Description
The Glas 1004 S Cabriolet was one of the most attractive and desirable versions of the innovative Glas 1004 range, combining the company’s groundbreaking engineering with the open-air elegance of a small convertible. Introduced in the mid-1960s, the Cabriolet was aimed at buyers who wanted the practicality and charm of the 1004 but with added flair and sophistication, making it a stylish alternative to the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet or Opel Kadett Convertible.
The exterior styling of the 1004 S Cabriolet was neat and understated, following the same design language as the saloon and coupé but reworked with a well-proportioned folding fabric roof. When lowered, the roof gave the car a clean, elegant profile, emphasizing its compact, boxy lines softened by subtle chrome detailing. Its small size and balanced proportions gave it a charming, approachable presence, while the open-top design made it stand out in a market where affordable cabriolets were relatively rare.
Inside, the 1004 S Cabriolet offered seating for four, although the rear seats were best suited to shorter trips or children. The dashboard was simple and functional, reflecting Glas’s focus on efficiency, but higher-quality trims like the S version offered better upholstery, more comprehensive instrumentation, and subtle upgrades that made the car feel more refined than the standard models. Despite its compact size, the interior had a cheerful atmosphere, enhanced by the cabriolet’s ability to flood the cabin with light and fresh air.
Mechanically, the 1004 S Cabriolet was equipped with the same pioneering overhead camshaft (OHC) engine that made the Glas 1004 famous. The “S” version used a slightly uprated 992 cc four-cylinder unit, producing around 55 horsepower compared to the base model’s 46. This gave the Cabriolet livelier performance, with a top speed of around 145 km/h (90 mph), putting it in line with or ahead of many rivals in the small-car class. Power was delivered through a four-speed manual gearbox, and the lightweight construction made the car nimble and economical, ideal for city streets and relaxed touring alike.
On the road, the 1004 S Cabriolet was pleasant and engaging. The OHC engine provided smooth and flexible power delivery, while the car’s compact dimensions made it easy to maneuver. Though not a sports car, it delivered a fun, carefree driving experience, especially with the top down, making it particularly appealing to younger buyers or those seeking affordable motoring with a dash of style.
Production numbers for the Cabriolet were low compared to the saloon and coupé versions, as Glas was a relatively small manufacturer with limited resources. This rarity has made surviving examples highly sought after today. The 1004 Cabriolet also marked one of the company’s last efforts before BMW acquired Glas in 1966, making it an important part of the brand’s final chapter as an independent carmaker.
Today, the Glas 1004 S Cabriolet is prized as both a collectible and a historical milestone. It combines Glas’s groundbreaking innovation—the first use of a toothed-belt-driven OHC engine in a production car—with the timeless appeal of open-top motoring. Its rarity, charm, and engineering significance ensure it a special place in classic car history, representing both the peak of Glas’s creativity and the optimism of 1960s European motoring.