Description
After appearing on Saab’s promotional exhibition circuit in the United States, the black-and-orange Sonett was sent to Holland and continued to various exhibitions around Europe. It eventually returned to Sweden and was sent to Saab in Södertälje, where remarkably it was put aside and effectively forgotten until 1977.
That year, Nevy Clark contacted Saab enquiring about the car and learned that the unusual Sonett was still there. After discussions with Saab, including its former American export management, he was eventually given the opportunity to purchase it. The original 1977 purchase agreement from Saab-Scania to Nevy Clark is still included, together with correspondence and extensive supporting documentation.
Clark kept the Sonett for approximately 20 years. It subsequently passed through four further owners, including one who retained it for around 23 years, and the car has also been displayed at the Arvika Vehicle Museum, supported by documentation. The current owner, a dedicated Saab enthusiast, acquired it in 2023 and has enjoyed it exclusively during the summer months.
The car remains remarkably original and has never been repainted, so naturally carries some age-related paint imperfections. The shock absorbers, suspension bushes and brakes have been renovated, while the current owner has changed the engine and gearbox oils twice yearly. The car is inspection-exempt.
The air conditioning has been removed, although all components are retained and included; the compressor would require renovation before refitting. The freewheel can make a rattling/grinding noise once warm.
An extensive history file accompanies the car, including inspection records supporting the recorded mileage, original Saab correspondence and purchase documentation. The seat fabric has been professionally replaced, while the decals on the air-filter housing were fitted by the first owner — even the original receipt for these survives.
A genuinely fascinating Sonett with an extraordinary documented history, direct Saab provenance and a specification that sets it apart from virtually every other surviving example.
Technical data
Condition
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Mechanical condition
The car starts directly and the engine runs smoothly with a stable idle. It has been regularly serviced and driven throughout the summer months, keeping it in good running condition. The only point to note is that the freewheel can rattle when warm, although this has improved following several gearbox oil changes.
On the road, the Sonett drives very well, with plenty of power, easy gear changes, good handling and solid brakes. It is now inspection-exempt and sits on a nice set of original-style Soccer Ball alloy wheels with good whitewall tyres. -
Interior condition
Interior is complete and presents very well. The fabric sections of the seats have been professionally reupholstered, with only slight wear around the bolsters. Door cards, panels, carpets and headliner are all in good condition.
The dashboard remains original with working instruments and gauges. As mentioned, the A/C is disconnected and the original radio is not working, but a discreet pull-out Bluetooth lknob has been fitted, allowing music to play through the car’s speakers.
The boot is clean and tidy with good vinyl panels, minor carpet wear and no signs of rust or damage. -
Exterior condition
According to the owner, and from our inspection, the paintwork appears to be original. The body is solid, with some age-related marks, scratches, stone chips and small touch-ups around the nose and boot, plus a scratch on the left front wing — all highlighted in the photos.
The underbody is exceptionally solid with no notable rust or damage. The original vinyl roof remains in place and has one discreet approximately 10 cm repair, which is difficult to notice unless pointed out. The car also retains its original decals. -
General condition
You are buying a truly unique Saab with an extraordinary documented history, accompanied by a huge collection of original paperwork, period exhibition photographs and Saab documentation. A special opportunity for any collector, museum or Saab enthusiast — and importantly, a car that can still be driven and enjoyed as intended.
MOT (tech. insp.)
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1978-03-08 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1978-03-08
Senast godkända besiktning: 2023-07-11
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 5
Location and viewing Information
For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:
Shaun Major
+46 709-72 40 07
shaun@bilwebauctions.se
Pick up
NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.
Auction information
General information about the condition of the vehicles .
- At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
- During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
Important to know before placing your bids!
- Once you have called in an item and the reservation price is reached we want you to deposit the entire purchase amount into our client funds account before retrieval can take place.
- When you need to retrieve a called in object we want you to examine it carefully. If you consider that the item does not match our description you do not need to complete the purchase. In this case the deposited purchase sum and the entry fee are refunded.
- If you do not examine the item on the spot the call charge will be debited, but you do not have to complete the deal.
- If you make the entire purchase exclusively at a distance you have 14 days to cancel, but must return the item at your own expense.
- Your shipping costs and other costs are not reimbursed when the right of withdrawal is exercised. Swedish court applies.
- For items that have not been collected within 14 days storage costs may be charged.