Photo: BMW
Back in the 1960s, BMW acquired an automaker going by the name of Hans Glas GmbH, including its factory in Dingolfing. The reasoning was to gain access to the company’s patents, which include the first use of a timing belt with an overhead camshaft in an automotive application.
Glas started life in 1883 as an agricultural machinery producer, and following a streak of small cars such as the Goggomobil, 1964 saw the introduction of the 1300 GT Coupe. The 1700 GT Coupe followed with design by Pietro Frua, and then BMW stepped onto the scene.
At the request of U.S. importer Max Hoffmann, the Munich-based automaker decided to hack the roof off this model, thus giving birth to the 1600 GT Convertible. A different engine, originating from the 1600 TI two-door sports coupe, was also installed (hence the name change).
Two examples of the breed were produced, the first leaving the assembly plant in Dingolfing on November 16th, 1967. The second 1600 GT Convertible was scrapped following a crash during testing, leaving the car you’re looking at the only one of its kind.
The 1600 GT Convertible was acquired by Herbert Quandt back in the day, the largest shareholder of BMW AG. The Quandt family then sold the car, and following a few more owners, the Allianz Center for Engineering in Munich bought it.
With the help of BMW Group Classic, Allianz decided to restore the car to perfection, the first nut-and-bolt restoration the 1600 GT Convertible ever received. Adding to the specialness of this vehicle, the soft-top roadster was reconditioned at the Dingolfing plant where it was produced in 1967.
BMW says it’s spent “several years” to get the car back to its glory days, restored by apprentices under the supervision of seasoned trainers. Original and remanufactured parts complement each other, and heaven only knows how much the 1600 GT Convertible would sell at auction if Allianz were to part ways with the old-timer.
If you were wondering, the rear axle also comes from BMW, as do the kidney grille and 02 Series headlights.
At the request of U.S. importer Max Hoffmann, the Munich-based automaker decided to hack the roof off this model, thus giving birth to the 1600 GT Convertible. A different engine, originating from the 1600 TI two-door sports coupe, was also installed (hence the name change).
Two examples of the breed were produced, the first leaving the assembly plant in Dingolfing on November 16th, 1967. The second 1600 GT Convertible was scrapped following a crash during testing, leaving the car you’re looking at the only one of its kind.
The 1600 GT Convertible was acquired by Herbert Quandt back in the day, the largest shareholder of BMW AG. The Quandt family then sold the car, and following a few more owners, the Allianz Center for Engineering in Munich bought it.
With the help of BMW Group Classic, Allianz decided to restore the car to perfection, the first nut-and-bolt restoration the 1600 GT Convertible ever received. Adding to the specialness of this vehicle, the soft-top roadster was reconditioned at the Dingolfing plant where it was produced in 1967.
BMW says it’s spent “several years” to get the car back to its glory days, restored by apprentices under the supervision of seasoned trainers. Original and remanufactured parts complement each other, and heaven only knows how much the 1600 GT Convertible would sell at auction if Allianz were to part ways with the old-timer.
If you were wondering, the rear axle also comes from BMW, as do the kidney grille and 02 Series headlights.
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