Info für Besucher ohne Javascript

Premium

The era of plastic cars - supplier overview

This article was auto-translated. We apologize if some words are confusing or simply amusing. Would you like to help us improve?

Created on February 5, 2013

Text:

Bruno von Rotz

Photos:

Daniel Reinhard

6

Bruno von Rotz

27

Balz Schreier

6

AR-Archiv

4

Archiv Jeroen Booij

3

Archiv Enzmann

2

Tom Wood - Courtesy RM Auctions

2

Matt Hughes - Courtesy RM Auctions

1

Darin Schnabel - Courtesy RM Auctions 2011

1

Darin Schnabel - Courtesy RM Auctions 2012

1

Uli Sonntag

1

Rudolf Menzi

1

Josef Mayrhofer

1

Archiv Wolfgang Thierack

1

Neil Fraser - Courtesy RM Auctions

1

Chuck Simpson

1

Thomas Dirk Heere

1

Archiv

82

Daniel Reinhard

6

Bruno von Rotz

27

Balz Schreier

6

AR-Archiv

4

Archiv Jeroen Booij

3

Archiv Enzmann

2

Tom Wood - Courtesy RM Auctions

2

Matt Hughes - Courtesy RM Auctions

1

Darin Schnabel - Courtesy RM Auctions 2011

1

Darin Schnabel - Courtesy RM Auctions 2012

1

Uli Sonntag

1

Rudolf Menzi

1

Josef Mayrhofer

1

Archiv Wolfgang Thierack

1

Neil Fraser - Courtesy RM Auctions

1

Chuck Simpson

1

Thomas Dirk Heere

1

Archiv

82

Fantastic Plastic

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Enzmann 506 (1960) - three Enzmanns in different colors combined

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra 530 SX (1972)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Apal (1963) - elegantly designed sports car

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

TVR Tasmin (1981) - long snout, short tail

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Daimler SP 250 (1963) - with attached hardtop

Bild von Partner Porsche AMAG Mai Foto-Galerie 2026

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Rochdale Olympic (1963) - side view of a Phase II

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Jensen C-V8 (1964) - Handover of the first vehicle by Alan Jensen to Peter Monteverdi

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Saab Sonett III (1971) - with manually operated folding headlights

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ginetta G4 (1966) - the 'G4 1500' model with attached folding roof

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ginetta G15 (1969) - with Sunbeam Imp engine in the rear

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

BMW Z1 (1989) - the plastic paneling removed

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Bond Equipe 2 Litre GT (1967)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Elva Courier MK IV S 1967 - hübscher Zweisitzer

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Apal (1963) - available with VW or Porsche components

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

BMW M1 (1979) - the car looks fast even when stationary

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

BMW M1 (1980) - the body was made of plastic

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

BMW M1 (1980) - one of three colors

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Falcon Caribbean (1961) - elegantly shaped sports car with an exotic name

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Gilbern 1800 GT (1964) - uses the technology of the MGB

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

GSM Flamingo (1963) - the rear window design is reminiscent of the split-window Corvette

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

GSM Flamingo (1963) - a pretty sports car

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Jensen C-V8 (1962) - with plastic body

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Jensen C-V8 (1962) - looks almost a little scary

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Bonnet Jet 5 (1964) - front view

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Simca Bagheera S (1976) - improved and more powerful version

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra-Simca Bagheera (1974) - Maserati styling and mass production technology

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra Jet 5 (1966) - Luxury version

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Renault-Alpine A 610 (1985) - flatter and more aggressive than its predecessor

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

René Bonnet Le Mans (1962) - at the 49th Paris Motor Show in 1962

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

GSM Dart (1959) - Model 95 and 105 without hardtop

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Gilbern Invader (1973) - further refined sports car

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 8 V (1954) - the assembled plastic cladding

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Chevrolet Corvette (1962) - the '62-C1 Corvette now has a black radiator grille and adapted flanks, seven colors are available

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Avanti (1963)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën Dyane 6 Méhari (1968) - as a golf car

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Gilbern Genie (1969) - elegant and functional

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

GSM Dart (1959) - the standard version

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Goggomobil Isar S 35 (1959) - never went into series production - despite excellent facilities and attractive design

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Enzmann 500 (1960) - the elegant shape is reminiscent of works by famous Italian designers

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ogle SX 250 (1963) - based on the Daimler SP 250, but looked much better

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Enzmann 506 (1957) - number 1 shortly after completion, still in family ownership today

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Peerless GT 2-Litre (1958) - the Peerless had a lightweight tubular frame chassis and Triumph technology parts

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Rochdale GT (1959) - the GT was ahead of its time in terms of styling, it was the predecessor of the Olympic

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Studebaker Avanti (1963) - Raymond Loewy and Sherwood Egbert proudly show off their new sports car

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lotus Esprit S2 (1980) - the S2 looks even more elongated than the S1 due to the black sills

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ogle 1.5 (1961) - the first model did not quite come close to the Italian competition

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Reliant Scimitar GT (1964) - "every inch a true gran turismo" - statement from the Reliant sales department at the time

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Saab Sonett V4 (1969) - cost more than a Triumph TR 6

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Saab Sonett II (1966) - Saab called the creation a "new extreme sports car"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Alpine-Renault A 310 (1976) - the four-cylinder models with six headlights at the front

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Melkus 1000 RS (1969) - gullwing sports car equipped with a Wartburg engine

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Arista Passy (1957) - exhibited at the Paris Motor Show in 1957

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Berkeley Bandit (1960) - the "Bandit" could do everything better than its predecessors and even the cockpit was covered

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Berkeley De Luxe Coupé (1957) - the three-cylinder sports car doesn't look compact at all

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

BMW M1 (1979) - on a test drive - Hans-Joachim Stuck at the wheel

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

BMW M1 (1980) - the young Hans-Joachim Stuck and the M1

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Deep Sanderson Cooper (1962) - based on a Mini with small wheels

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Deep Sanderson Cooper (1962) - the technical basis came from the Mini

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Falcon Caribbean (1961) - the power and performance is written all over its face

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Daimler SP 250 (1960) - indicated mudguards testify to the manufacturer's sense of tradition

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Gordon Keeble GT (1964) - classic GT silhouette

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Morgan Plus 4 Special (1956) - Elegant lines - reminiscent of Ferrari sports cars of the late fifties

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lotus Esprit S2 (1979) - Folding headlights enabled better aerodynamics - cw value 0.335

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lotus Elan S2 (1965) - at the Klausenrennen Prologue 2012

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Heron Europa (1962) - kit sports car from Heron Plastics - shown at the London Racing Car Show

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

MBM Tourismo (1963) - small sports coupé developed in Switzerland on the basis of the Heron Europa from England

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Trabant 601 (1973) - 1 million Trabant vehicles were celebrated in 1973 - at the August Horch Museum in Zwickau

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Chevrolet Corvette (1961) - elegant and sporty appearance - ohlala

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Rochdale Olympic (1961) - the low weight helps with cornering dynamics

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Peerless GT 2 Litre (1959) - classic GT proportions

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Peerless GT 2 Litre (1959) - the cars of the first series (Phase I) had the headlights on the outside

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

TVR Vixen (1968) - easily recognizable as a TVR

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

TVR Vixen (1968) - the Webasto sunroof was available as an accessory

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ginetta G4 - the roof structure can be removed

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiberfab Bonanza GT (1967) - plastic coupé as a kit for VW 1500, 1600 - shown at the IAA 1967

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

René Bonnet Missile (1963) - at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra 530 SX (1971) - at the Paris Motor Show in 1971

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Apal Buggy (1972) - the clothing was chosen to match the tight body circumference

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lotus Europa S2 (1969) - at the Arosa ClassicCar hill climb 2012

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Chevrolet Corvette (1953) - the EX-122 prototype, shown at Motorama 1953 at the Waldorf-Astoria on January 17, 1953 in New York, differed only minimally from later production versions

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lotus Elite Series II Coupé (1961) - offered as lot 154 at the Monterey RM Auction on August 17 and 18, 2012

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ogle SX1000 GT (1963) - offered as lot 143 at the RM Auctions sale in London on October 31, 2012

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ogle SX1000 GT (1963) - offered as lot 143 at the RM Auctions sale in London on October 31, 2012

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

DolderClassics 2012 in May - the place is slowly emptying - but the JWF Milano GT is still there

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Diva GT D-Type (1964) - sold at Bonhams Paris Sale 2012 for € 63'250 (Lot 248)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lotus Eclat (1982) - at the 1982 Geneva Motor Show - the price of the wedge-shaped coupé was reduced by 2,200 francs to 58,500 francs

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën Mehari at the 1972 Geneva Motor Show - at 8,315 francs, the cheapest leisure vehicle of its kind

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Puma 1600 GTS (1979) - at the Rallye Historique on the occasion of the Schloss Bensberg Classics 2012

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lotus Elan S2 (1965) - at the Gaisbergrennen 2012 - sports car class

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ginetta G4 IRS (1963) - at the start of the GP Suisse 2012 in the category GP and formula cars 1946 - 1971

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Reliant Bond Bug 700 ES (1972) - Microcars on the occasion of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2012 at the Villa d'Erba

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Kaiser-Darrin Roadster (1954) - typical pontoon design - auctioned at RM Auction Arizona 2011

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Bond Bug 700E (1972) - offered at the auction of the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum by RM Auction on February 15 and 16, 2013

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Apal Porsche GT (1961) - at the Grossglockner Grand Prix 2012

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ginetta G10 (1965) - participant in the Fordwater Trophy at the Goodwood Revival 2012

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Rear view - TVR 2500M (1974)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Front view - TVR 2500M (1974)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 904 GTS (1965)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 904 GTS (1965)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Marcos Mini-Marcos (1966) - Silhouette

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Trabant 601 (1976)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Diva Demon prototype (1965)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Elva Courier 1957 - frühes Modell

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Devin SS Sports Car (1959) - offered as lot 150 at the Monterey RM Auction on August 17 and 18, 2012

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lotus Elite (1961) - in Plateau 3 (1957-1961) at the Le Mans Classic 2012

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

TVR Grantura MK III (1964) - tightly cut English coupé

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

TVR Grantura MK III (1962) - at the Earls Court Motor Show in London

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Gepard TT (1969) - plastic sports car from Germany produced in 10 units

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Devin D - self-built car in plastic - shown at the Geneva Motor Show 1961

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lotus Elite (1976) - Classic car in Obwalden OiO 2011

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ferrari 308 GTB (1976) - from diagonally above

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Renault Alpine A 310 - Ron Kluit on the beautiful Alpine

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Alpine A 110 (1969) - side view from diagonally in front

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Devin TR 1957 - at a hill climb

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

JWF Milano GT - during a race in Australia in the sixties

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Marcos GT (1961) - early Marcos with gullwing doors

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra Murena 2.2 - Three-seater coupé at the 1981 Geneva Motor Show

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ginetta G12 (1967) at the Ennstal Classic 2010

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

GP Suisse 2009 in Bern - Gilbern GT 1800 (1965)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Sabra (1964) - Advertisement from 1964 -

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

TVR Grantura MK III 1800 (1963) - from 1963 with the larger 1800 engine from the MG B

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (1965) - the 1965 open-top model with disc brakes

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (1964) - the elegant body line was designed by Bill Michell

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Alpine A 110 1600 S (1972) - the Berlinette is very small and narrow by today's standards

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

DKW Monza (1958) - at the Ennstal Classic 2007

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

DKW Monza (1956) - Wonderful presentation of the car, illustration from an English-language sales brochure

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Marcos Mantis (1970) - Side view of the new sports car

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Marcos Fastback GT (1963) - took part in the Solitude Race as early as 1965

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lotus Elan (1965) - Werner Rüfenacht on the Elan at the 1967 Gaisberg race

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Apal GT Porsche (1963)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra Bonnet Djet ZS - OSMT July 2011

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Matra Djet V5 (1966) at the Michaelskreuzrennen 2011 (starting number 312)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ginetta G4 (1964) - AVD Historic Marathon 2011

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Puma GTB - the small Brazilian sports car factory presents itself in a sympathetic way at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show with this sports car based on the VW 1600

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Front view - TVR Tuscan V8 (1969)

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

JWF Milano GT 1962 in Altbüron

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Elva Courier MK IV 1963 - vor der Trojan (Kabinenroller) Fabrik

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Elva Courier MK III 1963 - offen am schönsten

You have only

20 out of 142

images seen in high resolution

Summary

In the 1950s, a new material began to revolutionize vehicle production. GRP or fiberglass made it possible to produce plastic body parts with high rigidity at low cost. This article provides an overview of the plastic vehicles produced from the 1950s to the 1980s.

This article contains the following chapters

List of plastic vehicles (without component manufacturers)

Estimated reading time: 3min

Preview (beginning of the article)

In the 1950s, a new material began to revolutionize vehicle production. GRP or fiberglass made it possible to produce plastic body parts of high rigidity at low cost. Manufacturers of sports cars in particular turned to the new material with enthusiasm, but sedans and small vehicles were also made from this material. In most cases, the companies left it at building the bodywork out of plastic, but the more determined like Lotus and Rochdale went one step further and built complete vehicles out of plastic. In addition to the manufacturers of complete vehicles, the kit car companies, which offered cars in component form, were also enthusiastic supporters of the plastic movement. Companies such as Ashley, Microplas, Devin, JWF and Glasspar produced plastic bodies that were combined with mass-produced chassis by talented DIY enthusiasts to create interesting specials. Some body manufacturers also supplied sports car manufacturers with the basis for their cars.

Welcome to Zwischengas!

Continue reading this article for free?

Images of this article

Source: