Glas

The Glas 1004 was introduced in September 1962 as Hans Glas GmbH’s first step into the compact middle-class segment. Built at the company’s Dingolfing plant, the car featured a modern design with a steel monocoque body and independent suspension. It was powered by an advanced overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine of 992 cc producing around 42 hp, giving the lightweight saloon respectable performance for its class. The range was expanded in 1965 with the introduction of the Glas 1204 and later the 1304, both using enlarged versions of the same OHC engine. The 1,189 cc and 1,290 cc units offered improved performance and refinement while retaining the car’s compact dimensions and straightforward engineering. In addition to the four-door saloon, stylish coupé versions styled by Pietro Frua were also offered. These models helped establish Glas as a serious small-car manufacturer before the company was taken over by BMW in 1966.

1963