GLAS

GLAS

Hans Glass Company of Dingolfing, Bavaria, began with the production of agricultural machinery. Its first vehicle was a 1951 scooter Goggo ("Goggo"), and in 1955 came a 4-wheel Goggomobil ("Goggomobil") with an engine cylinder capacity of 250 cm '. Only in 1962 the company produced the first family car "1004" with a 1-liter engine.
For a relatively small company Glas had big ambitions, but has made a serious mistake by allowing its lineup grow and become too complicated. Besides, she could hardly refuse from the old models.


"2600 V8" was the most ambitious project of a small company Glas, who brought her to collapse. Attractive bodywork of the car has created an Italian bodybuilder "atelier" Frua. Mounted V-shaped 8-cylinder engine, consisting of two four-cylinder units with overhead camshafts and common sump. For three years produced only 71 copy of this model
In the 60's. Glas company is considered a major manufacturer of passenger cars. For the model of "1004" Italian bodybuilder "atelier" Frua ("Frua") has developed a body (sedan, coupe and sedan). On the motor car for the first time (before the PAT group) were used for the toothed belt camshaft drive the top. In the next stage engine capacity increased to 1.2, and then - up to 1.3 liters. Along with the forced motor company introduced the new coupe and convertible body from Frua model "1300GT".
A new model followed another. In 1963 was introduced 1.5-liter sedan with a body of firm Ghia ("Gia"). Production of this car is with the index "1700" began the following year with a 1.7-liter base engine option.
It is not given the complexity of the production program, Voice began in 1965, the assembly of its flagship - the model "2600 V8". This elegant 2 +2 coupe with a capacity with the body of the Frua got a new platform and had to enter into the sector of the market occupied by such authorities as BMW (BMW), Mercedes-Benz ("Mercedes Benz"), Porsche ("Porsche").
Despite the attractive appearance and technical excellence, innovation hardly found its place in the market. In addition, the Glass family-owned company began experiencing financial difficulties, because there was only a profitable company is the only model - Goggomobil.
After a lively talks with BMW acquired the company last Glas for 91 million marks. Within one year of its older models were phased out, and the successful "1300GT", "1700GT" and "2600 V8" be finalized and presented under the brand BMW. In 1969 all production Glas has been closed. Three years later the plant in Dingolfing rebuilt, expanded and it began to produce the BMW 5 Series.
Glas 2600 V8 ("Glas 2600 V8")
Elegant Glas 2600 V8 became a sensation at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1965 with a new platform with a de Dion rear suspension received a body from the machine and looked like a model Frua Maserati ("Maserati"), which also had a hand Frua. Because the German press and called novelty "Glazerati."
Engine V8 (2,6 l) with an angle of 90 °, the collapse of the unit consisted of two 4-cylinder unit from the model of Glas 1300GT with overhead camshafts and common sump. Resulted in each individual cam-reinforced toothed belt. And while the engine was a number of obvious compromise, it worked well and was powerful. Excellent chassis, "2600 V8" provides excellent ride and handling.
For the company would open new prospects, do not tempt while the voice of financial problems, partly because of the cost of this car. Prior to control the BMW brand Glas managed to produce only 71 cars, "2600 V8".
The BMW has upgraded the model established a more powerful engine, more rear panel emblem on the hood and hubcaps on the wheels, and then presented the car as their own product. BMW-Glas 3000 has dimensions of 78x78 mm in the engine (2982 cm3, 160 hp) and developed a speed of 200 km / h Demand for it was much higher - collected 400 cars. But while maintaining the production model BMW 2800CS Coupe, the car of the future Hans Glass was not, and it was finally removed from production in the summer of 1968


Car Glas 2600 V8 was quite elegant and fast. He has a top speed of 201 km / h The model was designed to compete with new cars Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, but it lacked the high reputation of the past

Characteristics (1965)
Engine: V8, with overhead camshafts
Bore and Stroke: 75x73 mm
Displacement: 2576 cm3
Maximum Power: 140 hp
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Chassis: on the host body
Suspension: front independent on helical springs, de Dion rear leaf springs on the
Brakes: disc
Body: 4-seater coupe
Maximum speed: 201 km / h