Saab’s Front-Drive Sports Coupe With Racing Roots
The Saab Sonett III was born out of necessity and ambition. When emission regulations and aesthetic trends caught up with Saab’s Sonett II, engineers in Trollhättan responded with a sleeker, more aerodynamic solution. Introduced in 1970, the Sonett III retained the fiberglass body and front-wheel-drive layout of its predecessor but featured a pop-up headlamp design and a reworked front end that improved aerodynamics significantly, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.31 — a remarkable figure even by modern standards.
Underneath, the Sonett III was powered by Ford’s 1.7-liter Cologne V4, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. It wasn’t a track weapon, but its 65 hp offered a playful experience in a lightweight body just shy of 2,000 lbs. The car’s agility and low weight, combined with Saab’s rally pedigree, made it a curious underdog in a market dominated by rear-wheel-drive coupes.
Production ended in 1974 after roughly 8,300 Sonett IIIs were built — not due to technical shortcomings, but because of stagnant sales and a changing American market. And that’s what makes surviving, unrestored examples like the one now up for auction so important.
1973 Sonett III on Bring a Trailer: An Honest Survivor With a Mechanical Heart Transplant
Currently listed on Bring a Trailer, this 1973 Saab Sonett III is still bidding under $3,500 with less than a week remaining — and it deserves far more attention than it’s getting.
This isn’t a barn-find with unknowns. The seller acquired the car in October 2022 after it sat off the road for nearly four decades. Since then, it has undergone extensive mechanical refurbishment, including:
- Rebuild of the 1.7-liter V4 engine (refinished block, rebuilt carburetor, ignition overhaul)
- New rally-style exhaust system
- Brake system overhaul including rebuilt front calipers and new rear drums
- Fresh BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires on restored 15” soccer ball wheels
- Updated ignition with new points, distributor, and plugs
And yes — it runs. It drives. It’s titled. And it’s listed at no reserve.
Unmolested Fiberglass Body Still Wearing Original Paint
The Sunset Yellow exterior shows off the clean, uncut lines of the Sonett III. It retains its original fiberglass body and paintwork, with Saab-script side stripes still visible. Minor surface corrosion is noted underneath, as expected from a Minnesota-native classic, but nothing suggests structural compromise.
The pop-up headlights, bullet-style side mirrors, and auxiliary driving lights give the car period-correct charm. One quirk? The door key is missing, which is a small fix for any Saab restorer.
This particular example has never left St. Paul, Minnesota, since its original purchase in 1973 — the kind of single-state provenance that adds weight in any collector’s registry.
Interior: Brown Vinyl, Retro Vibes, and Factory AC (Sort Of)
The interior is finished in brown vinyl and cloth — a rare combination even for the Sonett III — and features:
- Fixed-back bucket seats
- Roll bar
- AM/FM radio and aftermarket cassette player
- Heater and side speakers
While the factory AC is no longer present, the Sonett was originally equipped with it, though the compressor and condenser were removed under previous ownership.
Instrumentation includes a classic VDO setup: central tachometer, 120-mph speedo, and a fuel/temp combo gauge. The five-digit odometer reads just over 55,000 miles, with about 1,200 miles added post-refurbishment.
What’s Left to Do? Minor Cosmetic Touches and TLC
Mechanically, this Sonett is ready to enjoy. But it remains a mostly original car — which means it could benefit from:
- Cosmetic refreshing (trim, door key, dash cracks if any)
- Minor underbody treatment to halt surface rust
- Reconnecting auxiliary driving lights
- Optional full interior restoration — though purists might choose to leave it alone
It’s not a trailer queen — and that’s exactly what makes it exciting.
Why This Auction Deserves More Attention
For Saab enthusiasts, Sonett III values have quietly risen, particularly for clean, running examples with mechanical integrity. Many on the market today are either show queens asking $25K+ or total restoration candidates with seized engines. This example threads the needle: mechanically rebuilt, visually authentic, and fairly priced — for now.
Add to that:
- No reserve
- Titled in seller’s name
- Includes owner’s manual, period-correct metro map, and spare parts
…and you have one of the better value propositions on BaT this month, Saab or not.
The Sonett III Is a Saab Classic Whose Time Has Come
The Sonett III was never about brute power — it was about defying expectations. With its fiberglass body, aerodynamic shape, front-wheel drive, and unmistakable Scandinavian character, it was one of the few cars in the early ‘70s that dared to be different — and paid the price for it in the showroom.
Today, that same difference is what makes it collectible.
This 1973 Sonett III embodies that uniqueness in full — still in the hands of only its second owner, unrestored cosmetically, revived mechanically, and still affordable.
With 6 days left, and bidding well under $4,000, this might be the last time a turn-key Sonett III in original paintwork sells this low.
View the live auction here: 1973 Saab Sonett III – Bring a Trailer
Auction Ends In: 6 days (at time of writing)
Current Bid: $3,400
As a long-time Saab enthusiast and owner of a ’72 Sonett III, I find this auction listing incredibly compelling. The fact that this 1973 model retains its original Sunset Yellow paint and has remained in Minnesota since new speaks volumes about its authenticity and preservation. The mechanical restoration, including the rebuilt 1.7-liter V4 engine and overhauled brake system, indicates that the car is not just a static display piece but a functional vehicle ready for the road. The inclusion of period-correct features like the “soccer ball” wheels and VDO gauges further enhances its appeal. Given the current bid is under $4,000, this represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Saab’s unique automotive history at an accessible price point. For those who appreciate the blend of Scandinavian design and engineering, this Sonett III is a gem that shouldn’t be overlooked
While the listing for this 1973 Saab Sonett III is intriguing, I have some reservations. The car has been off the road for nearly four decades, and despite the mechanical refurbishments, there may be underlying issues that haven’t been addressed. The absence of a door key, as mentioned, is a minor but telling detail that suggests not all aspects have been fully restored. Additionally, the interior, though original, may require significant work to meet the expectations of a collector or daily driver. The surface corrosion noted underneath could also be a sign of more extensive rust issues, especially given the car’s long-term storage in Minnesota’s climate. Prospective buyers should approach with caution and perhaps budget for further restoration efforts beyond the initial purchase price