In Langenthal, statistically the most average city in Switzerland, an unusual, small but fine exhibition on the regional development of motorized transport is on display until mid-June. Langenthal, for example, was one of the first municipalities to experiment with ways of making roads dust-free. Oberaargau produced some of the most renowned Swiss motorcycle and car racers. And Langenthal was home to one of the most renowned Swiss car body shops, Carrosserie Langenthal AG.
It still exists today under the name Calag and employs over 220 people in the vehicle construction and bodywork business. The history of the company is one of the most interesting parts of this exhibition for classic car enthusiasts. Founded in the 19th century by Fritz Grogg to build carriages, the company later turned its attention to the construction of car bodies.
Beautiful original plans, original tools and historical photos bring the history of the Langenthal body shop to life. From 1935 to 1954, the company built special bodies on chassis from 50 different manufacturers, e.g. a series of convertibles based on the Citroen Légère. The particularly stable folding top was often fitted to convertibles under a license from Kellner.
Also of interest in the exhibition are the biographies of numerous Oberaargau racing drivers, some of international renown, as well as a section on Colani. You can find out what links the star designer to Langenthal on site.
Further information can be found on the Museum Langenthal website. The museum is open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 14:00 to 17:00. Admission is free.
