1959 Glas Goggomobil T400 Dart – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
No doors, no roof, and barely more than 400 cubic centimeters of displacement: the 1959 Glas Goggomobil T400 Dart challenged conventional ideas of what a sports car should be. Developed from a German microcar platform and built in Australia, it combined minimal mass with direct, uncomplicated mechanics. The result was one of the most unconventional roadsters of the late 1950s.
Technical Details
The 1959 Glas Goggomobil T400 Dart was based on the mechanical platform of the Goggomobil T-series microcar produced by Hans Glas GmbH in Dingolfing. Power came from a rear-mounted, air-cooled two-cylinder two-stroke engine with a displacement of 392 cc in the T400 specification. Output figures are typically cited at approximately 20 horsepower, delivered through a four-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels.
The engine and drivetrain were mounted at the rear, maintaining the layout used in the standard Goggomobil saloon. The chassis was compact and lightweight, with the Dart weighing in the region of 360–400 kilograms depending on equipment. Suspension followed a simple but effective arrangement suitable for a small vehicle, while braking was provided by hydraulic drum brakes.
Performance figures reflected the car’s modest displacement but low mass. Top speed was generally around 100 km/h (approximately 60 mph), placing it within the microcar category rather than conventional sports car territory. However, the light weight and open construction gave the Dart a direct driving character uncommon among enclosed economy vehicles of the era.
- Manufacturer: Hans Glas GmbH
- Model Name: Glas Goggomobil T400 Dart
- Year of Manufacturing: 1959
Design
The Goggomobil Dart’s design was radically different from the standard Goggomobil saloon. Conceived in Australia by Bill Buckle Motors, which imported and assembled Goggomobils under licence, the Dart used the German mechanical components but clothed them in a locally developed fiberglass body.
The bodywork was minimal and angular, with no conventional doors. Instead, occupants stepped over the low sides to enter the cockpit. Early versions lacked a roof entirely, while later examples could be fitted with a lightweight hardtop. The front end featured simple round headlamps and a narrow grille opening, while the rear remained compact and functional to accommodate the rear-mounted engine.
Inside, the cabin was sparse. Instrumentation was limited to essential gauges, and seating was basic, emphasizing lightness over comfort. The absence of doors and the low-slung fiberglass body contributed to a distinctive silhouette that set the Dart apart from European microcars. Its proportions were compact, yet the open configuration gave it visual dynamism more typical of larger sports roadsters.
Historical Significance
The Goggomobil Dart emerged during a period when microcars played an important role in postwar mobility. In Germany, the Goggomobil T-series had become one of the most successful small cars of the late 1950s, offering affordable transportation in a recovering economy.
In Australia, Bill Buckle Motors saw an opportunity to reinterpret the practical Goggomobil platform as a lightweight sports-oriented vehicle. Introduced in 1959, the Dart combined German engineering with Australian design and fiberglass body construction. Production numbers remained limited, with approximately 700 examples built between 1959 and 1961.
Although never intended as a high-performance sports car, the Dart demonstrated how a microcar platform could be adapted for recreational use. It also stands as an example of early international collaboration in small-scale automotive production, linking German mechanical engineering with Australian entrepreneurial initiative.
Quirks and Pop Culture
The most striking quirk of the Goggomobil Dart is its lack of doors. This unusual feature was not merely stylistic but also simplified the fiberglass body structure and reduced production complexity. Owners often highlight the need to step in and out carefully, reinforcing the Dart’s unconventional character.
Because of its rarity and distinctive shape, the Dart has become a cult classic in Australia and among microcar enthusiasts internationally. Its combination of two-stroke engine sound, extremely low weight, and open-air driving creates a driving experience unlike that of conventional sports cars. Surviving examples frequently appear at classic car shows, where their compact size and unusual entry method attract attention.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at the Retro Classics Stuttgart in 2022. This car show is one of the major events on the classic car calendar in Germany. In 2022, it took place across five exhibition halls. Visitors can enjoy special showcases, hunt for rare parts and books, and buy cars—both private sellers and dealers offer a wide range of classic and youngtimer vehicles. In 2022, there was a noticeable increase in low-mileage youngtimers and classic cars.
Conclusion
The 1959 Glas Goggomobil T400 Dart occupies a unique niche in automotive history. Mechanically rooted in the proven Goggomobil microcar platform, it paired a rear-mounted 392 cc two-cylinder engine with a lightweight fiberglass roadster body developed in Australia. Its minimalist design, absence of doors, and limited production distinguish it from mainstream sports cars of its era. Rather than competing on power, the Dart offered simplicity, low mass, and individuality—qualities that continue to define its appeal among classic car enthusiasts today.
