Description
The Glas BMW 3000 V8 was a fascinating and rare model that emerged during the transitional period after BMW’s takeover of Hans Glas GmbH in 1967. Originally developed as part of Glas’s flagship line, the 2600 and 3000 V8, these cars were designed to push Glas into the luxury grand tourer segment, competing with cars from Mercedes-Benz and even Maserati. After the acquisition, BMW continued limited production of the 3000 V8, rebadging it as a BMW-Glas, making it one of the most unusual hybrids of the late 1960s—a Glas design wearing BMW badges.
The car’s styling was the work of the renowned Italian designer Pietro Frua, and it showed in its elegant proportions and refined details. The 3000 V8 featured a long bonnet, a sleek coupé roofline, and tasteful chrome accents, projecting a sense of continental sophistication. The lines were smooth and flowing, with subtle cues that echoed larger GT cars from Italy, giving the Glas BMW 3000 V8 the look of a true grand tourer. Its appearance was a world apart from Glas’s earlier compact sedans, signaling the company’s ambition to move into a much more prestigious market segment.
Inside, the 3000 V8 carried a cabin that reflected its luxury aspirations. It featured well-upholstered bucket seats, quality trim materials, and a comprehensive dashboard with full instrumentation. Seating was arranged in a 2+2 layout, with rear seats usable for shorter trips. The overall impression was of a refined grand touring car, suitable for long-distance travel in comfort and style, aligning Glas’s ambitions with those of more established premium manufacturers.
Mechanically, the Glas BMW 3000 V8 was the most powerful model ever produced by Glas. It was powered by a 2,982 cc V8 engine with an overhead camshaft, producing around 160 horsepower in standard form. This gave the car a top speed of roughly 200 km/h (124 mph), making it a serious performance contender in its class. The engine was smooth and responsive, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Disc brakes at the front and a well-developed suspension setup gave the car capable handling, while its long-legged performance made it well-suited to Autobahn cruising.
When BMW acquired Glas in 1967, the 2600 and 3000 V8 were continued briefly, rebadged with BMW roundels, and marketed as the BMW-Glas 3000 V8. These models were produced in very limited numbers, as BMW was in the process of rationalizing Glas’s lineup and focusing on its own rapidly expanding Neue Klasse and luxury offerings. The Glas V8s soon disappeared, but their existence highlighted the ambitious but short-lived attempt by Glas to enter the luxury GT market.
Today, the Glas BMW 3000 V8 is a rare and highly collectible car. Only a small number were built under the Glas name, and even fewer as BMW-Glas models, making them sought after by enthusiasts of both marques. They are appreciated for their Frua styling, their smooth V8 performance, and their historical importance as the last chapter in Glas’s story before it was fully absorbed into BMW.
The Glas BMW 3000 V8 stands as a symbol of transition—an ambitious grand tourer that bridged the gap between Glas’s independent innovation and BMW’s rise as a dominant force in the European luxury car market. Elegant, rare, and technically advanced, it remains one of the most intriguing cars of the late 1960s.