Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Glas

Glas was a German automobile manufacturer that played an influential though short-lived role in post-war automotive development. Known for its innovation, engineering integrity, and stylish vehicles, Glas introduced a number of important advancements in automotive design, including the first production car with a timing belt-driven overhead camshaft engine. Founded as an agricultural machinery company, Glas made the transition to car production during the 1950s and was later absorbed by BMW. Despite its relatively brief existence as a carmaker, Glas left behind a legacy of technical excellence and forward-thinking design.

Origins in Agricultural Machinery

Founding by Andreas Glas

The roots of Glas go back to 1883, when Andreas Glas founded a company in Pilsting, Bavaria, to manufacture agricultural equipment. Over the decades, the firm, which later moved to Dingolfing, became a major producer of seed drills and other farming implements. In the early 20th century, the company was passed to his son, Hans Glas, who would later steer it toward the automotive industry.

Motor Scooters and Transition to Vehicles

After World War II, as agricultural equipment demand declined and the German economy began to recover, Glas sought new opportunities. In 1951, the company introduced its first motor scooter, the “Goggo,” which became wildly popular in post-war Germany. The scooter’s name—derived from Hans Glas’s son’s nickname—would go on to inspire the company’s automotive branding. Encouraged by this success, Glas entered the microcar market.

The Goggo Cars

Goggomobil T Series

In 1955, Glas launched the Goggomobil T250, a compact microcar designed to appeal to budget-conscious Germans. It featured a two-stroke twin-cylinder engine, a four-speed gearbox, and a lightweight body. This was followed by the more powerful T300 and T400 versions. The Goggomobil became iconic in post-war Germany, offering mobility to a broad range of people. Its small size, affordable price, and cute styling made it a best-seller in the microcar segment.

Other Goggomobil Variants

Glas extended the Goggomobil range with various body styles, including the TS coupe and the TL delivery van. The Goggomobil TS, launched in 1957, was a sporty two-door coupe that found popularity with young drivers. It maintained the mechanical simplicity of the T series but featured a more elegant design. By the early 1960s, over 280,000 Goggomobils had been sold.

Expansion into Larger Cars

The Glas Isar

Hoping to move beyond microcars, Glas introduced the Isar in 1958. Initially marketed as the Goggomobil T600 and T700, the Isar was soon rebranded under the Glas name. It featured a larger body and a more powerful engine—a 584 cc or 688 cc flat-twin. However, early Isars suffered from poor build quality and structural issues. Glas responded quickly with design updates, and the car gained acceptance by the early 1960s.

Technical Ambitions

Hans Glas was committed to technical innovation, and under his direction, the company began developing new engine technologies. One of the most significant breakthroughs was the timing belt-driven overhead camshaft engine, which would debut in Glas’s next generation of cars.

The Glas 1004 and Technological Innovation

Introduction of the 1004

In 1962, Glas launched the 1004, a compact two-door saloon and coupe that introduced the world’s first production use of a rubber toothed timing belt to drive an overhead camshaft. This design would later be adopted by many major manufacturers. The 1004 was powered by a 992 cc four-cylinder engine and offered in TS and CL trim levels.

Sporting Potential

The 1004 quickly earned a reputation for its lively engine and sporty dynamics. A larger 1204 version followed, offering a 1.2-litre engine, and later a 1304 with 1.3 litres. The 1004 TS Coupe in particular became popular for its stylish design and spirited performance. With front-engine, rear-wheel drive and light weight, the car handled well and was competitive in its class.

Luxury Ambitions: Glas 1700 and GT

Glas 1700 Sedan

In 1964, Glas unveiled the 1700, a mid-size sedan powered by a 1.7-litre engine producing up to 80 hp. Designed to compete with BMW and Opel, the 1700 featured more mature styling and was marketed as an executive car. While well received, it struggled to gain major market share in a highly competitive segment.

Glas GT Coupe

Glas’s most visually striking model was the GT coupe, launched in 1964 and designed by Pietro Frua. This elegant fastback featured smooth Italian styling and came with a range of engines: 1300 cc, 1700 cc, and later a 2.6-litre V8. The Glas GT was a true grand tourer, with confident handling and luxurious appointments.

The Glas V8

Introduction and Engineering

In 1966, Glas introduced the 2600 V8—also known as the Glas V8—fitted with a 2.6-litre V8 engine producing around 150 hp. It was the company’s most ambitious model and a bold attempt to enter the high-performance luxury segment. Like the GT, it was styled by Frua and featured striking fastback lines and advanced engineering.

Limited Production

Only about 300 units of the Glas V8 were built due to its high price and Glas’s limited production capacity. Nevertheless, it became a cult classic and demonstrated the company’s capability to produce serious performance cars. It was a remarkable achievement for a small independent manufacturer.

Takeover by BMW

BMW Acquisition in 1966

Despite technical successes, Glas struggled financially by the mid-1960s. Competition from larger manufacturers, high development costs, and limited economies of scale made it difficult to remain viable. In 1966, BMW acquired Glas, primarily to gain access to its Dingolfing factory and its overhead camshaft engine patents.

End of Glas Branding

Following the takeover, some Glas models were rebranded as BMWs. The Glas 1700 became the BMW 1600 GT, and the Glas V8 was badged briefly as a BMW-Glas 3000 V8 with improved performance and refinement. By 1968, the Glas brand was phased out completely, and Dingolfing became a major production site for BMW, eventually evolving into one of BMW’s largest manufacturing facilities.

Legacy of Glas

Innovations That Endure

The most lasting contribution of Glas to the automotive world was its pioneering use of the rubber toothed timing belt for overhead camshaft engines—a design that is now industry standard. Glas was also notable for its progressive engineering and stylish design language, especially in its later GT and V8 models.

Collector Interest

Today, Glas vehicles are prized among collectors for their rarity, historical significance, and charm. The Goggomobil microcars remain iconic symbols of 1950s Germany, while the Glas GT and V8 models are considered hidden gems of 1960s grand touring design. Various enthusiast clubs around the world continue to preserve and celebrate Glas cars.

Conclusion

The story of Glas is one of ingenuity, ambition, and adaptation. From humble beginnings in farm equipment to pioneering automobile engineering and stylish grand tourers, Glas demonstrated that even small companies could influence the course of automotive history. Though it existed as a carmaker for less than two decades, Glas left behind a powerful legacy of innovation, and its DNA lives on in the modern success of BMW and the widespread use of engineering ideas it helped introduce.