Rare 1969 Saab Sonett II V4 Showcased at DFW Car & Toy Museum

The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has unveiled a rare and captivating automotive gem: the 1969 Saab Sonett II V4, now prominently displayed as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection. This Swedish sports car represents a fascinating fusion of aviation and automotive engineering, born from Saab's heritage as a fighter jet manufacturer. Powered by a 1.5-liter Ford Taunus V4 engine producing 65 horsepower and paired with a four-speed manual transaxle, the Sonett II delivers spirited front-wheel-drive performance wrapped in a distinctive, lightweight fiberglass body featuring a forward-tilting clamshell hood. Its unique character is further defined by a column-mounted shifter, front disc brakes, 15-inch steel wheels, a roll bar for structural rigidity, and a minimalist interior complete with a VDO gauge cluster.

Ron Sturgeon, the museum's founder and a dedicated car collector for over three decades, describes the vehicle as "a true enthusiast's car—lightweight, a little loud, and completely unconventional," emphasizing the pure driving joy achievable with modest power. The Sonett II stands as a bold testament to an era when automotive design prioritized individuality and innovation, equally at home on twisty back roads or at quirky car shows. This exhibit is part of the museum's ongoing mission to showcase hundreds of unique vehicles, with new additions featured regularly throughout the year at its expansive 150,000-square-foot facility in North Fort Worth.

The museum itself, a significant attraction for toy and car lovers worldwide, offers free admission and parking at its new location. It provides secure, climate-controlled car storage and hosts events for car clubs and other groups, maintaining a dog-friendly policy. Originally founded in the 1980s as the DFW Elite Toy Museum, the institution continues to engage enthusiasts through its website, which remains a vital resource. Visitors can explore this and other eclectic displays Tuesday through Saturday, experiencing a collection that celebrates automotive history and passion in an entertaining, accessible environment.