Designed as a race car, the Sonett II competed successfully against other small European roadsters, including the Austin-Healey Sprite and Triumph Spitfire, in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) races of the period. Due to low production volume, Sonett IIs were disqualified from certain competitions. By 1967, the two-stroke engine failed to meet US emission control standards. In 2011 a two-stroke Sonett II achieved 109 miles per hour (175 km/h) at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Only 29 Sonett II's were manufactured in 1966 and all 29 had the three cylinder two-stroke engines. SAAB produced serial numbers 30 through 258 with the two-stroke engine and serial number 259 was the first Sonett to have the V-4 engine.

Now here's something unusual - not sure where this photo is from originally, but here it is to study. This is Sonett # 5,6,7, and 8, from back to front. Notice that #5 doesn't yet have it's back window in. I believe this photo was taken outside the the ASJ in Arlöv.

And then this car pops up in the hills above Sacramento, looking a lot like #8, above. Hmmm.....