Description
The Glas Buckle Goggomobil 400 Dart was the larger-engined version of the quirky Australian-built micro sports car, created by Buckle Motors in Sydney between 1959 and 1961. Based on the mechanicals of the German Glas Goggomobil, the Dart was an entirely local design by Bill Buckle, who saw an opportunity to combine the affordability and efficiency of a microcar with the fun and flair of a lightweight roadster. The result was one of the most distinctive small cars ever produced, and the 400 version was the most powerful of them all.
The Dart’s design was unlike anything else on the road in its day. Its fiberglass bodywork was rounded, curvaceous, and futuristic, with a pointed nose, protruding headlamps, and a boat-tail rear that gave it a sporty personality. Most famously, the Dart had no doors—drivers and passengers simply climbed over the low sides to get in, a feature that gave it both charm and notoriety. The body was light, aerodynamic, and very compact, making the Dart perfectly suited to city driving and fun runs along winding coastal roads.
Inside, the 400 Dart was extremely simple. The cockpit was just big enough for two occupants, with basic seats, a small steering wheel, and a minimalist dashboard carrying only the essential instruments. Luggage space was virtually nonexistent, and weather protection was limited to a rudimentary fabric top. Yet, its purpose was never practicality—the Dart was designed purely as a fun, eye-catching runabout for young and adventurous drivers.
The “400” designation referred to its engine: a 392 cc two-cylinder, two-stroke engine producing around 20 horsepower. This was a step up from the 250 cc and 300 cc versions of the Dart, and it gave the car livelier performance. With a kerb weight of under 400 kg, the 400 Dart could reach speeds of about 110 km/h (68 mph), making it one of the fastest microcars of its time. A four-speed manual gearbox made it more flexible than many rival microcars, and while acceleration was modest by conventional standards, the combination of lightweight construction and responsive handling gave the Dart a playful character on the road.
Although its performance was limited, the Dart quickly became a cultural icon in Australia. Its flamboyant looks and unconventional design captured public imagination, and it was widely promoted in magazines and car shows as a uniquely Australian take on affordable motoring. However, production numbers remained low, as the Dart appealed to a very specific niche. It is believed that only around 700–800 Darts of all engine sizes were built, with the 400 version making up a relatively small share of this total.
Today, the Glas Buckle Goggomobil 400 Dart is one of the rarest and most collectible microcars in the world. Its combination of Australian ingenuity, German mechanical roots, and unforgettable styling make it a prized possession among enthusiasts. Surviving examples are highly sought after and often displayed at classic car shows, where they never fail to draw a crowd. The 400 stands out as the most capable of the Dart range, offering just enough extra power to make its playful personality even more enjoyable.
The Goggomobil 400 Dart endures as an eccentric yet important part of motoring history—a bold experiment that proved a car didn’t need to be big to be fun, stylish, or memorable. It remains a symbol of creativity in the microcar movement and a uniquely Australian classic.