The Saab Sonett III is a sports car that was produced by Saab from 1970 to 1974. It was the third and final generation of the Saab Sonett, and was based on the Saab 96 platform. The Sonett III was powered by a 1.7-liter Ford Taunus V4 engine, and was available with a four-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic transmission. It was a popular car in Europe, and was also exported to the United States.
The Saab Sonett III was a significant car for Saab. It was the first Saab to be designed with a focus on performance, and it helped to establish Saab's reputation as a maker of sporty cars. The Sonett III was also a successful car in competition, winning several rallies and races.
The Saab Sonett III is a classic car that is still popular with collectors today. It is a stylish and sporty car that is fun to drive. If you are looking for a classic car that is sure to turn heads, the Saab Sonett III is a great choice.
Saab Sonett III
The Saab Sonett III is a classic sports car that is still popular with collectors today. It is a stylish and sporty car that is fun to drive. Here are 10 key aspects of the Saab Sonett III:
- Ford Taunus V4 engine | This engine was also used in the Ford Capri and Ford Taunus.
- Four-speed manual transmission | This transmission was also used in the Saab 96.
- Three-speed automatic transmission | This transmission was also used in the Saab 99.
- 1.7-liter displacement | This displacement was also used in the Saab 95.
- Rear-wheel drive | This is a common layout for sports cars.
- Independent rear suspension | This provides a better ride and handling than a solid rear axle.
- Fiberglass body | This makes the car lighter and more aerodynamic.
- Pop-up headlights | These headlights are a distinctive feature of the Saab Sonett III.
- Removable hardtop | This allows the car to be driven as a convertible.
- Classic car status | The Saab Sonett III is a classic car that is eligible for historic vehicle registration in many countries.
These are just a few of the key aspects of the Saab Sonett III. It is a unique and stylish car that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.
Ford Taunus V4 engine | This engine was also used in the Ford Capri and Ford Taunus.
The Ford Taunus V4 engine is a four-cylinder, overhead valve engine that was produced by Ford Motor Company from 1962 to 1982. It was used in a variety of Ford vehicles, including the Ford Taunus, Ford Capri, and Saab Sonett III.
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Shared platform : The Ford Taunus V4 engine was used in both the Ford Capri and the Saab Sonett III. This allowed Ford to share engine components between the two vehicles, which reduced production costs.
For example, the Ford Taunus V4 engine used in the Saab Sonett III was the same engine that was used in the Ford Capri. This allowed Saab to benefit from Ford's engineering expertise and to offer a reliable and powerful engine in the Sonett III.
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Performance: The Ford Taunus V4 engine was a relatively powerful engine for its time. It produced 108 horsepower in the Saab Sonett III, which was more than enough to propel the lightweight sports car to a top speed of over 100 mph.
The Ford Taunus V4 engine was also known for its reliability and durability. This made it a good choice for Saab, which was known for building cars that were both fun to drive and practical.
Overall, the Ford Taunus V4 engine was a significant component of the Saab Sonett III. It provided the car with good performance and reliability, and it helped to make the Sonett III a popular choice among sports car enthusiasts.
Four-speed manual transmission | This transmission was also used in the Saab 96.
The four-speed manual transmission was a common feature in sports cars of the 1960s and 1970s. It was a relatively simple and lightweight transmission that provided good performance and reliability. The Saab Sonett III used the same four-speed manual transmission as the Saab 96, which was a popular rally car.
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Shared components : The Saab Sonett III and Saab 96 shared the same four-speed manual transmission. This allowed Saab to reduce production costs and to offer a reliable and proven transmission in the Sonett III.
For example, the Saab Sonett III used the same transmission as the Saab 96 V4. This allowed Saab to share transmission components between the two vehicles, which reduced production costs.
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Performance: The four-speed manual transmission provided good performance in the Saab Sonett III. It allowed the driver to keep the engine in the optimal power band for acceleration and overtaking.
The four-speed manual transmission also gave the driver more control over the car's performance. This was especially important in rally racing, where drivers needed to be able to quickly and precisely change gears in order to maintain their speed and position.
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Reliability : The four-speed manual transmission was a reliable and durable transmission. It was able to withstand the rigors of rally racing and everyday driving.
The four-speed manual transmission was also relatively easy to maintain. This made it a good choice for Saab, which was known for building cars that were both fun to drive and practical.
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Driving experience: The four-speed manual transmission provided a more engaging driving experience than an automatic transmission. It allowed the driver to feel more connected to the car and to control its performance more precisely.
The four-speed manual transmission also made the Saab Sonett III more fun to drive. It allowed the driver to experience the car's full potential and to enjoy its sporty handling.
Overall, the four-speed manual transmission was a significant component of the Saab Sonett III. It provided the car with good performance, reliability, and driving experience. It also helped to make the Sonett III a popular choice among sports car enthusiasts.
Three-speed automatic transmission | This transmission was also used in the Saab 99.
The three-speed automatic transmission was a popular option in the Saab Sonett III. It was a relatively simple and reliable transmission that provided good performance and fuel economy. The Saab Sonett III shared the same three-speed automatic transmission as the Saab 99, which was a popular family car.
There were several benefits to using the same transmission in both the Saab Sonett III and the Saab 99. First, it allowed Saab to reduce production costs. Second, it meant that Saab could offer a reliable and proven transmission in both vehicles. Third, it allowed Saab to offer a wider range of options to its customers.
The three-speed automatic transmission was a good choice for the Saab Sonett III. It provided good performance and fuel economy, and it was reliable and easy to maintain. It was also a popular option with customers, as it made the Sonett III easier to drive in stop-and-go traffic.
Overall, the three-speed automatic transmission was a significant component of the Saab Sonett III. It provided the car with good performance, fuel economy, and reliability. It also helped to make the Sonett III a more popular choice among consumers.
1.7-liter displacement | This displacement was also used in the Saab 95.
The Saab Sonett III and Saab 95 both used a 1.7-liter displacement engine. This was a significant factor in the performance and fuel efficiency of both vehicles.
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Shared engine : The Saab Sonett III and Saab 95 shared the same 1.7-liter displacement engine. This allowed Saab to reduce production costs and to offer a reliable and proven engine in both vehicles.
For example, the Saab Sonett III used the same engine as the Saab 95 V4. This allowed Saab to share engine components between the two vehicles, which reduced production costs.
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Performance: The 1.7-liter displacement engine provided good performance in both the Saab Sonett III and Saab 95. It allowed both vehicles to accelerate quickly and to reach high top speeds.
The 1.7-liter displacement engine was also relatively fuel efficient. This made both the Saab Sonett III and Saab 95 good choices for drivers who wanted a sporty and fuel-efficient car.
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Reliability : The 1.7-liter displacement engine was a reliable and durable engine. It was able to withstand the rigors of everyday driving and long road trips.
The 1.7-liter displacement engine was also relatively easy to maintain. This made it a good choice for Saab, which was known for building cars that were both fun to drive and practical.
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Driving experience: The 1.7-liter displacement engine provided a good driving experience in both the Saab Sonett III and Saab 95. It allowed drivers to enjoy the car's performance and handling.
The 1.7-liter displacement engine also made both the Saab Sonett III and Saab 95 fun to drive. It allowed drivers to experience the car's full potential and to enjoy its sporty handling.
Overall, the 1.7-liter displacement engine was a significant component of both the Saab Sonett III and Saab 95. It provided both vehicles with good performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability. It also helped to make both the Saab Sonett III and Saab 95 popular choices among consumers.
Rear-wheel drive | This is a common layout for sports cars.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a vehicle drivetrain layout in which the engine drives the rear wheels. This is in contrast to front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), where the engine drives the front wheels or all four wheels, respectively. RWD is a popular layout for sports cars because it offers several advantages, including:
- Better weight distribution : With RWD, the weight of the engine and transmission is located over the rear wheels, which helps to improve the car's weight distribution. This can lead to better handling and stability, especially when cornering.
- Improved traction: RWD can provide better traction than FWD, especially in slippery conditions. This is because the rear wheels are pushed into the ground by the force of the engine, which helps to keep the car moving forward.
- More engaging driving experience : Many drivers find RWD cars to be more engaging to drive than FWD cars. This is because RWD cars tend to be more responsive to steering inputs and can be more fun to drive on twisty roads.
The Saab Sonett III is a classic sports car that uses a RWD layout. This gives the Sonett III several advantages, including:
- Good handling and stability: The Sonett III's RWD layout helps to improve its handling and stability, especially when cornering. This makes the Sonett III a fun and rewarding car to drive.
- Improved traction : The Sonett III's RWD layout also provides improved traction, especially in slippery conditions. This makes the Sonett III a good choice for drivers who live in areas with snow or rain.
- Engaging driving experience: The Sonett III's RWD layout makes it a more engaging car to drive. The Sonett III is responsive to steering inputs and is fun to drive on twisty roads.
Overall, the Saab Sonett III's RWD layout is one of the things that makes it a great sports car. The Sonett III's RWD layout provides good handling, stability, traction, and driving experience.
Independent rear suspension | This provides a better ride and handling than a solid rear axle.
The Saab Sonett III uses an independent rear suspension, which is a type of suspension that allows each rear wheel to move up and down independently of the other. This is in contrast to a solid rear axle, which connects the two rear wheels together so that they move up and down in unison.
Independent rear suspension offers several advantages over a solid rear axle, including:
- Better ride quality : Independent rear suspension helps to isolate the passenger compartment from road noise and vibrations, resulting in a more comfortable ride. This is especially important in a sports car like the Saab Sonett III, which is designed to be driven on rough roads and at high speeds.
- Improved handling: Independent rear suspension allows each rear wheel to follow the contours of the road independently, which helps to improve the car's handling and stability. This is especially important in a sports car like the Saab Sonett III, which is designed to be driven on twisty roads and at high speeds.
- Reduced unsprung weight : Independent rear suspension reduces the unsprung weight of the car, which is the weight of the suspension components that are not supported by the springs. This helps to improve the car's handling and acceleration.
Overall, the Saab Sonett III's independent rear suspension is a significant component of its sporty handling and comfortable ride. It is one of the things that makes the Sonett III a great choice for drivers who want a car that is fun to drive and comfortable to ride in.
Fiberglass body | This makes the car lighter and more aerodynamic.
The Saab Sonett III's fiberglass body is a significant factor in its performance and handling. Fiberglass is a lightweight and strong material that is often used in the construction of sports cars and racing cars. It is also relatively inexpensive to produce, which made it a good choice for Saab.
- Weight reduction : Fiberglass is much lighter than steel, which is the traditional material used in car bodies. This weight reduction helps to improve the Sonett III's acceleration, handling, and fuel economy.
- Aerodynamic efficiency: Fiberglass is a smooth material that helps to reduce drag. This makes the Sonett III more aerodynamic, which also helps to improve its fuel economy and top speed.
- Styling : Fiberglass can be molded into complex shapes, which gives the Sonett III its distinctive and stylish appearance.
- Durability: Fiberglass is a durable material that is resistant to corrosion and impact. This makes the Sonett III more durable than cars with steel bodies.
Overall, the Saab Sonett III's fiberglass body is a significant factor in its performance, handling, and appearance. It is one of the things that makes the Sonett III a great choice for drivers who want a car that is fun to drive and looks good.
Pop-up headlights | These headlights are a distinctive feature of the Saab Sonett III.
Pop-up headlights are a type of headlight that is hidden behind the car's bodywork when not in use. They are typically activated by a switch or lever on the dashboard, causing them to rise up and out of their housings. Pop-up headlights were popular on sports cars and luxury cars in the 1960s and 1970s, and they are still used on some cars today.
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Styling : Pop-up headlights give a car a distinctive and sporty appearance. They are often associated with high-performance cars.
The Saab Sonett III's pop-up headlights are one of its most distinctive features. They give the car a sleek and sporty look that is sure to turn heads.
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Aerodynamics: Pop-up headlights can improve a car's aerodynamics. When they are retracted, they create a smooth surface that reduces drag.
The Saab Sonett III's pop-up headlights help to reduce drag and improve the car's fuel economy.
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Versatility : Pop-up headlights can be used to create different looks for a car. They can be retracted for a more streamlined appearance, or they can be extended to give the car a more aggressive look.
The Saab Sonett III's pop-up headlights allow drivers to customize the look of their car to suit their own personal style.
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Safety: Pop-up headlights can improve safety by providing better visibility. They are typically mounted higher on the car than traditional headlights, which gives drivers a better view of the road ahead.
The Saab Sonett III's pop-up headlights provide drivers with excellent visibility, making the car safer to drive at night.
Overall, pop-up headlights are a distinctive and functional feature that can improve a car's styling, aerodynamics, versatility, and safety. The Saab Sonett III's pop-up headlights are a key part of its unique and sporty design.
Removable hardtop | This allows the car to be driven as a convertible.
The Saab Sonett III's removable hardtop is a significant feature that sets it apart from other sports cars of its era. It allows drivers to enjoy the open-air driving experience of a convertible while still having the protection of a hardtop when needed.
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Versatility : The removable hardtop gives Saab Sonett III owners the best of both worlds. They can drive their car as a convertible on warm days and as a hardtop on cold or rainy days.
This versatility makes the Saab Sonett III a more practical choice than a traditional convertible.
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Styling: The removable hardtop gives the Saab Sonett III a unique and stylish appearance. It is one of the things that makes the Sonett III stand out from other cars on the road.
The hardtop also helps to improve the Sonett III's aerodynamics, making it more fuel-efficient.
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Weight reduction : The removable hardtop is made of lightweight fiberglass, which helps to reduce the Sonett III's overall weight.
This weight reduction helps to improve the car's performance, handling, and fuel economy.
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Convenience: The removable hardtop is easy to remove and install, making it a convenient option for drivers who want to enjoy the open-air driving experience.
The hardtop can be removed and installed by one person in just a few minutes.
Overall, the Saab Sonett III's removable hardtop is a significant feature that gives the car a unique combination of versatility, styling, and performance. It is one of the things that makes the Sonett III a great choice for drivers who want a car that is fun to drive and stylish.
Classic car status | The Saab Sonett III is a classic car that is eligible for historic vehicle registration in many countries.
The Saab Sonett III is a classic car because it is over 25 years old, has historical significance, and is well-preserved. Classic car status gives the Saab Sonett III several advantages, including:
- Reduced registration fees : Classic cars often qualify for reduced registration fees in many countries. This can save owners a significant amount of money over the life of the car.
- Special license plates: Classic cars are often eligible for special license plates that identify them as historic vehicles. This can give the car a unique and distinctive look.
- Insurance discounts : Some insurance companies offer discounts on classic car insurance. This can help to reduce the cost of insuring the car.
- Prestige and exclusivity: Classic cars are often seen as prestigious and exclusive vehicles. This can make them a desirable investment for collectors and enthusiasts.
In addition to these advantages, classic car status can also help to preserve the Saab Sonett III's legacy. By keeping the car in good condition and maintaining its original features, owners can help to ensure that future generations can enjoy this iconic sports car.
Overall, the Saab Sonett III's classic car status is a significant factor in its value and appeal. It is one of the things that makes the Sonett III a great choice for collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates classic cars.
Saab Sonett III FAQs
The Saab Sonett III is a classic sports car that was produced from 1970 to 1974. It is a popular car among collectors and enthusiasts, and it has a strong following online. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Saab Sonett III:
Question 1: What engine does the Saab Sonett III have?
The Saab Sonett III is powered by a 1.7-liter Ford Taunus V4 engine. This engine produces 108 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque.
Question 2: What is the Saab Sonett III's top speed?
The Saab Sonett III has a top speed of 115 mph.
Question 3: How many Saab Sonett IIIs were produced?
A total of 10,596 Saab Sonett IIIs were produced.
Question 4: What are the Saab Sonett III's dimensions?
The Saab Sonett III is 167.7 inches long, 64.4 inches wide, and 53.3 inches tall. It has a wheelbase of 96.5 inches.
Question 5: What is the Saab Sonett III's curb weight?
The Saab Sonett III has a curb weight of 2,138 pounds.
Question 6: What is the Saab Sonett III's fuel economy?
The Saab Sonett III has a fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Question 7: What are the Saab Sonett III's performance figures?
The Saab Sonett III can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 10.5 seconds. It has a quarter-mile time of 16.7 seconds.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the Saab Sonett III. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
Tips for Saab Sonett III Owners
The Saab Sonett III is a classic sports car that requires special care and maintenance. Here are a few tips to help you keep your Sonett III in top condition:
Regular maintenance is key. The Saab Sonett III is a high-performance car, and it requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. This includes regular oil changes, tune-ups, and brake inspections.
Use high-quality parts. When you need to replace parts on your Saab Sonett III, it is important to use high-quality parts. This will help to ensure that your car continues to perform at its best.
Find a good mechanic. It is important to find a good mechanic who is familiar with the Saab Sonett III. This will help to ensure that your car is properly maintained and repaired.
Be careful when driving. The Saab Sonett III is a fast and powerful car. It is important to be careful when driving, and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Enjoy your car! The Saab Sonett III is a classic sports car that is a joy to drive. Take the time to enjoy your car, and to appreciate its unique style and performance.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your Saab Sonett III in top condition for many years to come.
Conclusion
The Saab Sonett III is a classic sports car that is still popular with collectors and enthusiasts today. It is a stylish and sporty car that is fun to drive. With its powerful engine, lightweight body, and nimble handling, the Sonett III is a true driver's car.
If you are looking for a classic sports car that is sure to turn heads, the Saab Sonett III is a great choice. It is a unique and stylish car that is sure to provide you with years of driving pleasure.
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