How One Woman Drove the Same Saab for 56 Years – And It Still Runs Like New

A Lifelong Love Affair with Saab

For over 56 years, Åse Kleveland has driven the same car – a Saab Sonett – a testament to her unwavering loyalty to the iconic Swedish brand. The Norwegian cultural icon’s relationship with her Sonett began in the late 1960s after a brief but tumultuous affair with a Ford Mustang, which proved unfit for Norway’s winter roads. Since then, the Sonett has been her faithful companion, defying time and weather to remain her cherished daily driver.

Kleveland, an accomplished artist, politician, and cultural figure, has made waves in every arena she’s entered. From winning the Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix in 1966 to serving as Norway’s Minister of Culture, her achievements are numerous. But amid all her accolades, it’s her unshakable passion for cars that stands out to automotive enthusiasts.

Previously, we covered Kleveland’s extraordinary loyalty to her Saab Sonett in our feature on SaabPlanet. Now, a new in-depth interview with Norwegian magazine MOTOR provides even more insight into Kleveland’s unique relationship with her four-wheeled companion. Read the full MOTOR article here.

From Mustang to Sonett: The Search for a Perfect Winter Companion

Kleveland’s first foray into car ownership came at the age of 18 when she bought a Ford Mustang, a vehicle that caught her eye and ignited her automotive passion. However, the Mustang’s rear-wheel drive and heavy V8 engine made it ill-suited for Norway’s treacherous winter roads. After a year of slipping and sliding through snow-covered streets, she realized the Mustang wasn’t the right fit.

It was then that she stumbled upon the Saab Sonett – a lightweight, front-wheel-drive sports car with a fiberglass body and superior traction. “The Sonett opened my eyes. It was everything I needed – nimble, reliable, and ready to tackle any curve or icy road,” Kleveland recounts. Her Sonett quickly became a staple of her life, often carrying her between Oslo and Stockholm during her early years as a performer.

According to MOTOR’s interview, Kleveland vividly remembers the day she saw the Sonett at a Swiss auto show. Its sleek design and practicality immediately won her over. She called Saab’s factory in Gothenburg to place her order, and a few weeks later, the car arrived at her doorstep. “It was love at first sight. I couldn’t imagine driving anything else,” she says.

The Daily Life of a Saab Enthusiast

Despite its age, Kleveland’s Sonett remains her daily driver. “This car has gone through everything with me. I drive it year-round, rain or shine,” she says. Over the decades, the Sonett has undergone multiple restorations, including three or four complete rebuilds to keep it roadworthy. Norwegian winters were unforgiving in the 1970s, and Kleveland often found herself battling rust from excessive road salt. “The undercarriage was like a biscuit,” she recalls with a laugh.

Unlike many classic car owners who store their vehicles away, Kleveland believes in using and enjoying her Sonett. “Cars are meant to be driven, not hidden away under a tarp,” she asserts. Her commitment to maintaining the car is reflected in the time and effort she invests in hand-washing and polishing it regularly.

In the interview with MOTOR, Kleveland explains how she maintains the car’s pristine condition. She avoids drive-through car washes, preferring to clean it by hand. “The Sonett deserves that attention to detail,” she says.

The Saab Sonett: A Mechanical Marvel That Stands the Test of Time

Kleveland’s Sonett is not just a car; it’s a piece of history. The vehicle’s simple mechanical design and easily accessible engine make it a joy to maintain. “I can pop the hood and actually understand how things work. That’s not something you can say about modern cars,” she explains.

Over the years, Kleveland has replaced the engine and gearbox multiple times, always ensuring the Sonett remains in peak condition. Her appreciation for classic mechanical engineering underscores her belief that a well-maintained car can last forever. “As long as you have good mechanics and access to parts, there’s no reason this car can’t outlive me by hundreds of years.”

Kleveland attributes the Sonett’s longevity to its fiberglass body, which resists rust better than traditional steel frames. “It doesn’t weigh much, and it’s economical to run. The real expenses come when things aren’t properly maintained.”

A Reflection of Åse Kleveland’s Personality

Kleveland’s Sonett is as unique as she is. Originally delivered in a bronze color that she detested, the car has since been repainted silver multiple times to suit her taste. “When I first saw the car, I thought it looked like a potato. I couldn’t accept that. So, I had it repainted until it felt like mine,” she recalls.

Kleveland’s passion for the Sonett extends beyond aesthetics. “This car isn’t just a mode of transport. It’s a part of my identity. I feel free when I’m behind the wheel, with the wind rushing past and the roar of the engine beneath me.”

The Road Ahead

Despite owning and driving her Sonett for over five decades, Kleveland shows no signs of parting with it. “People often ask why I don’t upgrade to something newer. But why would I? The Sonett has everything I need – simplicity, character, and reliability.”

Her advice to other classic car owners? “Drive your cars. Enjoy them. A car sitting in a garage might as well be a piece of furniture.”

Kleveland’s lifelong devotion to her Sonett is a reminder that cars can be more than just machines; they can be lifelong companions, holding memories and stories that span generations.