•••• £12,000 08/02/23
- jo•••• £11,500 08/02/23
- ch•••• £11,000 08/02/23
The Gallery
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