Saab Sonett II (97) gallery (1966–1969)

The Saab Sonett II, designated factory code Saab 97, entered series manufacturing in 1966 as a specialized compact sports coupe engineered to expand brand visibility across North American export channels. The platform combined a rigid steel chassis with an integrated roll bar structure and a lightweight fiberglass body shell featuring a forward-tilting one-piece front clip. Early models featured a high-output 841 cc two-stroke triple engine with three carburetors generating 60 hp. In 1967, stringent emission regulations in the United States prompted a critical mechanical transition to a Ford-sourced 1.5-liter naturally aspirated V4 four-stroke engine producing 65 hp, which necessitated a distinct raised hood bulge and resulted in the Sonett V4 designation. The drivetrain utilized a 4-speed manual gearbox with a column shifter and a freewheel mechanism driving the front wheels. The vehicle established a competitive foothold in grassroots racing before concluding its production run in 1969.