Description
The Glas 1300 GT (75 PS) was one of the most elegant and desirable cars produced by Hans Glas GmbH in the 1960s, combining stylish Italian design with advanced German engineering. Introduced in 1963, the GT series marked Glas’s entry into the world of sports cars, a bold move for a company that had started with scooters and microcars. With its sharp looks and innovative technology, the 1300 GT quickly became the company’s flagship model and a symbol of its ambition.
The design of the Glas 1300 GT was penned by the renowned Italian studio Frua, which gave the car sleek and well-proportioned lines that stood out against the more conservative sedans of the era. The body featured a long bonnet, flowing curves, and a balanced fastback-style rear, giving it a sporty yet refined appearance. The low stance, wide grille, and tasteful chrome accents underscored its character as a true grand tourer in miniature. Its styling was praised for being elegant without being overstated, and it easily rivaled cars from larger and more established marques in terms of presence.
Inside, the 1300 GT was equally impressive. The cabin was designed with both driver and passenger in mind, offering comfortable bucket-style seats, a driver-focused dashboard, and clear instrumentation. The overall layout reflected Glas’s focus on practicality as well as sportiness, with good visibility and sensible ergonomics. Higher-quality materials and detailing elevated the interior above that of Glas’s smaller family cars, making it feel like a genuine step into the world of premium motoring.
Under the bonnet, the Glas 1300 GT (75 PS) was powered by a 1,290 cc four-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft driven by the company’s pioneering toothed rubber timing belt. This advanced feature, which Glas had first introduced on the 1004 in 1962, was years ahead of its time and gave the engine excellent smoothness and efficiency. In its higher-tuned form, the 1300 GT produced 75 horsepower—significantly more than the standard 60 hp version—allowing the car to reach a top speed of around 170 km/h (106 mph). Power was delivered through a four-speed manual gearbox, and the light construction of the car made it responsive and engaging to drive.
On the road, the 1300 GT (75 PS) offered lively performance and agile handling, making it a true driver’s car in the compact GT category. It was capable of spirited acceleration, and its nimble chassis rewarded confident cornering. Though not as fast as larger sports cars of the era, it provided an ideal blend of speed, refinement, and usability, appealing to buyers who wanted something stylish and fun without the expense of more exotic marques.
The Glas 1300 GT was later joined by the more powerful 1700 GT, but the 1300 in 75 PS form hit a sweet spot for many drivers, combining performance with affordability. After BMW acquired Glas in 1967, the GT models were briefly rebadged as BMW-Glas cars, but production soon ended, making them relatively rare today.
Today, the Glas 1300 GT (75 PS) is highly sought after by collectors, both for its rarity and for its unique combination of Italian design and German innovation. Its Frua styling, pioneering OHC engine with belt drive, and spirited performance ensure it a special place in the history of European sports cars. More than just a footnote in Glas’s story, it remains one of the company’s most celebrated achievements and a true gem of 1960s automotive design.