Vehicle Details
- Year: 1974
- Make: Saab
- Model: Sonett III
- VIN: 97745001810
- Mileage: 74,255mi (5-digit odometer)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Mellow Yellow
- Seller: cultcars
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Location: Denver, CO 80204
- Dealer Fees: $299
- Lot #: V-0021771
The final iteration of Saab’s compact front-wheel-drive sports coupe, the Sonnet III was redesigned by Sergio Coggiola and powered by a German-made Ford Taunus V4 engine. Marking the Sonett’s last year of production, this 1974 example is said to have been fully restored under the care of a former Saab dealer with approximately $30k invested in materials by the project’s completion in 1999. The current owner recently carried out timing belt and water pump replacements in addition to general service and inspection. This unique and charming Swedish sports car is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Colorado.
The lightweight fiberglass bodywork of the Sonett III was restyled by Sergio Coggiola, a designer best known for his work at the head of Carrozzeria Ghia’s prototype department. Notable updates from the preceding Sonett V4 model included a hinged rear window, concealed headlamps, and a flat bonnet housing a small popup panel to access the engine compartment. New safety bumpers were also introduced to accommodate U.S. safety regulations after 1972. This example was refinished in its period Mellow Yellow paint color and is noted to be in very good condition overall apart from a few very minor spots of surface rust on the trunk. It rides on factory 15” wheels dressed in Hercules 425 Metric tires with a matching full-size spare in the trunk, detailed images are provided in the gallery.
The cabin is trimmed in black vinyl with grey fabric inlays on the bucket seats and door panels, accented by a body-colored instrument surround and ashtray door. The dashboard console is adorned with a “SONETT III” nameplate and houses a vintage JVC stereo as well as controls for lighting and ventilation.
As much as 65 HP comes from a 1.7-liter V4 engine produced by the Ford Motor Company in Cologne, Germany. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. An accompanying invoice shows restoration items addressed by the Indy Saab dealership in 1999 at 74k miles, and the seller states that a standard service and inspection were performed in preparation for the next owner.
This sale will include a clean title and restoration invoice.
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $10,750
- Auction End: Aug 26, 2022 07:28:15PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 16
Comments (24)
Somebody just got the deal of the decade...congratulations!
Bid in the amount of $10,750
Bid in the amount of $10,500
Bid in the amount of $10,250
Bid in the amount of $10,000
Bid in the amount of $9,750
Bid in the amount of $9,500
Bid in the amount of $9,250
Bid in the amount of $9,000
Bid in the amount of $8,750
Bid in the amount of $8,500
Bid in the amount of $8,250
Bid in the amount of $8,000
Bid in the amount of $7,750
Bid in the amount of $7,500
@blucille There was an error in the listing, and I want to apologize for the mix-up -- as you noted the engine does not have a timing belt. Please let us know if there are any specific other maintenance items you would like to know about
Bid in the amount of $7,250
Love it. I had an orange one somewhere around 1979. I would go to the bars, with some Quaaludes or a little coke, and girls thought it was an expensive car. "Is it like a Ferrari?" I'd say "Something like that"
Any pics of the timing belt? Most of these cars had gear driven cams and balance shafts. Some of those balance shaft gears were fiber instead of steel (unless the car had AC) and were prone to failure. No big deal normally except the alternator and water pump drive belt is actually driven by the balance shaft. Ooops.
Bid in the amount of $7,000
Hi this is ilan, the owner of Cult Cars. I'm available and happy to answer your questions