|
Post by howard on Oct 6, 2010 20:33:17 GMT
Firstly, wave goodbye to my Marauder motorcycle. Hello to big pile of cash. Secondly, wave goodbye to Triumph Dolomite. Hello to another big pile of cash. Thirdly, get ready to wave bye-bye to Rover P4 and Austin Allegro. Bravely, or stupidly, I have decided that after a 37 year old wait I would buy the following and import it: picasaweb.google.com/116755972478235464894/1973SaabSonettIII?authkey=Gv1sRgCPKi-o-gwN62kwE&feat=email#I love these. Even more so when I saw some in the flesh in Switzerland and heard them hurtling through those enormous tunnels they have there. Marvellous. And no, they're not expensive. Although it will be the most I've had to pay for a car (in four figures!!). Splendid.
|
|
|
Post by joe on Oct 6, 2010 21:11:05 GMT
I knew what you were talking about before I even clicked the link funnily enough.
I think they are wonderful, and don't they look almost the same as the Daf Siluro? What might have been ehh?
|
|
33grinder
Likes DAFs
CHPD* sufferer (*Compulsive Heap Purchasing Disorder)
Posts: 2,905
|
Post by 33grinder on Oct 6, 2010 21:23:17 GMT
I don't covet many things Howard but that is lurvely! Good on you! I'll expect a full report in due course - when is it due to arrive in Blighty?
|
|
|
Post by howard on Oct 16, 2010 11:47:20 GMT
You don't think I do that already, John? You're to blame for it all!!!
Should be on it's way soon - I have to negotiate shipping all the spares over too! I know it is not perfect, but perfect is not what I need. However, having seen many of these with dirty great holes in the floors I think this is a good 'un. The more I look at it the more I am sure I have made a good choice.
There are a handful over here already but as they are essentially Saab 96 I should be alright for parts It comes with essentially a spare car anyway!
|
|
|
Post by howard on Oct 18, 2010 23:02:15 GMT
All paid for - now to get her home!
|
|
|
Post by lambro on Nov 18, 2010 22:07:10 GMT
Is it here yet??
|
|
|
Post by lambro on Nov 18, 2010 22:34:00 GMT
He must be busting waiting for it, Almost in time for Xmas as well ,
|
|
|
Post by howard on Nov 19, 2010 9:51:49 GMT
No, I'm a patient sort! I know it's on its way, and it should be here in two weeks or so. I had a huge parcel of books/manuals/paperwork etc in the post the other day so I have plenty of stuff to keep me busy! I'm more worried about how on earth I'm going to fit in it!
|
|
|
Post by lambro on Nov 21, 2010 22:47:29 GMT
You are way more patient than me then If its not here and working immediately, I lose patience, as you may have guessed Enjoy it when it gets here
|
|
|
Post by howard on Nov 26, 2010 0:28:56 GMT
Sonett has arrived in Southampton and is just clearing customs. Crikey. I have arranged for it to be collected on Wednesday. Splendid
|
|
|
Post by howard on Nov 26, 2010 0:46:14 GMT
Oh, and the more observant of you may have noticed that the "breaking" part has been removed from the side of the Saab 90. I just can't bring myself to do it Mayflower, Trafic, Rover, Allegro and very likely a DAF32 up for sale though - when I can get to them!
|
|
stefan
Likes DAFs
If it isn't broken fix it till it is
Posts: 1,282
|
Post by stefan on Nov 26, 2010 19:11:52 GMT
you have still not sold me the green 99 yet, about time you pulled your finger out and got it sold (to me) ;D
|
|
|
Post by howard on Nov 27, 2010 1:41:54 GMT
Stefan, I won't be selling my green 99 - but I do know someone who is selling two exactly the same. In Aberdeen! Combi coupes of that age are so rare nowadays - there was only one 99CC at the Saab International in Switzerland. Says it all. And no 99s of that age (apart from a Turbo) at the Swedish Day 2010.
I promise you, if I ever do have to sell it I will offer it to you first. There it is, in writing. And I mean that.
John, I'll gladly send a 32 in return if anyone wants to pay for its journey!!! It will be a much easier resto than the other one you have!
|
|
|
Post by howard on Dec 1, 2010 20:43:29 GMT
Sonett arrived today. It really is excellent. I'm very pleased! It has faults of course, but they are more a case of tightening up/adjusting/lubricating things as opposed to anything serious.
First time for me to drive a LHD manual, and to be honest had no trouble.
It is bloomin' small mind - makes a 33 seem enormous! Haven't been in a car so low that makes it look like you're moving so fast!
|
|
|
Post by howard on Dec 1, 2010 22:06:48 GMT
First sight: Inside at last and grubby from his journey: Me inside at last and grubby from my tidying up! Headroom is, umm, "restrictive" - a gracious entry is not really possible. For me, anyway! An idea of how small it is (that's a 1971 Mustang - not a very big car, even for an American!) Now for the clean up, hopefully simple repairs and change of headlamps, and then for the MOT....
|
|
spunkymonkey
Likes DAFs
Currently waltzing Matilda
Posts: 3,482
|
Post by spunkymonkey on Dec 1, 2010 22:20:44 GMT
Howard, when are you available for mugging for Saab keys? I think I can manage this weekend or a week on Tuesday. If either are good for you, let me know and I'll pencil you in
|
|
|
Post by howard on Dec 1, 2010 23:01:11 GMT
It's really funny - it's almost surreal that it's turned up. It seems to be so long since I bought it that I was starting to wonder if I dreamt the whole thing.
One thing is for sure though, I have never been so confident about a purchase for some considerable time, and now it is here my feelings haven't changed. I know it's always a chancey game buying cars unseen half a world away, and I know plenty of cautionary tales about doing just that. I just felt the seller's attitude and help really made me confident about the car - I was also able to check some of the history on line at the Sonett register and everything tied up. Shipping of the car was not cheap but stress-free - again I didn't choose the cheapest but the recommended option and I was not disappointed.
Trouble is, this kind of thing gets you looking at other cars, such as rust-free Californian Volvo P1800s that just need a respray for around £2,500. Gulp. Where could it end?
No, I'll stick with this fellow - I have not laughed so much driving a car as I have with this one. In a good way! For those who wish to know, this car cost £2,800. Not cheap, that's true - but far cheaper than buying one from Europe (last good one in Switzerland was €15.000, and a fixer-upper €7.500). And it feels RIGHT. Not bodged up, and it drives nicely once you get used to it! It uses the same "freewheel" mechanism as the 96/95 - an interesting sensation!
|
|
Bob Scrivens
Likes DAFs
Ex owner of the green machine
Posts: 534
|
Post by Bob Scrivens on Dec 1, 2010 23:08:29 GMT
Great motor Howard but where is all the white stuff on the ground or is that real sunshine!!!
Bob.
|
|
|
Post by howard on Dec 1, 2010 23:19:15 GMT
We've been really lucky down here with the weather, Bob. Still bitterly cold though! I, naturally, just believe that the sun came out just for me today....
|
|
33grinder
Likes DAFs
CHPD* sufferer (*Compulsive Heap Purchasing Disorder)
Posts: 2,905
|
Post by 33grinder on Dec 1, 2010 23:59:39 GMT
Wow!! Well done that man! She's lurvely!!! I always wondered what tourist attractions Bristol held, now I know! A visit will be required at some point! As for the restrictive headroom stop worrying, that's why it has a sunroof! I'm sure once you've adjusted everything she'll fit like a glove!
|
|
stefan
Likes DAFs
If it isn't broken fix it till it is
Posts: 1,282
|
Post by stefan on Dec 3, 2010 19:57:45 GMT
Nice looking car I am very inpressed
|
|
|
Post by dafdaffer on Dec 4, 2010 15:40:04 GMT
from theback it reminds me of a 55 coupe with those lights, a very very pretty car H
|
|
|
Post by Nick the man with a daf.... on Dec 5, 2010 12:02:42 GMT
ok forgive my ignorance but WTF is it apart from beautiful? (and saab)
|
|
|
Post by howard on Dec 5, 2010 12:18:43 GMT
Hi Rottie!
It's a 1973 Saab Sonett - fibreglass V4 sports car based on the old 96/95. Intended for the US market and most went there. Never officially sold in the UK (but Pat Moss drove one). Interestingly, Buzz Aldrin had one too, it appears!
Never realised they were so cheap to buy, so fulfilled a long-term fantasy fuelled by following lots of these through those long tunnels in Switzerland!
I know what you mean about the 55 lights Paul - I was thinking the same!
I thought the styling looked a bit awkward from some angles, with its long nose and short tail, but I am beginning to appreciate it for what it is! From other angles though, to my eyes it does look quite lovely.
It is daftly low though - 3 ft 11. If you hit someone on a zebra crossing in it you'd hit their shins!
I had a tinker yesterday with him, and through lack of use and time he does need a few minor tweaks and adjustments. All looks nice and simple to me, although the bonnet panel is not particularly generous (although if you're brave you can take the whole nose cone off after taking nine screws out). it's a fascinating experience, and I feel I am going to learn a lot over the next few weeks!
|
|