While going to College in Wyoming I would make the 8 block journey from my small apartment to campus and each time I made the trip I would walk past a wonderful looking Saab Sonett. Each time I went past it, I would tell myself I was going to go knock on the door and talk to the owner about it. I had learned it wasn’t always a good choice to approach people about their cars in Laramie, probably something to do with overly zealous WyoTech students, so I never got the courage to approach the owner. To this day, I regret not at least attempting to talk to them. When I saw this 1973 Sonett III that Al H spotted here on craigslist, it instantly reminded me of the one I use to walk by. Special thanks to Al for the tip and for bringing back some memories.

Unlike the car I walked by at least twice a day, this Sonett is in running and driving condition. The seller doesn’t offer much more information than that, but if the photos are any indicators of it’s past, it appears to have been stored in a barn or garage that literally is a “Man Cave”. It’s complete with stone walls, interesting paintings on the walls, and a Saab with a few upgrades.

The seller doesn’t come right out and say it, but a single look at the motor reveals that it has been modified. The only mention of its performance potential the seller gives is the single mention of SCCA Vintage racing in the listing’s title. Outside of the engine bay, I don’t see any modifications or signs that this car was ever raced in the past. The flaking red paint in the engine bay would suggest that the modification were done a while back, but how long ago I don’t know. I’m curious to know what all has been done to the V4, as I know this motor can be quite potent with the right upgrades.

The interior looks to be original and in nice shape. There doesn’t appear to be any upgrades here, but the Sonett III was already fairly sporty on the inside. The factory buckets are very supportive and the rest of the interior is quite basic. It would make a great weekend track car or a fun rally car without much work. I would clean it up and save the money for suspension upgrades.

It’s funny how seeing a car can trigger so many memories. I never got to experience that Sonett I walked by, but it still burned its place in my memory. Maybe it was the bright paint and great looks or perhaps it was the simple fact that it was the mid-point of my journey, but either way I’m sure I will always remember it. I have a feeling this Man Cave Sonett would be more fun than the run down example I saw, especially with the performance upgrades.