One-of-a-kind Saab Sonett III with Saab 96 front resurfaces for sale in the Netherlands

An Unusual Saab Surfaces in the Netherlands

When a car like the Saab Sonett III pops up in the European classifieds, it’s always worth taking a closer look. But this particular 1974 example listed on AutoScout24 doesn’t just grab attention for being rare—it stuns with a custom front end lifted straight from a Saab 96. For enthusiasts who know these cars inside and out, such a modification is nothing short of blasphemy or brilliance, depending on which side of the originality debate you stand.

This modified Sonett III is painted in a unique metallic green with bold side stripes and mounted on 15-inch alloy wheels. But it’s the front fascia—with the unmistakable upright grille and headlamps of a Saab 96 Type 2—that transforms this from a collectible to a conversation piece. Add in the fact that this unit is one of just 89 originally built for Alaska, Canada, and the US, and you have a unicorn with horns grafted from another species.

Built for Export, But Never Left Europe

According to the seller, this Sonett was one of only 89 units manufactured specifically for North American markets in 1974, including Alaska and Canada. Yet, somehow, it remained in Europe, either through re-import or direct non-export delivery. That alone makes it a rare find on the continent, where Sonetts were almost never sold through official channels.

The odometer reads 15,854 km, suggesting minimal use. The car was last on the road in 2013 and has been stored in a dry environment since then. Structurally, it’s described as being in excellent condition, with all keys and papers accounted for. The listing includes a detailed inventory of equipment that paints a picture of a well-appointed car for its time:

• Blaupunkt Mannheim radio
• Big Rock speaker set
• Safety belts and sun visors
• Painted mirror caps
• Factory alloy wheels
• Heat-insulated windows
• Wood-trimmed gear knob
• Four-speed manual transmission
• Vacuum-assisted brakes

All of this aligns with a C-grade appraisal issued in 2022, indicating it is a complete and functional vehicle, albeit with modifications that affect collector value.

The Front-End Swap: Practical Fix or Design Statement?

So, why the front clip from a Saab 96?

While the seller doesn’t go into the specifics, there are two likely scenarios: either the original Sonett III front was damaged beyond repair, or the previous owner simply preferred the aesthetic of the older Saab 96. The latter is not unprecedented. Some vintage car owners in Europe have historically blended models during restorations due to part scarcity or stylistic preferences.

But this swap is particularly bold. The pop-up headlamps of the original Sonett III are an iconic feature, loved for their sleek design and nod to ’70s sports car trends. Replacing that with the vertical grille and exposed headlamps of the 96 gives the car a very different character—almost like a retro rally coupe.

It’s worth noting that this is not a bolt-on conversion. The geometry and lines of the Sonett III and Saab 96 differ substantially, requiring considerable craftsmanship to achieve the seamless integration shown in the listing photos.

Market Value: Bargain or Overpriced Oddity?

The asking price is set at €8,750 (negotiable), which puts this example in an unusual price bracket. A stock Sonett III in similar mechanical and cosmetic condition would typically fetch between €10,000 and €15,000 in Europe, depending on mileage and originality. But in this case, the non-original front end introduces a valuation dilemma.

For purists and investors looking to preserve or restore a concours-grade Sonett, this car likely misses the mark. The bodywork alone would require a costly and potentially irreversible restoration to return it to factory appearance. On the other hand, enthusiasts seeking a Saab with personality and road presence may find value in its uniqueness.

This isn’t a car for every collector. But for someone who values rarity with a twist, this could be a hidden opportunity to own something no one else has.

How This Sonett Fits Into the Larger Saab Story

The Saab Sonett line, especially the final Series III (1970–1974), represented Saab’s most earnest attempt at a lightweight, affordable sports car for export markets. Based on a fiberglass body over a steel chassis, powered by a Ford V4 engine (1.5L), and featuring front-wheel drive, the Sonett III was unconventional by global standards, yet pure Saab.

The introduction of US-mandated crash bumpers in 1973 marred the Sonett’s proportions, and only 8,368 Series III models were built before production ceased. Still, the Sonett remains a cult favorite. Saab enthusiasts celebrate its jet-age instrument cluster, lightweight build, and quirky personality.

In that context, this hybrid Sonett-96 example challenges the narrative. It reflects how some owners treated Saabs not as museum pieces but as canvases for individual expression. It’s a car that speaks volumes about grassroots creativity, even if it steps away from historical authenticity.

For more background on the Sonett lineup, including factory specs and production history, you can revisit our detailed post on The Saab Sonett III: Sweden’s Fiberglass Flyer.

For the Bold, Not the By-the-Book

To Saab traditionalists, this car might seem like a Frankenstein creation—a mismatch of parts from different chapters in the brand’s storied timeline. But to others, it’s a bold reimagining of what a Sonett could look like if Saab had ventured down a different design path.

It won’t win originality contests, and it’s not likely to appreciate as fast as a factory-spec model. But in a world where cookie-cutter restorations dominate the classic car scene, a build like this stands out. It’s unapologetically different.

If you’re a collector looking to turn heads at a Saab meet or just want to own something that sparks debate every time it rolls into a parking lot, this Sonett III with a Saab 96 face might be the most affordable way to do it.