Albar (Switzerland) - AllCarIndex

Albar was a Swiss automobile manufacturer founded by Alois Barmetder in 1978. Based in Buochs, Switzerland, the company specialized in the production of small numbers of sports cars, primarily built on Volkswagen chassis. Barmetder, a driving instructor and workshop owner, began his venture by converting Volkswagen Beetles into Buggies and cross-country vehicles during the 1970s.

The Albar brand is known for its distinctive models, which featured fibreglass bodies produced in Austria. Among the notable offerings were the Albar Jet, available in Switzerland, and the Strato, marketed in Austria. In 1982, Albar introduced the Sonic model, which marked a significant evolution in their design philosophy. The Sonic utilized a space-frame chassis instead of the traditional platform chassis, allowing for a more modern fibreglass targa body. This model also saw the introduction of various engine options, starting with the Volkswagen flat-4, followed by VW-Audi 4-cylinder inline engines, and later the Renault 25 engine.

Albar's production was limited, focusing on creating specialized vehicles that appealed to a niche market. The company ceased operations in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of unique sports cars that combined innovative design with performance.