1971 SAAB Sonett III 1.7-Litre Coupé
Registration no. PJT 261J
Chassis no. 71500311

Installing Ford's V4 engine in the previously two-stroke-powered Sonett necessitated an unsightly bonnet bulge, prompting a redesign that emerged in 1970 as the Sonett III. The latter was powered by the 1.5-litre V4 up to 1971 when the 1.7-litre unit was standardised. This SAAB Sonett III was imported in May 1994 having previously been registered in Washington State, USA. Owned at that time by the current vendor's father, the SAAB was restored during the mid/late 1990s and first registered in the UK in the year 2000. More recently (approximately 1,000 miles ago) the transmission was overhauled by a marque specialist and fitted with the correct Sonett higher final drive ratio for more relaxed cruising. Modifications include hardened valve seats (for unleaded fuel); Weber carburettor with manual choke; 4-point safety harnesses; and an additional (removable) brace to the roll cage.

Used sparingly, and in good weather only, the Sonett has for the most part been stored in a heated garage. The car has been used by the vendor for some cross-country trips, never missing a beat, plus some recent commuting to ensure that it is fully serviceable. This Sonett III has been shown at national SAAB gatherings and classic car shows together with other SAABs owned by the family. Accompanying documentation consists of sundry restoration invoices and a V5C Registration Certificate.