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1968 Saab Sonett II news, pictures, and information | ||
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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.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2006
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.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2006
 |  |  | Coupe |
The engine is a 1498cc V-4 cylinder developing 73 hp.
 |  | Coupe |
In 1967, the Sonett II got a new grill with horizontally mounted bars and parking/indicator lights on either side. The nose had rubber latches and there were Saab emblems on the hood. Saab added new air intake/outlets for better ventilation.
Late in 1967 and early 1968, the Sonett was fitted with a 1500cm four-stroke V4 engine and renamed the Sonett V4. These cars are easily distinguished from the Sonett II by the presence of a 'power' bulge on the hood, made necessary to provide clearance for the V4's air cleaner. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h took 12.5 seconds and top speed was reached at 160 km/h. Fewer than 2000 of these examples were made.
In 1970 it was restyled by Italian coachbuilder Sergio Coggida and designated the Sonett III. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h now took 13 seconds and top speed was rated at 165 km/h.
In 1971, the Sonett got a new grille and a black rear panel. The following year, the engine was upgraded to 1700ccm. 1973 brought big impact absorbing bumpers that could stand 8km/h without lasting deformation, pinstripes, black wiper arms and struts for the rear window. Rain tough was also added and the tire dimension was altered from 155 to 165 SR15.
1974 was the last year for the Saab Sonett. Approximately 10,225 Sonett III's were produced.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2011
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 1968
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| 9-2X 9-3 | 9-4X 9-5 | 9-7X 90 | 900 9000 | 92 93 | 95 96 | 99 Sonett |
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