The GLAS 1300 GT or 1700 GT is next to the Goggomobil one of the most desired models produced by GLAS. The pretty coupe with its body designed by Pietro Frua was very popular in the 60s and not everyone could afford it at a price between 11,600 and 13,850 German Marks.The dashboard with its six gauges inspired everyone who sat behind the steering wheel. The 1300 GT Coupe started to be delivered in early 1964 to customers. A year later the GLAS 1700 GT followed. Which one is now the better car is in the eye of the beholder. Visually, the cars are identical, only the engine differentiates the two. The short stroke GT 1300 ,convinced with a high-revving to nearly 7,000 RPM. The square engine with a 75 mm bore and a 75 mm stroke ran smooth as silk and had its strength in the upper rpm range.
The long-stroke engine of the 1700 GT had totally different characteristics. It draws its power at the bottom end of the RPM range and revs only to 5,800 RPM.
Despite the live rear axle, the ride is surprisingly good and is, regardless of what engine is installed, a lot of driving fun.
The convertibles are very rare, since only 363 cars were built and today only about 120 are known to have survived.
Cars in good condition are seldom seen on the market, only when someone is done with his or her hobby, or has died, chances for a decent specimen are good.
Body
The bodies were obtained from Pietro Frua in Italy and were transported by the trucking firm Strasser over the Brenner Pass to Dingolfing. At that time rust prevention was barely known and therefore the first rust was already in the body shells before they arrived in Dingolfing. Almost all vehicles, at the rear of the front fender below the A-pillars, rocker panels with adjacent floor panels and the rear wheel arches, are infested with the brown plague. The door sills are reinforced inside with several steel profiles, so their condition cannot be just judged by looking at the rocker panels. This is especially important on the convertible. Even the lower front valance below the front bumper and the bumper mounts are often infested by rust.The rest of the body is generally in fair condition.
Drive train
There are many stories about problems with the engine's timing belt or the rocker arm guides, but with today's materials, there are almost no more problems. Of course maintenance and care history of the engine is important. The valve must be adjusted correctly and condition of the timing belt must be checked regularly.
But we must remind ourselves that the vehicle is almost 50 years old and that material fatigue can be a factor.
The Getrag transmission is usually not a problem only the 2nd gear synchros are prone to fail. For the optional 5-speed manual gearbox there are no more parts available.
The front suspension consists of many individual parts. After nearly 50 years the rubber parts are worn out, but new replacement are available.
The rear axle and drive shaft have proven to be very robust and gave no problems. The same goes for the brakes.
Interior
Checking the interior, one should pay attention to a good condition and completeness. Good used parts are still around and if needed a good upholstery shop can help.
Spare parts situation
The spare parts situation for the GLAS GT is with the Goggomobil one of the best. Many GTs are being restored therefore many parts are being re-manufactured. As for the drive train, there are almost no problems in getting parts. Thus, for engine and chassis, new parts are available. Also clutches and exhaust systems are available as new parts.
It is different however for the sheet metal parts. Unfortunately there are no front fenders and you have to make do with repair patches. Floor panel sections and rocker panels are available. Likewise, rear side panels and other smaller sheet metal parts are around.
Reproduction stainless steel bumpers and windshields are newly available. Also many club members offer good used parts that you certainly can use.
Conclusion
The better buy is the car with the better body because the body work is labor intensive and therefore expensive. But usually one does not have a choice and end up with a car in condition 5. Here an original, as much as possible complete vehicle without previous tinkering or modifications would be the top choice. So far, no car due to the lack of parts has not been finished. The willingness to help is great in the club and the club management and with the technical advisors you always have the right person.
For good vehicles, one has to pay today between 20,000 and nearly 30,000 Euros. Cars needing a full restoration sell between 2,000 and 5,000 Euros. This depends on the condition and whether the car is complete. Here, too, the same advice applies, that the cheapest offer is not necessarily the best.