The Goggomobil is considered to be the most representative "minicar" on sale in Australia in the second half of the 1950s. Minicars of the period were characterised by small physical size coupled with interior spaciousness, small engine with high power output, low fuel consumption and simplicity. The Goggomobil was possibly the most successful and profitable attempt to design, manufacture and market a minicar in Australia.

This Goggomobil was manufactured in 1959 and was one of 5000 Goggomobil sedans, coupes and two seaters manufactured to fulfil a growing demand for minicars. This ceased for the Goggomobil with the introduction of the BMC Mini Minor in 1961.

The high demand for minicars during the 1958-1961 period should be seen in the context of a growing demand for 6 cylinder cars and a weakening demand for the mid-size 4 cylinder cars in the same period. The introduction of the Morris Mini Minor, combined with an increase in sales tax to 40% in 1960, dealt a fatal blow to the fortunes of the local Goggomobil and other less successful Australian minicars of the time.

Bill Buckle, a Sydney car dealer, designed and built the fibreglass body of this Goggomobil. The German Goggomobil company offered an attractive combination of chassis and mechanical components for Buckle's project, and these were imported.

Of the 5000 Goggomobils built, 700 were fitted with the Dar two-seater body. Of the 700 only about 50 Darts are thought to have survived.

Exhibited at the Orange Motor Show in on 17th and 18th July 1993.

Automobile and parts, 'Goggomobil Dart', fibreglass / rubber / metal, designed by Bill Buckle, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1959

Open two-seat full size minicar with red painted fibreglass body on German-built chassis and mechanics. It is powered by a twin cylinder air-cooled two stroke engine of 300cc. The odometer had a reading of 34,528 miles when the car was inspected in 1989 prior to its acquisition. Blinkers were fitted as a later addition. The interior of the car is fitted with two bucket seats. The car was resprayed in 1975 and a new black hood and side curtains fitted in 1978.

The car is accompanied by documentation including supply receipts, workshop manual, Australian and German handbook and spare parts manual.

Chassis No. (Plate in engine compartment): 104390

Engine No. (Stamped into engine casting): 02129295

VIN No. (Original German plate riveted to gear shift tunnel in driver passenger compartment): 01 127418* (the star is scratched in rather than stamped so it may not be original)

Made: Buckle, Bill; Sydney; 1959

Made: Buckle, Bill; Germany; 1959

Designed: Buckle, Bill;

See part records for details

89/1523

1959

1118 mm

1448 mm

3048 mm

350 kg