{"id":3205,"date":"2010-09-01T14:43:55","date_gmt":"2010-09-01T14:43:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/glwptest.comeze.com\/?p=3205"},"modified":"2010-09-01T14:44:16","modified_gmt":"2010-09-01T14:44:16","slug":"1973-saab-sonett-iii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gentrylane.ca\/s\/import-inventory\/sold-import\/1973-saab-sonett-iii","title":{"rendered":"1973 SAAB SONETT III"},"content":{"rendered":"

Saab Sonett<\/em><\/strong> is an automobile model manufactured between 1966 and 1974 by Sweden’s Saab <\/strong>Automobile AB. Sonetts<\/strong> shared the engines and other components with Saab 96s and 95s of\u00a0the same era. The first prototypes, now known as the Sonett I, were two-seat, open top\u00a0light-weight dedicated roadster racers, which, ten years later, evolved into the\u00a0commercially distributed Sonett models II, V4, and III.<\/p>\n

The 1970 redesign of the Sonett V4<\/strong>, named the Sonett III<\/strong>, was initially undertaken by Sergio\u00a0Coggiola but then altered by Gunnar A. Sj\u00f6gren to fit the existing chassis without expensive\u00a0manufacturing line changes. A hinged rear window glass replaced the Sonett II\/V4 rear compartment\u00a0hatch door. With the mandate for a “bulge-less”<\/em> hood, the engine compartment opening evolved\u00a0into a small front popup panel, resulting in more limited access than in the Sonett V4.<\/p>\n

To help adapt the car to U.S. market tastes, the Sonett III featured a floor-mounted shifter\u00a0instead of the “out-dated” Sonett<\/strong> V4 column shift, and optional dealer-installed air conditioning.\u00a0Like the Opel GT, hidden headlamps were operated manually by a lever. The Sonett III<\/strong> used the\u00a01700 cc Ford V4, net power output was 55 hp. Still, the Sonett III<\/strong> accelerated 0-100 km\/h in 13 s\u00a0and, due to a higher differential gear ratio, achieved a top speed of 165 km\/h (103 mph) aided\u00a0by a low 0.31 drag coefficient.<\/p>\n

Rare 1973 SAAB SONETT III<\/strong> Lightweight Fiberglass coupe.\u00a0This example has been finished with an orange exterior and a brown\/orange two-tone interior,\u00a0both showing normal signs of wear. The engine is a 1700 CC<\/strong> Ford V4 producing 55 HP, but due\u00a0to it’s lightweight design it can accelerate from 0-100KM in 13 Seconds. Engine feels very\u00a0strong and pulls well, the transmission is a manual 4spd<\/strong> floor mounted. This rare example is\u00a0a joy to drive, a head turner wherever it goes!<\/p>\n