GTP Cool Wall: 1970-1974 Saab 97 / Sonett III

[Wiegert]

1970-1974 Saab 97 / Sonett III nominated by @Turbo

Body Style: 2-door coupé
Engine: 1.7L Ford Taunus V4
Power: 65-75 hp
Torque: 95-100 lb-ft
Weight: 810 kg
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Drivetrain: Front engine, front-wheel drive
Additional Information: Also called "Saab Sonett" in certain markets. Was sold in the USA as well as Europe. Was designed by Sergio Coggiola and Gunnar A. Sjogren. 0-60 times were between 13.0 seconds to 14.3 seconds. Top speed 103 mph. 8,368 97s were produced in it's five year production run.​

Spoiler: Additional Pics

 

[titleguy1]

75% of Swedish cars are SZ, and this is no exception.

 

[LM7325]

The engine sounds great, who cares if it's slow, just listen to that growl. I give it a SZ.

 

[MisterWaffles]

This car is cooler than whatever fighter jets they used to advertise it.

 

[Turbo]

I prefer to call the 97 "The Italian Swedish Car".

SZ.

 

[Anathema]

Return of the stupid US 5 mph bumpers again.

Doesn't detract from the car, though. High cool.

 

[SVX]

If the lines weren't so messy, this would look fantastic. Looks more like a poorly made kit car.

 

[Aerocoupe]

I think it looks kinda ugly. The long front starts it off nicely proportioned, then abruptly stops just past the roofline, and those later bumpers look awful as well. That tiny hood also looks like you'd have to lean across the car to get at the engine.

The V4 is pretty neat, but it's still a meh to me.

 

[05XR8]

Cool. I had one as a Matchbox car. Also my Mother's old neighbor had one.

 

[eran0004]

Not my favourite Saab, but it's cool. I love the wheels!

I also love this ad, although I think they exaggerated the advantages of FF a little when it comes to balance and handling

 

[7up747]

Cool. Different from other saab models.

 

[Michelin Man]

There's just something about the Sonett that makes it super cool. Aside from being a very good looking, well proportioned little car, with a neat little Ford V4. Only issue is with those ridiculous American market bumpers , not that it detracts from the car at all mind.

SZ

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

This car is cooler than whatever fighter jets they used to advertise it.

You mean the Saab jet fighters? Also this is cool but not more cool that a Draken

 

[ThrasherDBS]

It looks like they started designing the car, and then realized they were running out of room when they got towards the back.

 

[TenEightyOne]

Sub-zero, takes enough cues from other epic sports coupes of the day while retaining enough SAAB mental-ness to be, well, SAAB.

 

[niky]

Subzero because FWD, which makes sportscar purists turn a special shade of purple in consternation.

 

[Obelisk]

Subzero because FWD, which makes sportscar purists turn a special shade of purple in consternation.

This.

Plus it's a Saab! Subzero.

 

[All Your Base]

I don't care if this car is FWD, it's Sub Zero.

 

[TenEightyOne]

Subzero because FWD, which makes sportscar purists turn a special shade of purple in consternation.

I wonder if it's a traditional SAAB ignition-barrel-location? That would make them sweat even more...

EDIT: It's not, it's on the steering column, I should have looked more closely at the OP

 

[UltimateYosh]

This thing just looks odd.

I just can't help but love the quirkyness of it. Although I have to say it looks plain ugly from some angles, namely front-on. I'll probably forget it even existed 5 seconds after typing this but it's just so damn cool.

If it wasn't so ugly it would be an instant Sub-Zero for quirkiness, but it is still Bloody Cool.

 

[Wiegert]

What the previous Sonett lacked in terms of styling presence, this one made up for with more prominent Saab touches. Far from the prettiest little thing but also doesn't shout "hand-assembled by Gary at No. 23" anywhere near as loudly.

Cool.