Mystery red sports car in Zizers

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It must have been around 1980 when I took pictures of this red sports car in Zizers, Switzerland. The car is low—very low. Its height must be around 100–110 cm. The design shows some Italian influences and resembles concept cars from the late sixties and early seventies, such as the Dodge Charger III (1968), the Holden Hurricane (1969), and the Mazda RX500 (1970).

As the bonnet is very flat, the engine must be in the back—possibly mid-engined. The wheels also have an Italian flair, matching the overall design. They look like those on a Fiat Dino. In fact, the rims are Cromodora CD-3s, as used on the Fiat 124 Spider.

The company Autospritzwerk L. Bühler GmbH still exists, but they did not respond to requests for information. On at least one side of the car, there is a sticker with the name “M. Gruber, Autospenglerei” (in English: body repair shop). We have not been able to trace this company. There is a Carrosserie Gruber in Thusis, Switzerland, but that business was founded in 1978 by Christian Gruber—not “M.” Gruber.

What kind of car is this? Does anyone have more information?

Text and pictures: Marius Hille Ris Lambers

Herman van Oldenzeel presumes it is a replica kit car inspired by the 1962/63 Chevy Monza GT.

This article was originally published on September 13, 2016.

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