1968 Saab Sonett II news, pictures, and information

The Sonett II was SAAB's first production sports car. It was manufactured in Trollhattan, Sweden beginning in 1966. It was powered by the two stroke, three cylinder, 841 cc engine used in the Monte Carlo, including three single barrel Solex carburetors. The Sonett II was designed as a race car and competed successfully against Austin Healy Sprites and Triumph Spitfires in SCCA races of the period. Unfortunately, since the 500 minimum production figure was not met, Sonett II's were ultimately disqualified.

The Sonett II represents the culmination of SAAB's two stroke engine technology in a production vehicle. However, with the introduction of US emission control standards in the late 1960's, the 'stroker' engine was replaced by a Ford V-4 four stroke engine in late 1967. The Sonett II V-4 and the later Sonett III with a similar engine were produced through 1974. A total of 10,219 Sonetts were produced.

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SAAB Sonetts were built in Trollhattan, Sweden from 1966 to 1974. The first model the Sonett II, used a two-cycle, three-cylinder, three carburetor Monte Carlo engine. In 1968, with the introduction of emission standards, the two-stroke, always smoking, enigne was replaced with a V-4 cylinder, four-cycle, engine already used in some German and British Ford automobiles. This model, the Sonett II V-4 was similar in design to the Sonett II except for the distinctive bulge on the bonnet to clear the new Solex downdraft carburetors. Total production for the Sonett II from late 1967 to 1969 was 1,610 cars.

The engine is a 1498cc V-4 cylinder developing 73 hp.