100 years of automotive progress

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1881
Thury-Nussberger Steam-Three-Wheeler



René Thury and Jean-Jacques Nussberger, builders for the medical equipment company "Société d'Instruments de Physique de Gen?ve SIP", were pioneers of the automobile industry in western Switzerland. At the beginning of the 20th century, several means of propulsion competed against each other; steam engines, electric motors and internal combustion engines all had their supporters. On May 16, 1881, La Tribune de Gen?ve noted that Thury, Nussberger and a friend were driving a steam tricycle at the Plaine de Plainpalais. They reportedly later ascended the Sal?ve mountain with the same vehicle, though that expedition is doubted by some historians. What seems certain is the longer trip of the tricycle with a trailer carrying five people in 1879. The 175 km long circumnavigation of Lake Geneva was achieved in a remarkable 5 hours and 30 minutes, for a median speed of 35 km/h. Years later, the tricycle was restored, and Thury presented it at the national exhibition in Bern. Today, the vehicle is part of the collection of the Museum of History and Science.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: Three-Wheeler

Year: 1881

Chassis: forged

Steam engine: 2 cylinder, water tank 80 litres, autonomy 20 km

Power: 12 HP

V Max: 50 km/h

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1903
Martini " Rochers de Naye "



Notable: This is the car driven up the Rochers de Naye, elevation 2045 meters, by Captain H.H.P Deasy. The 11 km climb included inclines of 22 %.
In 1860, Friedrich von Martini moved to Frauenfeld and started building book binding machines. He diversified to rifles in 1869 (the famous Martini Stutzer). His son, Adolf, initiated research into automobile production in 1897. In 1903, the company built a factory in St. Blaise to produce chassis licensed by Rochet-Schneider.
The spectacular drive up the Rochers de Naye brought international attention, resulting in sales of more than 100 chassis the same year. Sales faltered soon thereafter, and Steiger bought the company in 1924. By this time Martini was using chassis licensed by Wanderer. In 1934, after a production run of some 3500 cars, the last Swiss auto company closed down for good.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: 14/18 HP

Year: 1903

Chassis: Martini

Engine: 4 cylinder, 4100 ccm3

Power: 14/18 HP

V Max: 60 km/h

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1905
Clément Tonneau, 1902-1905



Notable: The Clément is the subject of the CHF-50 commemorative coin for the jubilee of the Geneva Auto Show
Adolphe CLéMENT, having made his fortune in the bicycle industry, founded CLEDIABER (Clément-Gladiator-Humber) in 1896.
In 1898, the company started building Clément and Gladiator brand cars. A new factory was erected in Levallois-Perret, where the first Clément 1-cylinder 2.5 HP was produced. In 1902, the company introduced a 8 HP 2-cylinder model, which was an immediate success. Adolphe Clément left the company in October 1903, which was bought by Harvey DuCros (of Dunlop Tires), who continued to build automobiles at the factory in Mézi?res. The cars were called BAYARD, after the patron saint of Mézi?res ("the knight without fear and beyond reproach"), and later CLEMENT-BAYARD

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: AC 2

Year: 1902

Chassis: Clement Bayard (F)

Body: Rothschild

Engine: 2 cylinder, 1135 cc

Power: 8 HP

V Max: 50 km/h

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1937
Triumph Cabriolet Graber



Notable: This convertible with a body by Hermann Graber was shown in 1937 at the exhibit of Triumph importer, J. Hauser, of Zürich.
British motorcycle builder, Triumph of Coventry, was founded in 1902, with roots in bicycle manufacturing. The company successfully diversified in 1923 to build passenger and sports cars, merging with Standard in 1945. Examples of sporty models after 1950 included the TR 2, TR3 and others.
This car was exhibited at the 1937 Auto Show by importer Johann Hauser, and represents a good example of Hermann Graber's signature design

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: Continental

Year: 1937

Chassis: Triumph

Body: Hermann Graber, Wichtrach

Engine: 6 cylinder, 1991 ccm3

Power: 70 HP

V Max: 120 km/h

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1938
Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 B Cabriolet Worblaufen




Notable: This custom Alfa Romeo with aluminum body was one of the highlights of the 1938 Auto Show. Owner: Mr Koni Lutziger.
From Worblaufen to Geneva
Carrosserie Worblaufen started buying Alfa Romeo chassis as the basis for custom bodies in the early 1930s. Some thirty Alfa Romeo with different chassis configurations of the model 6C 2300 were built in Worblaufen.
This unrestored Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 with aluminum body is returning to the Geneva Auto Show after sixty-seven years. The car was built in 1938 for this event; the cost of the body (without the chassis) was CHF 12000 at the time.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: 6C 2300 B

Year: 1938

Chassis: Alfa Romeo

Body: Carrosserie Worblaufen, Fritz Ramseier & Cie.

Engine: 6 cylinder, 2309 cc

Power: 95 HP

V Max: 120 km/h

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1949
Riley - Walter Köng



Notable: The ACS club publication called this one-of-a-kind car, with a design unlike any other, "courageous".
Pioneer in design
This special one-of-a-kind car is based on a Riley. Köng considered a Bentley chassis, but that proved too expensive. Originating in bicycle production, Riley of Great Britain built cars from 1898 until 1969.
This car drew attention with its ingenious roof construction of 4 mm Perspexglas, a good insulator. Occupants were also protected from the sun with blinds of raw silk. No clients came forward at the auto show, and Walter Köng kept the car until his death.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: 2 ? RHF

Year: 1949

Chassis: Riley

Body: Carrosserie Walter Köng, Basel

Engine: 4 cylinder, 2443 ccm

Power: 56 HP

V Max: ca. 140 km/h

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1956
Enzmann Spyder



Notable: This Enzmann Spider was successfully raced at several hill climbs. Today, the company produces the New Enzmann based on the VW Beetle chassis, with the original forms.
Enzmann Spyder (CH)
From 1956 until 1961, the brothers Enzmann in Schüpfheim LU built some 100 cars. They used the VW chassis and added a sporty, lightweight fiberglass body with molded steps in the place of doors. With tuned VW and Porsche engines, the light cars could compete with more powerful sports cars.
Today, the third generation of the family is building the New Enzmann using the original form molds and attaching the body to used VW chassis. Clients can also opt for Porsche engines.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: 506

Year: 1956

Chassis: VW Beetle

Body: Enzmann, Schüpfheim

Engine: Porsche 4 cylinder, 1600 cc

Power: 95 HP

V Max: 180 km/h

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1956
Soletta Prototype



Notable: Willy Salzmann's goal was to present his new axle design. In order to show this novelty at the vehicle section of the Show (instead of the supplier side), the prototype had to be completed in only six weeks.
First Swiss Concept Car
The Catalogue of "Automobile Revue" of 1956 writes: "Small experimental vehicles for the research of new components by Dipl. Ing. Willy Salzmann, Vehicle Enteneering". Willy Salzmann's engeneering office for vehicle development was located at the Touring Haus in Solothurn. He was intrigued by innovative solutions for automotive components. Already in 1956, he introduced several design features. The doors were front- and rear-hinged, respectively, leading to production cost savings. The engine was located under the seat. Salzmann's concept of a compact small car predated the Mini. Neither his axle design nor the construction details were to become a commercial success.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: Soletta 750 Prototype

Year: 1956

Chassis: Basis Renault 4CV (Rear Engine)

Body: Willy Salzmann (Carrosserie Hess, Bellach SO)

Engine: 2 cylinder boxer (Condor motorcycle engine), 748 ccm

Power: 22 HP

V Max: ca. 105 km/h

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1958
Simca Aronde Coupé Beutler



Notable: The Simca Aronde of Beutler Brothers was an elegant two-seat coupe that was shown at the 1958 Auto Show.
Beutler's well-done coupe
Brothers Ernst and Fritz Beutler apprenticed with Carrosserie Worblaufen, Fritz Ramseier & Cie.; they worked for several companies before deciding in 1947 to found their own coachworks in Thun.
Their first order was for a convertible on a Salmson chassis, followed by six bodies based on the Porsche 356. The flourishing business soon used chassis from Bentley, Packard, Auto-Union, Healey, Javelin, Jaguar, Citroën, Austin, VW, Bristol and many others for their custom bodies. The Geneva Show was the stage for their latest creations, which won the appreciation of visitors and journalists.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: Aronde

Year: 1958

Chassis: Simca (F)

Body: Bros. Ernst und Fritz Beutler, Thun

Engine: 4 cylinder, 1290 cc

Power: 45 HP

V Max: 135 km/h

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1961
Alvis TD 21 Coupé Graber



Notable: Each of the thirty-one Alvis built by Hermann Graber of Wichtrach is unique. He offered convertible and coupe body styles. Park Ward (England) built Hermann Graber-designed Alvis under license.
Elegant design and quality workmanship
In 1947, Hubert Patthey of Neuchatel imported the first Type TA 14 Alvis chassis to Switzerland. Carrosserie Langenthal and Worblaufen, but especially Hermann Graber, created timeless and beautiful convertibles and coupes that drew attention from around the world. The history of the renowned company, Alvis, came to an end in 1967 with Model TF 21, the last passenger car chassis. It was fitted with a convertible body by Herman Graber. The fame of the coach builder also profited from being chosen to grace the cover of the Catalogue of "Automobile Revue" from 1953 to 1955.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: TD 21

Year: 1961

Chassis: Alvis (GB)

Body: Carrosserie Graber, Wichtrach

Engine: 6 cylinder, 2993 cc

Power: 119 HP

V Max: 165 km/h

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1973
Monteverdi Hai 450 GTS



Notable: The Monteverdi Hai 450 SS was the star of the Auto Show 1970; a faster version, the 450 GTS followed in 1973. The Hai is the only mid-engine sportscar by Monteverdi. The design is reminiscent of the De Tomaso Mangusta and Ferrari BB.
Peter Monteverdi's dream of his own sports car
22-year old Peter Monteverdi took over the car repair shop of his father in 1956. The racing enthusiast became acquainted with Enzo Ferrari, and was awarded a franchise. But he aspired to build a luxury car under his own name. In 1967, he drew the attention of the industry with the presentation of the Monteverdi High Speed 375 S. The Hai 450 SS was one of the highlights of the 1970 Auto Show, but this car and a second prototype could not compete with the likes of Lamborghini Countach, Maserati Bora und Ferrari BB. Only four cars were built, one of which can be seen at the Monteverdi Museum in Binningen.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: Hai 450 GTS

Year: 1970

Chassis: Monteverdi

Body: after sketches by Peter Monteverdi

Engine: Chrysler Hemi V8, 6974 ccm

Power: 390 HP (DIN)

V Max: 295 km/h (claimed)

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1989
Sauber C 9



Notable: Team Sauber won the World Sportscar Championship in 1989 with the C9, and also scored a one-two finish at Le Mans.
For the debut race of the C9 in Silverstone, Mercedes-Benz remained in the background. For the Supercup finale at the Nürburgring in late 1987, Sauber won the prestigious duel with Porsche. This important victory was the final motivation for Mercedes to return to motor sports competition after a hiatus of 33 years. Sauber became the official works team for the German manufacturer in 1988. Five race wins and second place for the C9 in the championship series were enough for Mercedes to bring back the traditional silver color for the next season. The new Silver Arrows finished one-two in Le Mans, won eight races, and took the drivers' and constructors' championships, making 1989 the most successful season for Sauber to date.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: C 9

Year: 1989

Chassis: Aluminum-Monocoque

Body: Sauber, Hinwil

Engine: V8 Mercedes-Benz, 4973 ccm

Power: ca. 850 HP

V Max: ca. 400 km/h

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1999
Sbarro GT 1



Notable: The GT 1 from Franco Sbarro is represented on the silver CHF 20 comemorative coin by SWISSMINT AG for the 100 year anniversary of the Geneva Auto Show.
Franco Sbarro
In the 1960s, Franco Sbarro from Lecce (southern Italy) joined the famed Scuderia Filipinetti as head mechanic and built his firs car, the Coupe Filipinetti. He left the Scuderia in 1968 and established his Atelier de Construction (ACA) in an old smitty. He drew some attention by converting Ford GT 40 racers for street use, but also with replicas of prestigeous cars like the BMW 328, Ferrari P4, Bugatti Royale and others. But Sbarro is not just a designer and car builder, but also an inventor. His accomplishments includ a wheel without a hub, a traction control system and a suspension concept. Since 1991, the Espace Sbarro schools (Grandson, Pontarlier, Casablanca) instruct students in development and design. The work of the students is presented at the Auto Show.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: GT 1

Year: 1999

Chassis: Tube frame

Body: Glas fiber

Engine: 8 cylinder, 7400 cc Mercedes-Benz

Power: 450 HP

V Max: 325 km/h

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2004
Rinspeed Splash



Notable: World premiere at the Geneva Auto Show 2004
The car that drives, floats, and even hovers
Frank M. Rinderknecht of Rinspeed AG (Zumikon/Zürich) keeps wowing the visitors at the Auto Show with his imaginative creations. In 2004, he unveiled the Splash, which can handle roads and water. The vehicle is not only water-tight, but it can deploy hydrofoils that push the body out of the water at speed, making it "fly" above the surface.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: Splash

Year: 2004

Chassis: Stahl

Body: Carbon-Composite

Engine: 750 cc Weber MPE 750 E

Power: 140 HP

V Max: 200 km/h road, 80 km/h water