1974 Saab Sonett III π‘Ίπ’˜π’†π’…π’†π’’𝒔 π‘Έπ’–π’Šπ’“π’Œπ’š 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔 π‘ͺ𝒐𝒖𝒑𝒆 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 π‘«π’†π’‡π’Šπ’†π’… π‘¬π’™π’‘π’†π’„π’•π’‚π’•π’Šπ’π’π’”

Discover the 1974 Saab Sonett III, a rare Swedish sports car with bold styling, V4 power, and a cult following. Explore its history, specs, and why it’s still loved by collectors today.




Introduction

When you think of Swedish cars, safety and practicality come to mind—Volvo wagons, Saab turbos, and snowy terrain prowess. But in 1974, Saab offered something wildly different: the Saab Sonett III. A sleek, fiberglass-bodied sports coupe with front-wheel drive and a Ford V4 engine, the Sonett III was a bold move from a company best known for sensible sedans.

In this article, we dive into what made the 1974 Saab Sonett III unique, why it still turns heads today, and what collectors love (and hate) about this rare gem.




A Brief History of the Saab Sonett

The Sonett story begins in the 1950s as a lightweight race car concept. By the late 1960s, Saab resurrected the name with the Sonett II, and later the more refined Sonett III, introduced in 1970. Designed by Italian-American Sergio Coggiola, the Sonett III offered a sleeker, more modern design while retaining the quirky engineering Saab was known for.


1974: The Penultimate Year


The 1974 Saab Sonett III was part of the final generation before production ceased in 1974 (with a few models sold in early 1975). This model year saw several key updates:

  1. 5 mph impact bumpers (due to new U.S. safety regulations)
  2. Minor interior refinements
  3. Continued use of the 1.7L Ford Taunus V4 engine producing around 65 horsepower
  4. 4-speed manual transmission
  5. Curb weight of just 1,950 lbs


Despite the power figures sounding modest, the Sonett III offered spirited handling thanks to its low weight and front-wheel-drive configuration.



Design That Dared to Be Different

The Sonett III’s design is polarizing. Its long hood, pop-up headlights, and sharply sloped rear made it look like a scaled-down exotic. The fiberglass body kept weight low and resisted rust—a common issue in its time.

Inside, drivers were greeted with a minimalist cockpit with airplane-inspired toggle switches and bucket seats. However, the sloped windshield and cramped interior made visibility and comfort a challenge for taller drivers.



Performance & Driving Experience

Let’s be honest—the 1974 Saab Sonett III was never a speed demon. But what it lacked in raw power, it made up for with agility, character, and driving enjoyment. With its light curb weight and tight chassis, the Sonett handled corners with surprising poise.

Notably, the car retained Saab’s emphasis on safety, offering features like crumple zones, a roll bar, and a collapsible steering column.


Rarity and Collectibility

Only 2,400 Saab Sonett IIIs were built in 1974, making this model year relatively rare. Enthusiasts appreciate the 1974 model for its updated safety features and smoothed-out design compared to earlier years.

Today, a well-maintained example can fetch between $8,000 and $15,000, depending on condition and originality. Prices are slowly rising as more collectors seek unique, affordable classics.


Pros and Cons of the 1974 Saab Sonett III



✅ Pros:

  1. Unique styling and fiberglass body
  2. Lightweight and fun to drive
  3. Affordable entry into classic car ownership
  4. Easy to work on with available parts (thanks to Ford V4 engine)

❌ Cons:

  1. Low power output
  2. Limited interior space
  3. Hard to find parts specific to Sonett (body, trim)
  4. Styling isn’t for everyone


Final Thoughts

The 1974 Saab Sonett III is a fascinating slice of automotive history. It represents a time when Saab dared to be different—not just with turbocharged sedans or safety innovations, but with a genuine sports coupe aimed at the U.S. market.

For collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate underappreciated classics, the Sonett III offers charm, rarity, and a distinctly Swedish flavor that stands apart from the crowd.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Nissan GT R 35 🎌 πŸ’±

Image
Nissan GT-R R35 – History & Overview The Nissan GT-R R35, often referred to simply as the R35, is the sixth generation of Nissan’s legendary GT-R nameplate — a car that redefined what a high-performance sports car could be in the modern era. Nicknamed “Godzilla”, the R35 blends cutting-edge technology with brute force, and has been one of the most influential supercar challengers of the 21st century. Origins & Debut Unveiled: Tokyo Motor Show, 2007 Production Start: December 2007 (as a 2009 model in most international markets) Predecessor: Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 (discontinued in 2002) Unlike its predecessors (R32, R33, R34), which were part of the Skyline family, the R35 GT-R was the first GT-R to be a standalone model, no longer wearing the Skyline badge. Design & Engineering Engine Hand-built 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 — the legendary VR38DETT Early models: 480 hp Later models: 565 hp, with the NISMO version pushing up to 600 hp Transmission 6-speed dual-clutch aut...
Read more

π‘΅π’Šπ’”π’”π’‚π’ π‘Ίπ’Œπ’šπ’π’Šπ’π’† 𝒗𝒔 π‘»π’π’šπ’π’•π’‚ 𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒓𝒂 ~ The Ultimate JDM Showdown

Image
In the world of JDM legends, few rivalries stir as much passion as the battle between the Nissan Skyline GT-R and the Toyota Supra. Both cars are icons—symbols of Japan’s dominance in the tuner world during the 1990s and beyond. This head-to-head showdown explores their roots, evolution, performance, and place in car culture. If you’ve ever wondered which car truly defines JDM greatness, read on. Origins: Building Legends in the ’90s While both models trace their roots to the ’60s and ’70s, their rivalry truly ignited in the 1990s golden era of Japanese performance cars. Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32–R34): Born from Group A racing domination, the R32 GT-R was dubbed “Godzilla” by the Australian press thanks to its ruthless AWD grip and turbocharged power. The R33 refined it, and the R34 perfected it—each one blending cutting-edge technology with a racing soul. Toyota Supra (Mk3–Mk4): The A70 Supra flirted with performance, but it was the Mk4 (A80) that made history. Its 2JZ-GTE engine—a twi...
Read more

𝕄𝕒𝕀π•₯π•–π•£π•šπ•Ÿπ•˜ π•₯𝕙𝕖 π•Šπ•π•šπ••π•–: π‘»π’–π’π’Šπ’π’ˆ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 π‘»π’π’šπ’π’•π’‚ π‘ͺ𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 π‘«π’“π’Šπ’‡π’• π‘·π’†π’“π’‡π’†π’„π’•π’Šπ’π’

Image
When it comes to underdog legends in the JDM world, the Toyota Chaser is one name that keeps making sideways waves. With its deceptively conservative sedan styling and beastly 1JZ-GTE powerplant, the Chaser has become a cult favorite in the drift community. But how do you take this street sleeper and turn it into a tire-shredding drift monster? Let’s break down the ultimate Toyota Chaser drift build. Why the Toyota Chaser Is a Drift Icon The Toyota Chaser JZX100, produced from 1996 to 2001, is often overshadowed by more famous drift platforms like the Nissan Silvia or Toyota Supra. But real JDM enthusiasts know it offers something rare: a perfect blend of luxury, reliability, and raw rear-wheel-drive power. Here’s what makes it ideal for drifting: 1JZ-GTE engine: A 2.5L inline-six twin-turbo capable of handling serious boost. RWD layout: Rear-wheel drive with great balance for control in oversteer situations. Strong aftermarket support: A vast array of tuning parts from Japan and beyon...
Read more