The Glas V8 is a rare car built by Pietro Frua. It was a German vehicle manufactured by the Hans Glas GmbH between 1966 to 1968. Glas V8/2600 was a front-engine layout model launched as a 2-door coupe. It was not an ultra performance vehicle, but offered a decent performance backed by the V8 engines. Here is everything about the iconic 1966 Glas V8.
V8 Engine
Glad V8 came during the muscle car period. Most muscle cars arrived with the V8 engines and the hype for these vehicles were crazy. The Glas V8 was equipped with a 2.6L V8 engine. It was a naturally aspirated engine with OHV. Horsepower and torque were low for this model. Although these were low, Glas V8 offered a speed around 125mph which was great. As it was a street-legal model, this was an important factor for people. The vehicle was incorporated with disc brakes on all wheels and the acceleration was great.
Technology
Glas V8 was the finest vehicle with great tech. It was one of the first German cars to use the self-leveling rear suspension. In the front, independent suspension featured. The Glas V8 was a RWD with 4-speed manual transmission. Designed as a grand tourer, the vehicle had 4 seats. It was a luxury vehicle with bucket & bench seats, leather vinyl upholstery, wooden dashboard, tachometer, and gauges.
Connection with BMW
When the manufacturers were struggling for funds, BMW took control and produced new vehicles. Those models were named as BMW-Glas 3000 V8. The styling was entirely changed when BMW took over. New badges and equipment were based on BMW. This helped the car increase its sales because of the BMW brand. In the end, the Glas V8 became one of the best luxury cars from BMW.
Glaserati
The vehicle got its nickname as Glaserati. This is because the original Glas V8 vehicles had similarities with the Maseratis. Pietro Frua designed the vehicle in a way that matched the designs of Maseratis. The Maserati is one of the longest running vehicles from Italy. It was a surprise that the vehicle had its connection with Maseratis. This also helped Glas V8 gain attention.
Designs
The Glas V8 was unveiled as an ultra luxury coupe car. It had a sleek body with a long hood. It was a sporty styling with chromium bumpers, taillights, and italian curves. Glas V8 was available in colors like orange, white, grey, wine red, and dark green. People had choices with great paint schemes. The vehicle had a touch of Italian styling with great designs.
Ultra Rare Vehicle
The Glas V8 was designed as a rare vehicle. The reason was the manufacturer’s financial crisis. Also, Glas wanted to showcase the engineering to the world. This was the reason for the low production numbers. A total of 666 units were sold between 1966 to 1969 which included both 2600 V8 and 3000 V8 models. These cars were priced at a low price. The vehicle was sold at DM18,000 to DM20,000.