Until the end of the 1950s, there were a considerable number of small companies in Switzerland where wealthy customers could have their cars customized.
Under one roof, these coachbuilders produced passenger cars as one-offs or in small series according to the customer's wishes. Around 40 renowned Swiss coachbuilders were at work at the time, with a reputation for being among the finest automobile manufacturers in the world. The presence of these companies at the important motor shows was a matter of course at the time. One-offs, small and very small series of precious and elegant bodies were conjured up on the expensive chassis of the time, while the saddlers provided the luxurious leather and fabric interiors.
Once a year, some of the most beautiful vehicles were then exhibited with great pride at the International Motor Show in Geneva and at international Concours d'Elegance, e.g. in Zurich, Lucerne, Montreux, St. Moritz or Geneva, with the hope of full order books after the event.
In the heyday of this branch of the Swiss automobile industry, which lasted from 1920 to 1954, the "Carrossiers", as "sheet metal artists", did not have to shy away from direct comparison with their foreign competitors.
Thanks to a Federal Council decree of August 25, 1931, up to 40% of the customs duty invoiced for an imported chassis was refunded in some cases, which led to a lower price for cars bodied in Switzerland compared to cars imported from abroad and finished ex works. A government-imposed protective measure for the benefit of the domestic manufacturing industry.
Accordingly, business flourished until high wages and falling costs in mass production largely put an end to Swiss special bodywork.
From October 27, 2013 to April 7, 2014, some of the most beautiful Swiss car bodies from the companies Beutler, Köng, Graber, Tüscher, Langenthal, Worblaufen, but also from smaller companies, can now be viewed and compared in a unique special exhibition at the Pantheon in Muttenz.
A visit is worthwhile and with CHF 10 for admission (there is a discount for children, students and senior citizens) to the Pantheon Basel. The exhibition is open every day from 10:00 am. It closes at 17:30 on weekdays and at 16:30 at weekends.
Further information can be found on the museum's website.
