Re: sonett (No Q content!)

[William Elliott <William.Elliott@mail.mei.com>]

My Sonett was an absolute blast.  Had been owned by a local businessman (who 
also owned the only US MGTF replicar company... used MBG drivetrain... very 
nice and accurate TF) who used it as his driver for about 15 years. Threw lots 
of $ at it.  Only sold due to a nasty divorce.  The 1.7 engine was built 
_right_ (to SCCA race specs and then some) making about 120hp vice the stock 
75.  Throttle response was unmatched by any other car I've driven... similar to 
a Pantera!  Up to about 50mph, I could stay with new Mustang GT's.  Also, was a 
great winter driver... second only to my Quattro. Handling was good, but not 
great.  Severe understeer.

Problems:  (1) Keeping a stock body meant max 165/15  tires.  Full throttle 
traction was a problem even in 3rd gear. Solution was a custom body allowing 
wider tires... big bucks.. never went there. A guy in the club did... and 
installed a big bore 2.0 kit with turbo... was clocked at 130 (while attempting 
to outrun the local REO's) before losing it. :-(   I did buy some of his parts.
(2) Transaxle (designed for the old 2 stroke 3 cylinder) was marginal for the 
stock 75 hp.  Even heavily modified (inc. freewheel removed) and strengthened, 
stripped pinions were a common occurrence. Required removing body and pulling 
engine.  Did it once outside in January at 10degrees F.  Wouldn't do it again!
(3) For anything more than a carb adjustment, the entire front half of the body 
had to be removed. Makes working on the UrQ seem simple.
(4) Parts: most difficult of ANYTHING I've owned.  SAAB denies the car's 
existence.  Such a small production, Sonnet-only parts are dear.  Some 
drivetrain components shared with SAAB 95/96, so a bit more common.  Example:  
intake manifold gasket: $75 and three weeks. No, it couldn't be reliably made 
from raw materials... was a composite cork, rubber, and metal piece. Great club 
support, though.
(5) While body is all glass, the pan does tend to rust badly.  "Nice" cars 
often are unsafe to drive.

If anybody is considering one, feel free to inquire for more specifics.  
They're really undervalued and make a great toy, especially for northern areas 
where an MG would be only a six-month car.  Mine currently resides in Alaska.

Bill Elliott
Lake Mills, WI
Sonett-less, but not SAAB-less