The 1969 Saab Sonett II V4, a lightweight Swedish sports car with aviation-inspired engineering, is now on display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection. This rare vehicle exemplifies what happens when a fighter jet manufacturer attempts to create a race car for public roads, featuring a distinctive forward-tilting clamshell hood and a fiberglass body that emphasizes its unconventional design.
Powered by a 1.5-liter Ford Taunus V4 engine originally rated at 65 horsepower, the Sonett II delivers spirited front-wheel-drive performance through a four-speed manual transaxle. Its column-mounted shifter, front disc brakes, and 15-inch steel wheels contribute to its quirky yet functional character. The car includes a roll bar for added structural rigidity, along with a minimalist interior equipped with three-point seat belts, a heater, stereo system, analog clock, and a dash-mounted VDO gauge cluster featuring a 120-mph speedometer and 7,000-rpm tachometer.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, described the vehicle as "a true enthusiast's car—lightweight, a little loud, and completely unconventional." He noted that it demonstrates how much driving enjoyment can be derived from less than 100 horsepower, making it suitable for both twisty back roads and unique car exhibitions. The Sonett II represents one of hundreds of distinctive automobiles featured at the museum since its opening, with new additions regularly showcased throughout the year.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, Texas, occupies a 150,000-square-foot facility with free parking and admission. Visitors can explore the collection Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the museum offering climate-controlled car storage, event facilities, and a dog-friendly policy. More information about current exhibits and visiting hours is available at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This acquisition matters for Texas's cultural and economic landscape as it enhances the state's reputation as a destination for automotive enthusiasts and collectors. The museum's growth reflects a broader trend of experiential attractions driving tourism and local business in Fort Worth. For the automotive industry, showcasing such unconventional designs highlights innovation beyond mainstream manufacturing, potentially inspiring future engineering approaches. The Sonett II's presence underscores how historical vehicles can educate visitors about engineering evolution while supporting Texas's position in the niche market of automotive preservation and exhibition.
