BMW 3000 Classic Cars for Sale

The BMW 3000 was one of the Glas V8 range of vehicles introduced in the mid-1960s that proved quite a sensation when first introduced.

The Glas V8 (BMW 3000)

Hans Glas GmbH was a German company who originally made farming machinery and subsequently turned their hand to the production of motor scooters and automobiles. The Bavarian Motor Works (BMW) is a manufacturer of luxury automobiles, founded in 1916 and also based in Germany. Initially producing aircraft engines, the company subsequently shifted production to motorcycles and automobiles in the 1920s. In 1966 BMW purchased Glas, predominantly to gain access to their patents as they were the first company to use an overhead camshaft with a timing belt. The Glas models currently in production were therefore renamed BMW 3000.

The very first Glas V8 coupe (which was to become the BMW 3000) was designed by Pietro Frua, a renowned Italian automotive designer. Development to production took approximately a year. It was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1965 and was considered quite the sensation. Its similarity to a Maserati model presented at the same show (also designed by Frua) earned it the nickname 'the Glaserati'.

The BMW 3000 vehicle had a 2580cc eight cylinder four-stroke V-engine with a 90°angle. It also had 3 downdraft double carburettor Solex 35 DDIS and could achieve 150 hp. The Glas V8 had an FR layout, a 2500 mm wheel base, 4-speed manual transmission and could reach top speeds of 121 mph. Around 300 of these models were produced from mid-1966 to early 1967 and cost 19400 DM.

The BMW 3000

The BMW 3000 model was issued from 1967-1968 and could top the original model's maximum speed, reaching 124 mph. After BMW's takeover of Glas in 1966, the Glas model was renamed (the BMW-Glas 3000-V8 or BMW 3000) and the only modification to its design was that the vehicle now exhibited a BMW badge on the bonnet. Over 400 of the BMW 3000 model were manufactured. This vehicle sold for 22,495 DM and continued to be produced until May 1968. The BMW 3000 was succeeded by the BMW 2800 CS, a more sporty model that lasted from 1968 to 1975.