This 1968 Sonett II is a very clean and turn-key version of Saabs fiberglass bodied sports car. This one has been driven regularly for many years by the owner, Mr. Perry, who purchased it 26 years ago. The Sonett II had the earlier fixed headlight styling combined with the V4 engine. The big benefit of this car is that it is completely rust-free and accident-free according to the seller. Most Sonetts have not survived and been garaged in a dry climate like this one. The interior is quite impeccable in this car, and Mr Perry has driven it on many events over the years, including to national Saab events in Washington and Colorado.
The car was repainted in dark red over its original brighter red about 20 years ago. The color is shiny and even, but there is checking on hood, doors and rear fenders, with bubbling/orange peel on the roof. The often rusty trunk floor is painted and clean with no visible rust. The jack, lug wrench and tools are present.
The interior was redone in the original style, with bucket seats, dash, carpets, door panels and rear upholstery all in very good condition. The optional wood steering wheel is a great factory item, and the rollbar was standard equipment. The headliner is a bit dirty and has a 2-inch cut near the left visor. Lights and gauges work, but the factory clock does not.
The original 1500cc V4 was replaced with newer 1700cc unit with 2-barrel Weber carb and manual choke. It was rebuilt about 20K miles ago and upgraded with oversized valves, ported heads, balanced, lightened flywheel, Capri pistons, new bearings, Isky F4-type cam, new timing gears, electronic ignition and an MSS-style exhaust.
The engine compartment finish is original except for a small area under the brake fluid reservoir. These Sonett II’s still feature the fully opening clam-shell hood that makes them much easier to work on than the later Sonett III’s.
The suspension features adjustable Konis in front, and is lowered about 1 inch by cutting 1.5 coils off the front springs. The Cromodora-style alloy wheels look great on this model. When the engine work was done, the front wheel bearings were replaced along with 4 ball joints, tie rod ends and A-arm bushings. The brake master cylinder, clutch master and slave cylinders and front calipers were all rebuilt and work well according to the seller.
The car had two National SAAB Owners Convention appearances, and it was driven from California to both events:
- 1999 in Keystone, Colorado – 1st place in the Sonett V4 category (Concours judging summary shown in gallery)
- 2004 in Crystal Mountainn, Washington – 1st place in the Sonett II & V4 category
The transmission has been converted to a floor shifter from a Sonett III for easier, more sporty driving. The unit itself was rebuilt with new bearings. This car is sold with a clear California title in the seller’s name.
Note: This is one of five vintage Saab offerings from the collection of Paul Perry, founder of the Swedish Auto Factory in 1978 in Santa Clara, California. He is well known in the Saab world and has been a fixture in California vintage racing fields for decades, always in Saabs. He is retiring from business and has decided to sell the cars he has personally built, driven, raced and maintained for decades. Find the introduction to his collection here on BaT, and see all five of these individual listings now live here on the BaT Auctions page.
