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Model Year 1966 Chassis No.s 1 to 28 (Saab Sonett II) The first car in the Saab 97 Project was designated the Sonett II. The body was made of glass-fibre reinforced plastic and the two-stroke three cylinder 841cc engine put out 60hp. The front grille was oval in design with a mesh covered air intake, described by one journalist as "...like a loudspeaker on a pre-war radio."
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Year 1967 Chassis No.s 29 to 258 (Saab Sonett II) During the 1967 model year a V4 engine was introduced necessitating a redesign of the bonett to accommodate it. The designation was changed to Sonett V4, there were now rubber bumper overriders fitted front and rear and the interior and instrument panel had been redesigned. 1967 models were given a new grille with the air intake covered by horizontal bars. The bonnet carried the Saab name and aeroplane logo but, unusually, the model's designation did not appear anywhere on the exterior. Ventilation had been much improved with an air intake in front of the windscreen and extration by means of outlets, dubbed "elephant ears" behind the doors. The chromium plated bonnet locks, similar to those used on the Triumph Spitfire, were replaced with rubber ones similar to the type used on competition cars. The interior was mahogany effect plywood. There was no glovebox but there was a recess to fit a radio. The Sonett II (two-stroke) needed plenty of gear changes to make effective progress, the V4 didn't and despite its extra power it was less sporty. Both cars took around 12.5 seconds for the 0-100kph dash. Except for two air filters placed in a rear and downward direction, and harder valve springs, the V4 engine in the Sonett was identical to that used in the 95V4/96V4 models. Later models did get the glovebox, but with no lid the contents would jump out under spirited acceleration!
Model Year 1968 Chassis No.s 329 to 1,228 (Saab Sonett V4) No major canges during this year.
Model Year 1969 Chassis No.s 1,229 to 1,868 (Saab Sonett V4) New seats featuring integrated head restraint and adjustable lumbar cushion were new features for 1969. A new steering wheel had a padded centre and new hubcaps were fitted. At long last the Sonett had a gloveboxwith a lid so now the contents stayed in there on acceleration. |
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