Description
The Glas 1304 TS Spezial was the top-of-the-line and most exclusive version of the Glas 1304 series, representing the peak of Hans Glas GmbH’s engineering and styling ambitions in the compact car market of the mid-1960s. Building on the already sporty 1304 TS, the Spezial added extra performance, refinement, and distinctiveness, making it a desirable small car for buyers who wanted something both technically advanced and stylish.
From the outside, the 1304 TS Spezial carried all the clean, upright design language of the Glas 04 series but with subtle enhancements that set it apart. Offered primarily as a coupé and occasionally as a cabriolet, it featured more pronounced chrome details, improved paint finishes, and trim that emphasized its premium and sporty character. Its proportions were compact, but the Spezial had a sharper, more elegant look than the standard 1304 or even the TS, giving it a presence that suggested something more exclusive.
Inside, the Spezial lived up to its name by offering a higher level of comfort and equipment. Upholstery was upgraded with higher-quality materials, and the dashboard was fitted with a fuller instrument cluster, giving drivers more information at a glance. Decorative trim details and optional extras such as a radio made the cabin feel more upscale than its siblings. While space remained limited to four passengers, the improvements made it feel like a car intended for more discerning buyers rather than purely practical ones.
The heart of the 1304 TS Spezial was its uprated engine. Like the rest of the 1304 range, it used Glas’s pioneering 1,290 cc four-cylinder overhead camshaft engine, driven by the company’s revolutionary toothed rubber timing belt. In Spezial form, the engine produced up to 85 horsepower, a significant figure for a small car of the era. With this output, the car could reach a top speed of about 160 km/h (99 mph), putting it firmly into sporty territory for a compact model. The power delivery was smooth and lively, and with its lightweight body and four-speed manual gearbox, the Spezial offered agile handling and engaging performance.
On the road, the Glas 1304 TS Spezial combined the nimble character of the 1304 with a level of refinement that made it more versatile. It was quick for its class, fun to drive, and capable of holding its own against larger competitors, while still retaining the efficiency and maneuverability of a small car. This balance of performance and practicality was one of its strongest assets, appealing to buyers who wanted something distinctive in the crowded European market.
Production numbers for the 1304 TS Spezial were low, as Glas was a small manufacturer and the Spezial was positioned at the top of the range, commanding a higher price. Its exclusivity, combined with the company’s limited reach, meant it was always something of a rarity even when new. The acquisition of Glas by BMW in 1967 brought an end to the independent Glas range, and the Spezial stands out as one of the last expressions of the company’s unique engineering spirit.
Today, the Glas 1304 TS Spezial is considered one of the most collectible Glas models. Its combination of rarity, pioneering technology, and distinctive character ensures strong interest among enthusiasts of 1960s German cars. More than just a variant of the 1304, it symbolizes the high point of Glas’s creativity before the BMW takeover, blending technical innovation with an uncommon degree of charm and individuality in a compact package.