The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has unveiled a 1969 Saab Sonett II V4 as part of its Ron Sturgeon Collection, presenting a rare example of Swedish automotive design that blends aviation engineering with road-going performance. This addition underscores the museum's commitment to showcasing vehicles that represent significant automotive history and engineering innovation.
The Saab Sonett II V4 is notable for its lightweight fiberglass body, which features a forward-tilting clamshell hood—a design element that emphasizes its unconventional and functional aesthetics. Powered by a 1.5-liter Ford Taunus V4 engine paired with a four-speed manual transaxle, the car delivers 65 horsepower, providing spirited front-wheel-drive dynamics. This configuration highlights Saab's approach during an era when the manufacturer was refining its automotive identity, drawing from its background in fighter jet production to create a unique sports car experience.
Key features of the vehicle include a column-mounted shifter, front disc brakes, 15-inch steel wheels, and bumperettes at both the front and rear. The interior maintains a minimalist design, equipped with three-point seat belts, a heater, a stereo system with speakers, an analog clock, and a dash-mounted VDO gauge cluster that includes a 120-mph speedometer and a 7,000-rpm tachometer. A roll bar enhances structural rigidity, adding a touch of track-readiness to the car's character. Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, described the Sonett II as "a true enthusiast's car—lightweight, a little loud, and completely unconventional," noting that it demonstrates how engaging driving can be with modest power output.
The display of this vehicle at the museum offers visitors insight into a period when automotive design prioritized individuality and experimentation. It serves as a reminder of the creative risks taken by manufacturers like Saab, whose aerospace influence resulted in cars that stood apart from mainstream offerings. For automotive enthusiasts and historians, the Sonett II V4 represents a tangible link to mid-20th-century innovation, where lightweight materials and front-wheel-drive layouts were explored for their performance benefits.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, regularly updates its exhibits with new additions, providing a dynamic experience for visitors. More information about the museum and its collections can be found on its website at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com. The inclusion of the Saab Sonett II V4 enriches the museum's diverse lineup, emphasizing the importance of preserving and celebrating automotive heritage for future generations.
