The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a rare 1969 Saab Sonett II V4 to its Ron Sturgeon Collection, showcasing a vehicle that embodies the unconventional spirit of a fighter jet manufacturer turned automaker. The Sonett II, built when Saab was still defining its automotive identity, features a 1.5-liter Ford Taunus V4 engine producing 65 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transaxle. Its lightweight fiberglass body, which includes a distinctive forward-tilting clamshell hood, ensures spirited front-wheel-drive performance.
Key features of the Sonett II include a column-mounted shifter, front disc brakes, 15-inch steel wheels, front and rear bumperettes, and a polycarbonate rear window. A roll bar adds structural rigidity and a track-ready aesthetic, while the minimalist interior offers three-point seat belts, a heater, a stereo system with speakers, an analog clock, and a dash-mounted VDO gauge cluster with a 120-mph speedometer and 7,000-rpm tachometer. Ron Sturgeon, founder of the museum, described the car as "a true enthusiast's car—lightweight, a little loud, and completely unconventional."
The Saab Sonett II V4 is part of a broader collection at the museum, which spans hundreds of unique vehicles and has been open to the public since its grand opening. The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth, offers free parking and admission, along with climate-controlled car storage and event facilities. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com or the original toy museum site at DFW Elite Toy Museum.
This addition underscores the museum's commitment to preserving automotive history and celebrating designs that prioritize individuality and driving enjoyment over raw power. The Sonett II, with its aviation-inspired roots and quirky charm, serves as a reminder of an era when car manufacturers dared to be different, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into a time when less horsepower could still deliver immense fun.
