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The Saab Sonett III: A Californian Classic Reborn in Sweden

The fascinating journey and meticulous restoration of a 1972 Saab Sonett III, a timeless treasure ready for a new chapter.

A beautifully restored 1972 Saab Sonett III, featured in the Bilweb Auctions. This classic sports car has undergone a meticulous 14-year restoration, blending Californian origins with Swedish craftsmanship.

The auction season is heating up, and among the various treasures up for grabs on Bilwebauctions.se, one gem stands out: a meticulously restored 1972 Saab Sonett III. This Swedish sports car, with its rich history and extensive restoration, is set to capture the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts alike.

As the first August auction draws to a close on August 8th, the Saab Sonett III is expected to fetch around $20,000, with current bids already halfway there. Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of this iconic vehicle from the sunny shores of California to the careful hands of its Swedish owner.

The Legacy of the Saab Sonett III

The Saab Sonett III, a unique sports car produced by the Swedish automaker between 1970 and 1974, has always held a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts. Known for its distinctive design, lightweight fiberglass body, and spirited performance, the Sonett III represents a blend of innovation and tradition. Originally designed for the American market, the Sonett III featured a 1.7-liter Ford V4 engine producing 65 horsepower, which was quite respectable for its time.

 The restoration included a complete overhaul of the fiberglass body, new engine and transmission, and a handcrafted interior.
The restoration included a complete overhaul of the fiberglass body, new engine and transmission, and a handcrafted interior.

From California to Sweden: A Journey of Transformation

This particular Saab Sonett III began its life in California, where it was first imported and registered in Sweden in 1992. The car had approximately 81,000 miles on the odometer, a testament to its active use in the sunny state. The previous Swedish owner recognized the car’s potential and embarked on a complete restoration, understanding the effects of California’s strong sun on the vehicle’s exterior and interior.

The Extensive Restoration Process

The current owner purchased the Saab Sonett III 31 years ago and dedicated 14 years to its restoration, completing the project in 2007. This labor of love involved a meticulous approach to every aspect of the car. The restoration was fully documented, highlighting the detailed work and care that went into bringing the Sonett III back to life.

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Body and Frame Restoration

One of the significant challenges was addressing the damage caused by prolonged exposure to the Californian sun. The fiberglass body required extensive work, including rust repairs in the frame’s thresholds, epoxy painting of the frame, and a complete fiberglass surface restoration. The exterior was then repainted, giving the car a fresh and vibrant look.

Engine and Mechanical Overhaul

While the original engine and transmission were preserved, the owner opted to install a newly refurbished engine and transmission from another Saab enthusiast. This decision ensured the car’s mechanical reliability and performance. The cooling system, brakes, suspension, rear axle, and exhaust system were all thoroughly overhauled, ensuring the car runs smoothly and safely.

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Electrical and Interior Upgrades

The electrical components were scrutinized and replaced as needed, providing the car with a reliable and modernized electrical system. The interior received a complete makeover, with new seats, headlining, and panels handcrafted by the professional firm Top n Trim. The result is an interior that looks and feels brand new, complementing the car’s overall restored state.

A Testament to Dedication and Passion

The restored Saab Sonett III has only been used during the summer months since the completion of its restoration and has clocked around 27,000 miles in 17 years. Despite its age, the car remains in excellent condition, thanks to regular maintenance and the owner’s dedication. It stands as a testament to the passion and effort invested in preserving a piece of automotive history.

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Technical and Aesthetic Condition

Technical Condition

Mechanically, the Saab Sonett III performs exceptionally well. It starts easily, shifts smoothly, and has stable brakes. Although it hasn’t been driven much this year, a simple service is recommended to ensure optimal performance. The V4 engine, like all others, requires proper warming to operating temperature, but otherwise, it remains in excellent working order. The car is equipped with good tires and wheels, ready for the road.

Interior Condition

The interior of the Sonett III is in pristine condition. The seats, floor mats, headlining, dashboard, door panels, and even the trunk area show no signs of wear or damage. This well-maintained interior provides a unified and well-cared-for impression, matching the car’s exterior and mechanical condition.

Extensive restoration of the 1972 Saab Sonett III included addressing damage from Californian sun exposure, rust repairs, epoxy painting, and a complete fiberglass surface restoration, resulting in a fresh and vibrant exterior.
Extensive restoration of the 1972 Saab Sonett III included addressing damage from Californian sun exposure, rust repairs, epoxy painting, and a complete fiberglass surface restoration, resulting in a fresh and vibrant exterior.

Exterior Condition

The fiberglass body of the Saab Sonett III is straight, with no bubbles or cracks, and well-aligned panel gaps. There are no signs of rust on the undercarriage or frame. The paint has a glossy finish, with only a few minor scratches and a small touch-up on the rear edge. Overall, the exterior condition is remarkable for a car of its age and history.

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A Collector’s Dream: Investing in the Future

This Saab Sonett III is one of the finest examples you’ll find, with an unparalleled investment of time, money, and effort in its restoration. With just routine service and maintenance, this car promises many more years of trouble-free driving. Included with the purchase are numerous spare parts, ensuring the continued care and upkeep of this beautifully restored vehicle.

Caption: The interior of the 1972 Saab Sonett III, featuring handcrafted seats and panels by Top n Trim, was completely renovated during the 14-year restoration process, resulting in a pristine and well-maintained cabin.
Caption: The interior of the 1972 Saab Sonett III, featuring handcrafted seats and panels by Top n Trim, was completely renovated during the 14-year restoration process, resulting in a pristine and well-maintained cabin.

From California to Sweden

The Saab Sonett III’s journey from California to Sweden and its extensive restoration is a story of dedication, passion, and a deep appreciation for automotive history. As the auction date approaches, this car stands out as a rare and valuable find, ready to bring joy to its next owner. With bids already reaching half of its estimated value, the final price will likely reflect the car’s exceptional condition and storied past. For collectors and Saab enthusiasts, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

Explore more about the Saab Sonett III and place your bid before the auction ends on August 8th. This car represents not just a piece of automotive history but a testament to the enduring legacy of Saab’s innovative spirit.

Konstantin Jokić
an automotive journalist and dedicated Saab enthusiast hailing from Novi Sad, Serbia, is a valuable contributor to SaabPlanet.com. With a wealth of experience in the automotive industry and a strong affinity for Saab cars, Konstantin brings a unique perspective to the blog's content. His in-depth knowledge, engaging writing style, and passion for Saab automobiles enrich the platform, catering to both local and global Saab enthusiasts. Through his articles and insights, Konstantin strengthens the sense of community among Saab lovers and helps elevate SaabPlanet.com as a trusted source for Saab-related information.

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