SAAB Sonett III is a different sports car - from its Italian designed body to its solid Swedish chassis. It's a different kind of a sports car because of its true aerodynamic design something found only in the most expensive of the breed, (SAAB also builds all the supersonic jets used by the Swedish Air Force.).
The result? The faster it goes, the tighter it hugs the road... for maximum safety and control. Not to mention better gas economy. Because of its very low air resistance coefficient the Sonett can slip through the air with less engine effort and ... less gas consumption.
And SAAB Sonett has front-wheel drive to reduce your chances for skids, on curves, on hills, on ice, in rain or snow.
It's the only sports car in its field that offers the rally-winning traction of front-wheel drive.
Horsepower (bhp)
Torque (lb.ft.)
Man Transmission
An Italian designed fiberglass body, by well-known designer Sergio Coggiola. Underneath, a sturdy Swedish steel chassis that is the soul of the car and a prime reason for its superior handling.
Retractable headlights which automatically light when they are raised.
Brand new interiors with color matched corduroy upholstery on true bucket seats. Seats that will hold you firmly in place whatever curves the road may throw you.
Four-on-the-floor - an easy-to-reach short-throw lever for fast. smooth shifting through the entire speed range.
Factory installed air conditioning - an optional extra - make Sonett III one of the best air conditioned cars ever. For colder climates the Aretic tested heater will keep you warm whatever the outside temperature.
Of course, incorporated with all of these brand-new features are the well-known SAAB stand-bys: Front-wheel drive: the proven four cycle, V-4 engine that will take you from zero to 60 in under 11.5 se-conds. and gives a top speed of 100 plus: solid Swedish safety construction throughout with such famous SAAB features as the dual-diagonal braking system and a built-in roll bar.
And then there are the luxury appointments. items that belong in a car of the Sonett class, but are rarely offered: True bucket seats with built-in head restraints: leather covered steering wheel and adjustable seatback cushions; wall-to-wall carpeting ... even in the bagguge compartment. a functional, yet attractive dash with a center mounted tachometer and all instruments within direct view of the driver: all controls casy to reach the most important, wipers and dimmer switch, mounted on the column, only a slight hand movement away.
SAAB Sonett III is a different sports car.... for people who are lookine for something more than just another run-of-the-mill sports car. After all it wasn't meant for everyone. Do you qualify for one?
Check it out for yourself at your local SAAB showroom.
Dimensions and Weights Wheelbase 84.6 in. Track front and rear 48.5 in. Overall length approx. 154 in. Overall width 59 in. Overall height, unladen, 47 in. Ground clearance, fully loaded, 5 in. Curb weight approx. 1765 lbs. Max. weight, fully loaded, 2140 Ibs. Gas tank holds 15.8 US gallons.
Engine V-type 4-cylinder engine. Water cooling Piston displacement 91.4 cu. in. (1498 co). Bore 3.54 in. (90 mm). Stroke 2.32 in. (58.86 mm). Compression ratio 9.0:1 Max. output, SAE, 73 b.h.p. at 5000 r.p.m. Max, output, DIN, 65 b.b.p. at 4700 .p.m. Max. torque, SAE, 87 lb. ft. (12 kgm) at 2700 г.p.m. Max. torque, DIN, 85lb. ft. (11.7 kgm) at 2500 г.р.m.
Transmission Front-wheel drive. Free-wheel. Single, dry-disc, cushion center clutch. Universal joints of constant velocity type. Manual, floor mounted gear shift lever. Four forward gears, all synchromesh. Overall gear ratios. engine to driving wheels: 1 st 16.2:1. 2nd 9.7:1, 3rd 6.0:1. top 3.9:1, reverse 14.8:1 Final drive ratio 4.67:1. Road speed in top gear at 1000 г.p.m. engine speed 18.0 m.p.h.
Brakes Diagonally divided dual circuit hydraulic foot brake system, Lockheed make. 10.5 in. diameter disc brakes at front, 8 in. drum brakes at rear. Handbrake sets mechanically on rear wheels.
Steering Rack and pinion type. Steering gear ratio, steering wheel/driving wheels, average 15.5:1. Number of steering wheel turns, lock to lock, 2.7. Turning radius (between curbs) 15.4 ft.
Suspension Coil springs and double acting telescopic shock absorbers front and rear. Independent front wheel suspension. (Trans-verse wishbones.) Rigid, U-shape, tubular rear axle.
Electrical system 12 volt battery, 44 Ah. Alternator type generator. Starting motor: 1,0 hp.
Wheels and Tires 15 in. wide rim wheels. Radial ply tires with inner tubes, 155 × 15 in.
Body GRP-laminate body on all-welded steel chassi. Nominal laminate thickness 0.12 in. Laminated glass windshield Anti-corrosion treatment. Underbody coating.
Performance Top speed approx. 105 m.p.h. Acceleration from rest to 60 m.p.h. in 11.5 seconds.
Aluminum wheels and driving lights are available at extra cost, where permitted by local law.
