1974 Saab Sonett III - It's a Saab?? (Mountain Loop Car Barn)

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First car up in the collection to overview and review is one I never knew existed until a few months ago. Despite that, it is easily one of the coolest looking cars we have. It is the Saab Sonett III.

[@RetraCast]

Was getting this video out and edited fast and forgot to shout out my Patrons at the end! Huge thanks to Reh Lee and Maxwell! Also sorry this video took so long to get out, I do have another one ready to come hopefully next week and another MR2 video I'm editing right now. Stay tuned!

[@jacoblatoria5692]

Dang one of the coolest cars I’ve seen

[@RetraCast]

Seriously, underrated car

[@markmaz56]

Drove mine for two years... NEVER had a problem shifting to 2nd gear! I loved that car! FYI - the Ford V4 was an industrial engine, used in forklifts and other equipment.

[@catbirdseat4849]

Agreed on the shifter issue. I have driven Sonetts for 30 years and never had a problem!

[@t1mpetti]

Thr engine was used in Ford Taunus aswell

[@nevillenewman2785]

and tractors, as I recall.

[@Jonsson474]

To work the engine you remove the entire front. It’s detachable with a couple of screws.

[@deweypug]

One of the greatest body designs!

[@SoBe80s.]

Another great video with amazing scenery. I was aware of the Sonett but learned more from the video and enjoyed seeing it driven. I was fortunate to visit the Saab factory museum a few years ago. Another unique manufacturer that is no longer. :(

[@RetraCast]

Yeah, I want to look more into their classic car lineup after seeing this one. Kind of underrated car I feel like

[@christiancastro9219]

Your filmography and youtube videos are a form of art on its own. I love it man

[@RetraCast]

Thanks haha, trying to find a a balance of quality and still getting them out a reasonable pace tbh

[@Bazzookie]

I have a Sonett II V4 that I'm working on restoring, the history of the car is really interesting. The car initially had a two stroke motor that only lasted for about a year and the FWD was actually due to Swedish winters (this was before AWD was really viable on street cars) and SAAB wanted the car to be effective in the snow. The funniest part is that nearly all Sonetts produced were shipped and sold in the US, sort of defeating the purpose of the FWD unless you drove it in Minnesota in the middle of January XD. The car is really quirky in its design. Before the Sonett III, the shifter was a column "4 on the tree" shifter and on every model of the Sonett (II, II V4, and III) had a freewheeling transmission carried over from the original two stroke model . Basically the car was sporty and yet went against pretty much everything that you associate with a sports car. They only made 1610 of the Sonett II V4s and 230 of the Sonnet 2s (two strokes) and they sort of fell into obscurity so you really never see them, let alone hear about them, which is sad because they're incredibly beautiful cars.

[@RetraCast]

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing. I have to admit I think if I did more research on the I and II then it woulda helped explain the III better like what you’ve done. When researching for the video I only looked into the III which did gave info about the car but not why it was that way. Maybe someday I’ll find a I or II to review to dig deeper into it haha (if I ever manage to find one)

[@stevenlars4914]

There where only six Saab Sonetts made so good luck in finding one! There are however some videos with the number 1 on KZbin.

[@JFinnerud]

The Ford V4 was very common European Fords during the 60's and 70's It was used in both cars and vans like the first generation Transits. It is in the same family as the Ford cologne V6 so it is basically a cologne V6 with two cylinders chopped off.

[@deweyfoulk3630]

❤ I have owned a bunch of these. My experience is the column shifter in the Sonnet II is vastly superior and is easily adjusted. Your floor shifter is also adjustable. Sometimes, they act up because motor mounts are broken, and the rear Trans mount has sagged broken. Unfortunately, the engine and Trans need to be pulled to replace the rear mount. Also, make sure the torque mount between the left head and the engine compartment wall isn't softened or broken.

[@browserrr1]

You are the first American speaking person I have heard pronouncing the name correctly, so you get bonus points for that :-). The bonnet is small indeed but for routine maintenance it is large enough, you can reach everything. The trunk is spacious compared to rear wheel competitors from the same era. During summer I can manage to have all the weekly shopping in IT, though it is tight. Without a drive shaft tunnel the interior is not so cramped as for example an Opel GT. The pop up lights are spring loaded, that's why you feel that operating feels a bit heavy. The Sonett is based on the Saab 96. It shares the drive train, suspension with everything attached and part of the chassis, hence the fwd. What was unfortunately omitted was the blocking to prevent downshifting from 3rd into reverse. On the 96 with a column gearstick (as also on the Sonett II) you have to pull out the stick a bit before you can engage reverse. Your father is right that you get used to it, you just have to pull the shifter down without too much side force. This said there is a kit on the market that puts in an extra block to prevent wrongshifting. In standard setup the engine isn't that strong, but they can be tuned. With some effort and a good amount of money you can get the 1,7 liter up to 120 hp and even more, making it a different beast.

[@RetraCast]

I’ve heard from someone else about the gear box kit. May have to look into it more honestly

[@nevillenewman2785]

120hp in a Sonett would make it a beast, indeed! BTW, I still have an old magazine road test article reprint (R&T, or MT, or C&D, I can't recall) on this car. I had it printed at the public library when I was 16 and the car was still available (used or unsold) at SAAB dealers in the west Tennessee area where I lived. There was a green factory color, but it was NOT this car's deep metallic. One tech thing that didn't get mentioned in this video is that the Sonett had a diagonally split hydraulic brake system for safety. In case one side failed, you would still have some front and some rear brakes. Cars designed by aerospace engineers have these sorts of cool quirks.

[@chezitdude]

such a sick car and video. was looking forward to learning more about this one

[@ConcreteWave98]

Loved this one!

[@josephf-p9668]

Binging your videos because I just remembered your channel exists. I absolutely love your content and as someone who is going into my freshman year in college some of the cars you're introducing me to I will have to look at for first cars after my freshman year. (Can't have a car on campus as a freshman where I'm going)

[@GGjcw3rd]

I always thought these were cool cars, but I've only seen one in person. You have a unique opportunity to drive some rare cars, thanks for making good videos about them.

[@RetraCast]

Thanks, I’m hoping to continue the series soon now that I’m done with school and have some more time

[@Honey_Crumbs]

My fascination of this car got me into cars, and looking back, is probably the reason I love the mazda mx5 ND rf so much, coz it's small, compact and super stylish

[@mitto4504]

Here from Vice Grip Garage. Great video Mate, very cool. Well done. I’m definitely gonna check out this whole channel 👍

[@RetraCast]

If you liked this video specifically you should def check out the other Mountain Loop Car Barn episodes. There should be a playlist in my channel. I got a review of our Fiat Spider, Porsche 924, and also a big tour of the whole car collection. I hope to continue the series this summer

[@fringe2804]

The engine was an engine build and used by Ford Germany and always was a V4 and not a V8 cut in half

[@annihilus23464]

Yes, and the V4 Taunus engine was also used in the Ford Cortina in England at one point in its production.

[@OD_MAN99]

This channel deserves 100k subscribers

[@RetraCast]

Almost 2% of the way there!

[@gerrittosborne633]

I loved watching this while eating dinner lol. I really think it’s one of the best looking cars out there. Thanks for sharing dude

[@RetraCast]

I’ll have time my releases to your dinner schedule hahaha

[@rolandolayvar4328]

A V4!? Whoa what a treasure. I think those are more rare than flatheads nowadays.

[@RetraCast]

Yeah haha I mean any 4 cylinder is already so small you usually don’t gain much making it a V. Super odd to see when combined with everything else on the car

[@stevenlars4914]

Thanks for the upload. The Saab looks really cool. Also check out the beautiful Sonett 1. Take care

[@NomadicBristolview]

Ive never missed second & reverse - look at your guide below the floor, there is a spacer to engage reverse (left hard /w detent then back, second is just slight left and back. I wonder if this is a difference between years. Zero 2nd/reverse anxiety here, maybe they addressed it.

[@motoflyte]

I'm headed to oklahoma in a few weeks to pick up my orange sonett III

[@richardkirk5098]

Wow. You guys have all the cool retina classic Everyman sports cars. Very cool! You guys need a P 1800 Volvo.

[@boardernut]

The US-spec bumpers must go!

[@anglegrinder]

Now you’ve gotta get your hands on a 900 turbo or a 99 turbo!

[@RetraCast]

I’m sure one will pop up around here someday

[@Jonsson474]

First time driving a dog-leg gearbox? It’s not strange at all. This was common for sportier cars where frequent shifting occurred. It’s benefit is that second and third gear is opposite one another and makes frequent up and down shifting a lot quicker.

[@markmaz56]

FYI - the Ford V4 was an industrial engines, used in forklifts and other equipment.

[@brunonjezic6208]

Cool sh shoes!

[@albertjonasson8860]

if you are intrested in doing a nother cool swedish "race car" you need to do the volvo 780 bertone or a p1800 or a p1900

[@tekis0]

Don't be afraid of 2nd gear; it just takes practice.

[@therealboofighter]

The profile of the front grill reminds me of Aston Martin.

[@MarkSmith-wu8rh]

The 79 was 2stroke and looked more like a opal gt and had column shift

[@codynoe5596]

A 1985-1987 Merkur XR4TI would be a great car to film that definitely fits your style.

[@RetraCast]

Just looked up a pic. What the heck is that and where even are they haha. Never seen or heard of one before

[@codynoe5596]

@@RetraCast I have a nice white one, but I'm in SD. Not sure if you're too far away to film it haha.

[@RetraCast]

Yeah I’m over in Washington state hahaha. Maybe someday I can travel to film though

[@RetraCast]

Weird coincidence, my dad just mentioned the car and I was like “I’ve never heard of these things before and now this is the 2nd mention of it in a few days”

[@codynoe5596]

@@RetraCast Haha! That's awesome. Such cool cars.

[@extragroovy735]

Loved the video but i kinda got an off topic question, where'd you get those shoes, they look slick

[@RetraCast]

I got them as a very generous birthday gift one year. They are OMP Carrera racing boots. They are my favorite shoes of all time and I would have bought a second pair by now (before they someday stop making them) if they weren’t so crazy expensive.

[@extragroovy735]

@@RetraCast wow that's pretty neat. I'm definitely gonna look into em but it's not like i got money laying around either so. Anyways, thx for info, they look really nice and i thought id go ahead and ask.

[@uncieyoda4305]

I have to ask...Do you know the name of this color??? I have a 1971 Sonett in Jade Green that I'm getting repainted sometime soon. I was going to stick with the Jade Green (which is basically British Racing Green), but this color is just a little deeper and I love it so much. I would love to find out if I could repaint the car in this color (assuming it's a Saab color). Great video!

[@HedgehogOutdoors]

It's funny, my '08 Volvo is a Ford chassis, and drivetrain. Maybe the Swedes like their outsourcing?

[@lawrencekauderer7251]

Saabs were wonderful cars and much more than cars with turbos. Of course, Saabs aren't for everyone. Only people that appreciate quality, performance, and a fun car to drive, will appreciate them. If you're looking for a cookie cutter car that are produced like popcorn, Saab isn't for you. There has always been a level of rebellion or independence associated with Saab. They bucked the trend and did things their own way, I respect that approach. There are also a lot of inaccurate stereotypes about Saab. Probably the biggest one is they aren't reliable. If maintained, they are very reliable. That's why it's not uncommon to see Saabs with well over two hundred thousand miles on them. Remember, anything mechanical is going to need maintenance. Sad to say, but yes, the company went out of business. After doing extensive research on why, I believe it was from very poor and perhaps corrupt leadership. Saab at one point, was a multibillion-dollar company. For them to not to be able to pay their employees and suppliers, smacks of incompetence or worse. Saab is a company worth saving. With the proper leadership, they could and should return. They need investors who love the brand and are committed to success.

[@TheRealTimpa]

Sadly the main branch of the company SAAB that produces military equipement and multipurpose jet fighters still owns the rights to the SAAB Automobiles name and they arent planing on beginning new production.

[@brunonjezic6208]

You guys need to do Fiat 850 sport coupe. It is right in your style

[@RetraCast]

We have an 850 spider that I absolutely love. We also have a coupe one but it’s in really rough shape. Engine pulled out and paint half off.

[@NomadicBristolview]

Some understeer? Lol. Massive understeer. The Foed engine is an industrial engine, used in Fork lists and small tractors. Why it was selected, no idea. Small footprint maybe?

[@mariofigueroa9851]

great car for a k series swap

[@rmontena4583]

the V4 is a German engine. The transmission allows for free-wheeling so I don't know why you grind the gears?

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

The ford v4 was the engine out of the Ford Capri. A fast engine at the time.

[@fugglestick]

Nope. German Ford Taunus engine..

[@gbaker9295]

Was this car orange originally? It might be my old car. Mtn loop is familiar,too . Near Verlot

[@RetraCast]

Hmm it was green when we got it. Can’t say if it’s been repainted before that though

[@gbaker9295]

@@RetraCast I remember getting on i-90 in Issaquah and noticing a semi wheel was eye level to me. Felt like a go cart and the roll bar was of little comfort :)

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

The v4 is a long stroke engine.

[@taraemory]

Lol why does it have a Saab-Scania badge on it, that's not right. Should just say "Saab", that badge came off a later 80s saab

[@brucebeauvais1324]

1974 is the year of largest production of any Sonett-2500 built. The grille badge is not correct. The merger with Scania trucks to create SAAB-Scania won't occur for a couple more years. The velor type facings of the front seats isn't correct either. The original was about the same color but had a checkered pattern.

[@RetraCast]

Yeah someone else commented about the badging. Really strange how well it fits on the grill. Wonder where they got it from

[@twotone_ra6558]

Never knew this existed, and it looks like and amazing car, but I’m kinda bummed that it’s FWD :/

[@RetraCast]

Yeah kinda underrated. And very weird it’s fwd. I mean sure you see it a lot now but back then on a sports car like this you wouldn’t expect it. It’s definitely not a high performance car so it’s not the biggest deal as more of a fun cruiser, but still odd.

[@twotone_ra6558]

RetraCast I think the coolest part about it is that it has a V4 engine. You don’t see many of those around.

[@Dixler683]

Incorrect badging, wrong outside mirrors, the dual exhaust has been converted to single, original upholstery is gone and the Ford Taunus engine was not produced by FORD but licensed to Germany who built them. The headlights have rubber bumpers to absorb the shock when closing them . Check if yours are missing/worn out. Remove the front bumper and 2 bolts to remove the front clip for engine work AFTER you fight with the headlight linkage. The body is monocoque design with the lowest drag coeficient of its day (2.7). SAAB built incredibly strong and safe cars, not this one. If you saw rear end damage from a 3 mph impact you would be amazed. Front collisions at normal city street speeds and you are dead. The car weighs 1700 pounds. The “odd radiator “ fill cap is actually the expansion tank and the steel tube stiffens the front end , it is structural to the “frame”. They never came in that hideous green color.

[@alrightjb]

Saab stop making interesting cars when GM bought them and started meddling!

[@clort123]

The front end is long because it's a FF car for snowy climates. The engine is fully in front of the front wheels. It has nothing to do with making it "look" like it has a big engine

[@clevertechbot]

scandinavians build the best products but don't know how to market them

[@sparkyatlarge]

That color is atrocious. I think this may be my old car that a tweaker stole from me in Oregon and drove like he stole it. (He did.) It makes me sad because the car was so good. Black, clean, and simple. If you ever want to sell this car, LMK. Mine had the same scuffs on the middle of the front bumper. It was sold at auction in Oregon, so Washington makes sense.

[@ericbrammer2245]

Edit; You are WAY Undereducated about SAAB! Thus, YOU should NOT EVER drive This Sonnet in 14" of SNOW, nor on a Muddy Dirt Road, going FAST, nor ever, passing Porsches on a Downhill Pass on I-70, in Free-wheel, thru the Tunnels, heading West from Snowmass. No, YOU, should LEARN, from STIG... Then, figure it out. {I've been in a SAAB most-of my Driving years, since 1980, own an 'old' model 900 still, and had THOSE cars save me 3 times from Death in a crash! I've also drive model 96 [which the Sonnet is based upon] and model 99 in OVER 22" of fresh snow, while using the "900" in merely 18" of such snow} . My model 97 V-4 would top-out at 112 mph and could pull 83% of a Gee in a Corner; nice in a 'Sports Car' that could also, Easily DRVIE AWAY in 8" of spring-times Slush {try THAT in an MGA?!}. But as for 'Sport' in Sedans, my SPG 900 Turbo, maxed out at 145 mph, in 1987. And, it had that Snow capability, And, could fit my Montessa Trials Motorcycle in the back. NOTHING compares, nothing.

[@taraemory]

no rust to be seen. hahahahahahaaaa only the body and hood are fiberglass, the rest is all metal and pretty much rusts if you look at it wrong. Floors, suspension, everything that's all connected to, rusts terribly. in fact, if they're not rusty, you can drive them with the fibreglass body off. so it's really "mostly metal"

[@djw8133]

Probably took longer to do his hair than build the car.....?

[@Igivegoodhair]

If You keep your lips closed, car enthusiasts can't tell how uninformed you are...

[@clort123]

The motor wasn't "american branded" either, it was made in Cologne, Germany. Do a little more research next time dude

[@RetraCast]

Huh, coulda swore Ford was an American brand. I guess I was wrong.