Description
FBW C40U “Haiïsch” | 1957
Highlights:
– Rare Swiss-built FBW Alpenwagen with full documented history since 1957
– Original aluminum body with classic shark-nose design
– Preserved original interior and unique sliding bench seat system
– Served over 30 years in the Swiss Alps before becoming a collector’s item
– A rolling piece of European transport heritage
The seller offers for sale this 1957 FBW C40U Alpenwagen, affectionately nicknamed “Haiïsch” (shark) due to its distinctive sloping front. This handcrafted Swiss touring bus was specifically engineered for the rigors of Alpine transport. With its original 11-litre 6-cylinder diesel engine and non-standard transmission layout, it was built for both durability and passenger comfort. This example, chassis number 4037, served faithfully from 1958 to 1989 in the Swiss Alps as a postal and touring vehicle before being imported to the Netherlands in 1989, where it became part of the prestigious Hofstra Travels heritage collection.
The aluminum bodywork, rare for the time, remains structurally solid and benefits from a later repaint in a soft green-grey hue, applied during its preservation phase in the Netherlands. More recently, a protective coating was added to enhance longevity and appearance. The bus has large panoramic windows, heated double-glazed glass at the front, and original roof ventilation—features tailored to the comfort of Alpine travel. Power steering is installed but currently inoperative and would require servicing. The braking system is original and does not include disc brakes, consistent with the era.
The FBW still runs and shifts. The indicators and lighting systems function properly. However, the vehicle currently lacks a valid Dutch inspection due to its storage status and will require an RDW inspection to regain public road access.
The exterior is in overall good shape, with neatly fitting panels and preserved body lines, although minor repairs or repainting might be desired depending on the buyer’s intentions. As with many aluminum-bodied classics, oxidation on inner panels may exist but is not visible externally. The off-white color provides a timeless and stately appearance, ideal for historical showcases or event use.
Inside, the bus retains its full original seating configuration, including eight rows of passenger benches and a rear bench seat. The innovative sliding bench mechanism allows seats to shift inward for added shoulder room—a thoughtful design element that reflects FBW’s passenger-first philosophy. The interior has not been restored, and while structurally complete, the seat upholstery shows considerable wear and would benefit from restoration for regular use or exhibition purposes. The dashboard and driver’s area are original, featuring classic gauges and controls. Flooring and paneling are consistent with the age of the vehicle and present as original, unrestored components.
This C40U’s history is extensively documented, with records dating back to its manufacture in 1957, including Swiss maintenance logs and documents from its time with Hofstra. With a known total mileage of 600,000 km and a history that mirrors the evolution of post-war Alpine travel, this FBW bus offers a rare chance to own a vehicle that is both mechanically significant and culturally iconic.
The C40U “Haiïsch” was designed and built by Franz Brozincevic Wetzikon (FBW), a Swiss manufacturer known for precision-crafted commercial vehicles. These buses were purpose-built for Alpine duty, favoring aluminum construction for reduced weight and corrosion resistance. The shark-like front end was not just aesthetic—it provided better forward visibility and slope-friendly handling on winding mountain routes. Used extensively by Swiss Post and regional transport operators, FBW buses became synonymous with mid-century Alpine mobility.
This particular unit operated across mountainous regions from 1958 to 1989 in iconic “postal yellow” livery, connecting villages, ski resorts, and tourist routes long before mass car ownership took hold. It later transitioned to ceremonial and collector use in the Netherlands, representing one of the last operational examples of its kind in Western Europe.
Today, the “Haiïsch” is not just a bus—it’s a time capsule. It stands as a living monument to Swiss engineering, rural connectivity, and the evolution of European tourism. Whether it finds a place in a museum, private collection, or a lovingly restored event fleet, its next chapter awaits.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
3. Good: Repairs to the bodywork and paint may be needed, possibly requiring part replacements.
Condition of the Interior
2. Fair: Noticeable signs of heavy use; may have burn marks, cracks, or permanent stains.
Technical Condition
3. Good: Generally reliable, but may need some maintenance or repairs.
Overall Condition
3. Good Condition: May need some mechanical and cosmetic repairs, but can drive.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Friesland province, the Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Belgium registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
