1964-1969 Glas Goggomobil T 250 – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
At a time when much of Europe was still rebuilding its mobility infrastructure, a 250 cc engine was enough to put a family on the road. The Glas Goggomobil T 250, produced into the mid- and late 1960s, represents the final phase of one of Germany’s most successful microcar concepts. Compact, economical, and mechanically straightforward, it helped define entry-level motoring in the Wirtschaftswunder era.
Technical Details
The Glas Goggomobil T 250 was manufactured by Hans Glas GmbH in Dingolfing and formed part of the broader Goggomobil T-series introduced in the mid-1950s. The “250” designation refers to its rear-mounted, air-cooled two-cylinder two-stroke engine with a displacement of 247 cc. Output figures are commonly cited at approximately 13–15 PS, depending on specification and year.
The engine was mounted longitudinally at the rear and drove the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. The gearbox featured a conventional layout, and like other Goggomobils, the car relied on a lightweight steel monocoque body. Suspension was independent, with swing axles at the rear and coil springs, providing adequate ride quality for a microcar of its size. Braking was handled by hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels.
With a kerb weight of roughly 400 kilograms, the Goggomobil T 250 achieved a top speed in the region of 80–85 km/h. Fuel consumption was correspondingly low, making it attractive for cost-conscious buyers. The two-stroke engine required a petrol-oil mixture, typical of small-displacement engines of the period. The mechanical package prioritized simplicity, ease of maintenance, and affordability rather than performance.
- Manufacturer: Hans Glas GmbH
- Model Name: Glas Goggomobil T 250
- Year of Manufacturing: 1964–1969
Design
Visually, the Goggomobil T 250 retained the rounded, compact proportions characteristic of the T-series. Its small footprint, short overhangs, and upright greenhouse made efficient use of limited dimensions. The body was constructed from pressed steel, and despite its microcar classification, it offered seating for four passengers in a tightly packaged interior.
The front end featured simple round headlamps and a modest grille opening, while the rear was defined by its compact engine compartment housing the two-cylinder unit. Doors were conventionally hinged, and large windows contributed to good visibility, a practical advantage in urban traffic.
Inside, the design was functional and minimal. The dashboard housed basic instrumentation, often limited to a speedometer and essential warning lights. Seating and trim materials were straightforward, reflecting the car’s positioning as affordable transportation. The overall aesthetic was practical rather than decorative, with emphasis placed on maximizing interior space within very compact exterior dimensions.
Historical Significance
The Goggomobil T-series was introduced in 1955 and became one of the most commercially successful German microcar lines of the postwar period. By the early 1960s, however, rising incomes and expanding automotive offerings were gradually reducing demand for very small-displacement vehicles.
The T 250, produced between 1964 and 1969, represents a late-stage evolution of the original concept. While larger-engined variants such as the T 300 and T 400 had been available earlier, the 250 cc version remained relevant in markets where taxation and licensing regulations favored smaller engines. It also appealed to drivers seeking minimal operating costs.
During its production run, the Goggomobil contributed significantly to the growth of Hans Glas GmbH as a recognized German automaker. Eventually, increasing competition from larger and more modern small cars led to declining sales, and in 1966 the Glas company was taken over by BMW. Production of Goggomobil variants continued for a short period afterward, marking the end of an era in German microcar manufacturing.
Quirks and Pop Culture
The Goggomobil became a cultural symbol of early postwar mobility in Germany. Its name, often shortened affectionately to “Goggo,” entered everyday language. The characteristic sound of its two-stroke engine and the requirement to mix oil with petrol became part of the ownership experience.
In German popular culture, the Goggomobil is sometimes referenced as a humorous emblem of modest beginnings during the Wirtschaftswunder years. Despite its small size and limited power, it carried families, workers, and students at a time when private car ownership was still expanding rapidly.
Today, surviving T 250 models are appreciated in classic car circles for their authenticity and historical context. Their mechanical simplicity and compact dimensions make them popular at vintage rallies and microcar gatherings, where they represent a specific phase in European automotive development.
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 1964–1969 Glas Goggomobil T 250 stands as a late representative of Germany’s microcar movement. Powered by a 247 cc two-cylinder two-stroke engine and built around a lightweight steel monocoque, it delivered basic but reliable mobility at low cost. Its design emphasized practicality within minimal dimensions, and its historical role reflects the transitional period between postwar austerity and broader automotive prosperity. As part of the Goggomobil legacy, the T 250 remains a concise illustration of how small-engine cars shaped everyday life in mid-20th-century Europe.
