Wanderer

D, 1911 – 1939

(1) Wanderer Fahrradwerke vorm. Winkelhofer & Jaenicke AG, Schönau, 1911 – 1917

(2) Wanderer-Werke AG, Siegmar, 1917 – 1939

The Wanderer firm – like many others – started with bicycle manufacture; motor cycles followed and led the way to Wanderer cars. Extensive experiments with Wanderer cars were undertaken. In 1905 the 2-cylinder Wanderermobil was ready, but this Wanderer car remained a prototype. Another Wanderer car – which is still in existence – is claimed to date from 1904.

It is reported by some sources that Ettore Bugatti offered a small car design to Wanderer in 1910 before starting manufacturing on his own. But Wanderer cars did not take over the Bugatti car, as their own Wanderer car designs were ready and they started production of these Wanderer cars in 1911. Their first production Wanderer car had a 4-cylinder 1.150cc, 5/12PS engine and a two-seater tandem body. This Wanderer car was popularly known as the Püppchen (doll). Engine capacity was increased to 1.220cc in 1914 and the output raised to 5/15PS. Three- and four-seater Wanderer cars were also available and this model Wanderer carwas listed until 1922. Some 4-cylinder models Wanderer car in the 1½- and 2-litre range followed udring the 1920s. A 6-cylinder Wanderer car (the W11) with a 2.540cc 50bhp engine was built under licence by Martini of Switzerland. The W11 was also available in a sports version of 2.995cc and 65bhp. In addition to 4-cylinder Wanderer cars, a range of 6-cylinder cars was built during the 1930s which were based on a Porsche design. These Wanderer cars had push-rod ohv engines, and later cars had swing-axle rear suspension.

A very sporty looking Wanderer car appeared in 1936, the W25K (K for Kompressor). The 1.936cc engine with blower developed 85bhp and the Wanderer car easily reached 93mph. However, this Wanderer car did not figure much in competitions and was produced in limited numbers only. After 1932 Wanderer was a member of the Auto Union. Their cars had a reputation for quality, finish and good performance although they were intended for workaday use. In the Auto Union catalogues they represented the ‘upper middle-class’. Wanderer car production ceased at the outbreak of World War 2 in 1939, by which time two sv models, with all-round independent suspension, a 1.8-litre four and a 2.6-litre six, were being offered.

Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; HON  

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Bond

GB, 1922 – 1928

F.W. Bond & Co, Brighouse, Yorks

Several attempts were made in Britain in the 1920s to share in the success of American imports by producing an American-type assembled car. The original 1922 Bond had a 14.3hp Tylor 4-cylinder engine, but from 1923 a 6-cylinder Continental unit was used. Other American components were incorporated, and front-wheel brakes were a feature on the Bond car for sale. In 1927 the Bond tourers were replaced by a sports car using an Anzani 1½-litre engine in the prototype Bond, and Meadows 4EDs in the few production models that appeared. These could be had with superchargers. The Bond company were also responsible for the design of the Australian Chic. At least one Bond, a Meadows-engined sports model, survives today.

Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; TRN
The information is written with the greatest of care. However, if you have any suggested amendments please contact us at office@prewarcar.com