More known within industries for manufacturing agricultural equipment, Hans Glas GmbH began building scooters 1951 and then 4 years later, ventured into building micro cars starting with the T250. Powered by a 2 stroke vertical twin cylinder engine of 247cc displacement with a combined gearbox and final drive. The T250 proved a success in which the range was added to with the T300, TS300 (293cc) and eventually the T400 & TS400 (392cc).
 
In 1958, Bill Buckle – a Sydney based racing driver and owner of Buckle Motors already producing locally bodied Goggomobil saloon, coupe and van bodies in CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kit form to dodge the local taxes of imported vehicles into Australia at the time. He turned his attention to designing and building a simple roaster shaped body on which was based on the mechanical underpinnings of the current sedans.
 
Buckle commissioned a local engineer and race car designer, Stan Brown to take Buckles sketches and make them a reality. The roadster was made in two half’s and bolted together for ease of manufacturing. The lack of doors made the shell extremely stiff for a fibreglass body though gaining access to the drivers seat did use some contortion if you wanted to avoid stepping on the seat itself. As a side note – the windscreen was borrowed from a Renault Dauphine’s rear window.
 
Mechanically, the new car featured swing axles front and rear along with telescopic dampeners and springs all bolted to the pressed steel chassis. Steering was very light with rack-and-pinion steering while the braking was done with 10 inch drums all round. Engine choices were either the 293cc or 392cc air-cooled 2 stroke engines making 15hp or 18.5hp respectively.
Weighing in at just 345kg, the vehicle was quick and nibble for the time and with the bigger engine, was reportedly capable of 70mp.
 
Within just 5 months of Buckles initial sketches, the Australian made Goggomobil Dart was christened and orders started pouring in - to the point that the production line couldn’t keep up. Unfortunately the newfound triumph was short lived as the in 1960, a new 40% sales tax was slapped on which dramatically slowed sales. By 1961, the Dart was dead with an estimated 700 Darts built.
 
Now well known for being the cover child for Shannon’s insurance and the like, the Goggomobile remains an interesting piece of Australian automotive history.
 
This Goggomobil Dart is the larger engined 392cc variant now ready for it’s next owner. The Dart underwent a light restoration some years ago and will only need a small amount of finishing off to be put back on the road. The body work is in good order with no apparent signs of previous crash damage though paint could do with a bit of a buff depending on your preferences.
The 2 stroke engine starts easily and gearbox goes through the gears as it should. Handling is sprightly though taking it up to it’s top speed of around 65mph would be only for the diehard at heart.
 
This Dart represents a good base to drive as is OR modify to suits your tastes.
Sold as is with no RWC (currently)
 
Walk Around Video (coming soon)