This 1973 Saab Sonett III is said to have been purchased by the original owner from Sun-West Saab in Hollywood, California, and has remained registered in the state since new. Acquired by the seller in 1992, the car is finished in orange over tan vinyl and cloth upholstery and is equipped with a 1.7-liter V4 mated to a four-speed manual transmission. It also features pop-up headlights, front disc brakes, and 15″ “soccer ball” wheels as well as a Boman Astrosonix AM/FM radio, a cabin heater, and fixed-back seats. The seller states that the car has not been started since the cylinder heads were removed and the vehicle was placed into storage in 1997. This non-running Saab Sonett III project is now offered at no reserve with manufacturer’s literature, a Haynes service manual, spare parts, and a clean California title in the seller’s name.
The fiberglass body is finished in orange with a black hood insert, tail panel, and lower rocker trim. Exterior details include pop-up headlights, hinged rear window glass, chrome-accented rubber bumpers, and dual exhaust outlets. There are paint chips and cracking fiberglass around the body.
The 15″ “soccer ball” wheels wear blue Saab-logo center caps, and a full-sized spare is stored in the cargo area. The missing emblem on the left-rear wheel in the photos is included in the sale. Michelin XZX tires are mounted at all four corners, and the car is equipped with front disc brakes paired with drums out back.
The fixed-back bucket seats are upholstered in tan vinyl with cloth inserts and accompanied by color-coordinated door panels and carpets. A Sonett III badge adorns the wrinkle-finished dash, and equipment includes a Boman Astrosonix push-button AM/FM radio, a cabin heater, a roll hoop, and three-point seatbelts.
The three-spoke steering wheel is paired with a wooden shift knob. VDO instrumentation consists of a tachometer with a 5,500-rpm redline accompanied by a 120-mph speedometer and a combination gauge. The five-digit odometer shows 7k miles and has rolled over. Approximately 23k miles were added under current ownership.
The seller reports that the 1.7-liter Ford Taunus V4 has not been started since 1997 when the cylinder heads were removed and the car was put into storage. The heads are not included in the sale.
The car is equipped with a four-speed manual transmission. The seller notes corrosion on the exhaust system.