Abstract: A clamping device for a motor vehicle production line has, on both sides of a transport apparatus for rough car bodies, ways on a common base frame leading underneath the transport apparatus for one side carriage each which can run separately on one side of the transport apparatus. The side carriage bears only the side members of one side of the transport apparatus. Clamping means serve to connect the side carriages with the base frame whenever the side carriages are in the working position.