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  

The information is written with the greatest of care. However, if you have any suggested amendments please contact us at office@prewarcar.com

Rauch & Lang

US, 1905 – 1928

(1) Rauch & Lang Carriage Co, Cleveland, Ohio, 1905 – 1916

(2) Baker, Rauch & Lang Co, Cleveland, Ohio, 1916 – 1922

(3) Rauch & Lang Electric Car Manufacturing Co, Chicopee Falls, Mass., 1922 – 1928

Rauch & Lang were an old-established carriage building firm (founded 1853) when they began to make electric Rauch & Lang cars in 1905. These Rauch & Lang cars followed the usual pattern for such electric vehicles, being mainly closed town cars, although a few open phaeton Rauch & Lang cars were also made. The biggest Rauch & Lang cars were heavier vehicles and included a six-seater limousine with separate outside seat for the chauffeur. Some Rauch & Lang cars had 4-doors, a very unusual feature in electric cars. In 1916 the Rauch & Lang cars became part of the Baker, Rauch & Lane group and production declined. From 1919 onwards the Rauch & Lang cars were sometimes listed as Raulangs, and from 1922 this became the official name of the Rauch & Lang cars.

By this time production of Rauch & Lang cars had been transferred to the Stevens-Duryea factory at Chicopee Falls where the number of private cars made was very small. The factory, which was still turning out a few Stevens-Duryeas, also made petrol and electric taxi-cabs under the name Rauch & Lang cars, and bodies for Stanley Steamers.

Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; GNG

The information is written with the greatest of care. However, if you have any suggested amendments please contact us at office@prewarcar.com