1957 Goggomobil TS300 Coupe

The Bavarian company Hans Glas GmbH, better known for their agricultural equipment, began building scooters in 1951 and ventured into micro car production four years later with the T250. Running a rear-mounted 247cc two-stroke vertical twin engine with combined gearbox and final drive, the T250 proved a success and was enlarged to 293cc in 1956 giving decent performance for the time. In 1957 Goggomobil further capitalised on the strong showing of the T300 by releasing a coupe model, designated the TS300, with a more upmarket interior and distinctive styling. The sporty Goggomobil was mechanically similar to the saloon but employed a quite different suspension set-up, with a split front axle and coil spring/damper struts and a unique Getrag-built gearbox with electric preselection. Small it may be, but the diminutive Goggo belies its size once behind the wheel, with zesty performance and is the ideal classic commuter vehicle with more charm, comfort and wet weather protection than alternatives like a scooter. No, it's not the Dart but the Goggomobil Coupe is cuter, more practical and quite possibly even more of a rarity in Australia.