Description
The Glas Goggomobil TS 400 Coupé was the top model in the TS series of sporty microcars produced by Hans Glas GmbH from the late 1950s through the 1960s. Introduced alongside the smaller TS 250 and TS 300, the TS 400 offered the largest engine and the most power of the family, making it the performance flagship of the Goggomobil coupés. Like its siblings, it combined elegant styling with compact dimensions, giving drivers a taste of sports car design in a microcar package.
On the outside, the TS 400 Coupé carried the same chic and curvaceous styling as the other TS models. With its rounded nose, oval headlamps, and flowing lines, the car looked far more sophisticated than its size might suggest. The roofline tapered neatly into the rear, giving it a proper coupé profile, while chrome bumpers and trim added a touch of glamour. Two-tone paintwork was also offered, accentuating the car’s fashionable appearance. Despite being a true microcar in scale, the TS 400’s design echoed larger European grand tourers of the late 1950s, giving owners a sense of sporting prestige.
Inside, the TS 400 provided seating for two adults, with a small rear parcel area for luggage or occasional use. The cabin was simple but smart, with padded seats, painted or vinyl-trimmed surfaces, and a minimalist dashboard that included only the essential gauges. Although basic compared to larger sports cars, Glas paid attention to detail, making the interior bright and inviting. The aim was to give buyers not just practical transport, but something that felt stylish and aspirational.
The biggest difference between the TS 400 and its smaller siblings lay under the bonnet. Power came from a 392 cc two-cylinder, two-stroke engine, producing around 20 horsepower—substantial for a microcar of its time. This gave the TS 400 noticeably better performance than the TS 250 or TS 300, with a top speed of approximately 105 km/h (65 mph). Mated to a four-speed manual gearbox, the little engine allowed the lightweight coupé to keep up with city traffic and manage longer journeys with greater ease. Fuel efficiency remained excellent, another key appeal in an era when running costs were critical for many European buyers.
On the road, the TS 400 delivered sprightly performance for its size, with nimble handling and lively acceleration around town. Its low weight and compact footprint made it easy to maneuver in crowded city streets, while the slightly more powerful engine meant it could tackle open roads with more confidence than the smaller TS variants.
Production of the TS 400 was more limited than the TS 250 and TS 300, as its higher price and niche appeal restricted its audience. Nevertheless, it was valued by buyers who wanted the best-performing model in the Goggomobil coupé range. The TS series remained in production until the mid-1960s, after which Glas shifted its focus toward larger cars before being absorbed by BMW in 1966.
Today, the Glas Goggomobil TS 400 Coupé is among the most collectible of the Goggomobil range. Its combination of elegant styling, rarity, and relatively strong performance within the microcar class makes it highly desirable for enthusiasts. Surviving examples are prized at shows and gatherings, where they continue to charm audiences with their petite size and cheerful character. The TS 400 stands as both a high point of Glas’s microcar production and a reminder of the postwar era when small, efficient cars were reshaped into stylish symbols of optimism and individuality.