Vehicle Description
Before BMW AG acquired vehicle manufacturer, Hans Glas GmbH,
Maggiora produced bodies for the Glas 1300, a grand touring
automobile produced in Dingolfing, Germany, and sold in limited
numbers. With its distinctive fastback coupe body designed by the
renowned Pietro Frua, this peculiar yet aesthetically pleasing
model was manufactured for less than 14 months, during which a mere
1,259 units were produced at the Maggiora factory located near
Turin, Italy. In 1966, BMW took over Glas's operations and
continued to manufacture the GT from September 1967 to August 1968.
During this time, BMW utilized their own drivetrain and rear axle
components. These updates to Frua's original design, including the
automaker's signature double-kidney grille, roundel badges, and
taillights shared with the BMW 1602 distinguished the BMW 1600 GT
from the original Glas models. BMW also improved the vehicle with a
12-volt electrical system, an independent rear suspension,
four-speed manual transmission, and a 1.6-liter carbureted
four-cylinder engine generating 103 horsepower. The resulting 1600
GT offered enhanced power and handling compared to its predecessor,
but it did not sell well. BMW discontinued the 1600 GT after the
1968 model year, and it was never officially made available in the
United States. Since then, only a few have been imported by
collectors or enthusiasts.
This 1968 BMW 1600 GT is fully restored in its original Granada Red
exterior color over black vinyl upholstery. It has recently been
expertly renewed by European specialists, Oldenzaal Classics in the
Netherlands. Their exceptional attention to authentic detail is
evident in features like the 14-inch chrome wheels with BMW
hubcaps, front disc brakes, perforated headliner, metric VDO
instrumentation, wood-rimmed steering wheel, and period-correct
radio. Included with the vehicle are comprehensive German ownership
and restoration records, German-language owner's manual, and two
sets of keys.
