1918 Rauch & Lang Electric B26 Brougham
1918 Rauch & Lang Electric B26 Brougham
1918 Rauch & Lang Electric B26 Brougham
· An early pioneer in green energy and the electric car market
· A rare and seldom-seen example
· Fully functional and ready for outings
· Meticulously and accurately restored to a very high standard
Rauch & Lang, a company based in Cleveland, Ohio, had its roots in the carriage trade, established in 1884 by Jacob Rauch and Charles Lang. S
· An early pioneer in green energy and the electric car market
· A rare and seldom-seen example
· Fully functional and ready for outings
· Meticulously and accurately restored to a very high standard
Rauch & Lang, a company based in Cleveland, Ohio, had its roots in the carriage trade, established in 1884 by Jacob Rauch and Charles Lang. Specializing in high-quality horse-drawn carriages, their products were known for their prestige and higher cost. In 1903, the company took its first step into the realm of “horseless carriages” by acquiring a Buffalo Electric motor and controller supplier, Hertner Electric. By 1908, Rauch & Lang was producing 500 cars a year in a range of open and closed body configurations. These electric cars found popularity among the rich and wealthy due to their ease of driving, quiet operation, and capacity for carrying heavy coachwork with multiple passengers, thanks to high-torque motors. With the rise of the self-starter gasoline cars, Rauch & Lang's sales began to decline, so in 1915 the company merged with Cleveland, Ohio competitor Baker Electric and continued to offer several passenger models under the Rauch & Lang brand. However, in 1920, their electric car business was acquired by the Stevens-Duryea Company, and the production of Rauch & Lang’s electric cars was moved to a new factory, where they started manufacturing taxis with both petrol and electric powertrains. While petrol-powered cabs proved more successful, the demand for electric vehicles waned. By 1929, Rauch & Lang made one final push, experimenting with a petrol/electric hybrid vehicle in collaboration with General Electric, but the Wall Street Crash of October 1929 would deal a fatal blow to Rauch & Lang, resulting in their downfall.
An early pioneer in green energy and the electric car market, this 1918 Rauch & Lang B26 Brougham is a rare and seldom-seen surviving example that has been faithfully and meticulously restored to a very high standard. The original body with its nickel plating is finished in a two-tone color scheme of Crimson Red with black fenders and elegant pinstriping throughout. The appearance resembles fine jewelry that has just recently been finished and presented. Riding on wood spoke wheels that have been crowned with a lavish paint scheme and wrapped in new wide whitewall tires, the appearance is truly captivating and leaves onlookers wondering how this automobile was constructed and engineered in 1918, especially since it emulates such a quiet sound strolling down the road.
The boxed cabin has been finely restored like the rest of the car and features a rear bench seat that places the driver on the left side, as well as a single swiveling parlor seat and fixed cushion seat placed rearward. Gray cord fabric upholstery covers the entire cabin and is drawn together with subtle wood veneer on the window sills. Features include roll-up windows with blinds, “floating” flower vases in the front corners, rear corner lights, a dome light, and a rearview mirror spanning the width of the windshield. Slotted between the front seats is a cluster of gauges, which entail a gauge that monitors amperage hours, a Weston Ammeter, a Weston voltmeter, and a Warner Auto-Meter drum-style speedometer. The driver is placed on the left side of the bench seat as the tiller steering control and hand throttle are equipped on that side.
The most interesting part of this pioneering automobile is the motor and mechanisms, as it has a Hertner DC electric motor that provides five forward speeds to the rear wheels via a shaft drive and worm-drive axle. Suspension incorporates solid front and rear axles with elliptic leaf springs at the rear and semi-elliptic leaf springs at the front. This example was recently fitted in 2023 with new batteries and runs on 48 volts and stands ready to take for a spin.
Way ahead of its time, as well as the EV craze that can be seen today, this 1918 Rauch & Lang B26 Brougham is a true testament to innovation during the progressive era and one that set the standard for almost all EV automobiles to follow.
1922 Ford Model T Depot Hack
1918 Rauch & Lang Electric B26 Brougham
1918 Rauch & Lang Electric B26 Brougham
Specifications: 176 cubic-inch L-head four-cylinder engine, 20 HP, two-speed planetary transmission with reverse, solid front axle and live rear axle with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs, transmission brake, rear-wheel mechanical drum brakes; Wheelbase: 100-inches
· Older AACA First Prize winner
· Finely detailed restoration
· Ideal
Specifications: 176 cubic-inch L-head four-cylinder engine, 20 HP, two-speed planetary transmission with reverse, solid front axle and live rear axle with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs, transmission brake, rear-wheel mechanical drum brakes; Wheelbase: 100-inches
· Older AACA First Prize winner
· Finely detailed restoration
· Ideal for touring, showing, or riding down Main Street in the local parade
It is sometimes said that Ford’s Model T was perhaps the most versatile vehicle ever built. Whether it was a sedan, roadster, coupe, or pick-up truck, the faithful Model T stood ready to perform. Powered by its dependable four-cylinder engine, the Model T was a marvel of simplicity that proved the reliability of the American automobile. The Model T was also employed by many businesses as a delivery vehicle for drug stores, lumber yards, or even coal delivery. One such business truck was the Depot Hack, which was used to ferry passengers and tourists from train stations to hotels. In an era where mighty steam-powered trains were the means of travel, the Depot Hack made sure that weary travelers made it to their final destinations safely and in comfort.
Carrying passengers and their luggage was not a problem for this beautifully restored example here. This charming piece of Ford’s history, with its lovely wood body, carries all of the utilitarian appeal that one would expect from a Model T. This is a beautifully restored truck as evidenced by its AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America) Senior badge up front. The overall appearance on this T presents very well with a nicely detailed engine compartment, clean chassis, and finely detailed interior that justly demonstrates the simplistic charm of the era. Most impressive is the rear passenger section where the wooden sides can be locked in their upright position for hauling goods or packages or lowered down for guest seating in Pullman style. A full set of rear roll-upside curtains also protects passengers from the elements. Nothing in the restoration of this charming truck was overlooked and indeed it appears like new.
The Depot Hack may have been built for a practical purpose, but it’s beautiful wood and simplistic design make it a truck that has an appeal like no other. Restored by a Michigan resident, it was sold to the James Collection located in Auburn, Indiana in 2014. There, it resided next to some very historically significant automobiles, such as a Duesenberg Model J. The Grand Rapids Classics Auto Museum would welcome this example into their collection in the fall of 2024 from the James Collection. In the present day, the SUV may reign supreme, but this Depot Hack takes us back to a time of elegant simplicity. This is a truck that’s perfect for touring, showing, or riding down Main Street in the local parade.
1929 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup
1918 Rauch & Lang Electric B26 Brougham
1929 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup
Specifications: 200 cubic-inch L-head inline four-cylinder engine, 40 horsepower, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle with transverse leaf spring, live rear axle with cantilevered semi-elliptic leaf springs, four-wheel mechanical drum brakes, rear-wheel-drive; Wheelbase: 103-inches
Specifications: 200 cubic-inch L-head inline four-cylinder engine, 40 horsepower, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle with transverse leaf spring, live rear axle with cantilevered semi-elliptic leaf springs, four-wheel mechanical drum brakes, rear-wheel-drive; Wheelbase: 103-inches
· Extensive body-off-the-frame restoration
· A beloved version of the Model A
· Attractive wood railed truck bed with driver's side-mounted spare tire
The introduction of the Ford Model A in late 1927 represents one of the most significant and successful business turnarounds of the 20th Century. While many believed by late 1924 that Henry Ford’s engineering and manufacturing genius had seen better days, Edsel Ford, Henry’s visionary son and President of the Ford Motor Company, successfully lobbied for development of a new car to replace the venerable Model T. In a landmark move, Henry Ford ordered his factories to shut down in June 1927 and when the Model T’s successor, the Model A, debuted several months later, it marked a quantum leap forward with its handsome Lincoln-inspired styling, the product of Edsel’s design genius.
Substance matched the new Model A’s winning styling with a larger 200 cubic-inch, 40-horsepower four-cylinder engine producing twice the output of its predecessor. While the Model A was more complex than the old “Tin Lizzie,” driving was made much easier with a new sliding-gear manual transmission with a simplified “H” shift pattern. Other advances heralded by the Model A included welded steel wire wheels, Houdaille-type double-acting shock absorbers, four-wheel mechanical brakes, and a 6-volt electrical, charging, and starting system. Departing even further from the basic Model T concept, the Model A was even available in a choice of several colors. Priced from just $460, the Model A was initially available in nine body types and as before with the Model T, the new Ford provided buyers with immense value and utility.
The lucky recipient of an extensive body-off-the-frame restoration, this 1929 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup is truly a charming example. A rare Roadster Pickup, the owner has the option of “drop top” motoring while still being able to haul a full load in the back of the bed. Finished in red and black with an attractive wood railed truck bed, it presents as the ideal choice for parades, display, or simple weekend enjoyment.
1914 Cadillac Model 30 5-Passenger Tourer
1914 Cadillac Model 30 5-Passenger Tourer
1914 Cadillac Model 30 5-Passenger Tourer
Specifications: 365.8 cubic-inch inline four-cylinder engine, 50 horsepower, 3-speed manual selective sliding transmission, solid axle and semi-elliptical leaf-spring suspension, rear-wheel-drive; wheelbase: 120 inches
· Final and best year for the Cadillac Model 30 with 50 horsepower
Specifications: 365.8 cubic-inch inline four-cylinder engine, 50 horsepower, 3-speed manual selective sliding transmission, solid axle and semi-elliptical leaf-spring suspension, rear-wheel-drive; wheelbase: 120 inches
· Final and best year for the Cadillac Model 30 with 50 horsepower
· Nicely restored both aesthetically and mechanically
· Fitted with an upgraded electric starter
· A lovely automobile from the end of the Brass Era
For Cadillac, the historic Model 30 was not their first four-cylinder model offered but was arguably the best, and one that truly set the standard for the company. It showed the world they could offer an automobile at a fairly reasonable price that displayed quality, luxury and performance all in one package. To no surprise, this was also at the same time that Cadillac began to use its famous “Standard of the World” marketing tagline, which many believed, because of the Model 30. The Model 30 was built from 1908 to 1914 and was offered as a three-passenger Roadster, two-door Demi-Tonneau, or a two-door five-passenger Tourer, all of which were greatly loved by the buying public.
A charming example from the end of the Brass Era, this Model 30 Five-Passenger Tourer has been treated to an older comprehensive restoration that shows slight patina but has been well-maintained during its life. An automobile that came about at a time when driving was becoming more common, Cadillac took notice and made changes for the final year of the Model 30. Equipment such as an optional electrically engaged two-speed direct-drive Timken rear axle was added, which resulted in a quieter experience when traveling at higher speeds. The Model 30 had a so-called self-starter as well. This would do away with the tricky and potentially dangerous crank starter and would increase the appeal of the automobile, as less work was needed to start. The engine also saw quite an upgrade, going from a 30-horsepower 266-cubic-inch four-cylinder to a 365.8-cubic-inch inline four-cylinder engine that produced nearly 50 horsepower, completely changing the driving experience, of course for the better. Mechanical brakes were also added in 1914 to the rear, for improved stopping power and touring abilities.
Finished in a deep gloss black throughout, the exterior is complemented by brass features trickled throughout the body. The top goes up and down with ease and gives the car a unique appearance in either position. The body sits on beautiful 27-inch natural finish wood-spoke wheels wrapped in 36 x 4 ½-inch tires, adding to its overall prestigious look. Other notable features include the hinged “Fat Mans” steering wheel which allows for more ease when getting in and exiting the vehicle, Gray and Davis cowl lights with nickel bezels, a moto meter, dual wind wings, and a spare tire mounted to the rear. Adding to its appeal, it even has its original 1914 Cadillac Instructions manual, which only cost 25 cents to purchase at the time.
Recently serviced including a fuel system flush and rebuild of the electric starter, this example was purchased by the Grand Rapids Classics Auto Museum in the spring of 2023 from the Worldwide Auctioneers Enthusiast Auction. Before that, this example resided in the famed Volo Auto Museum in Volo, Illinois, where it was purchased by the previous owner, a highly regarded private collection located in Indiana.
Rarely seen today, as only 14,000 were produced and a scarce number have survived, this 1914 Cadillac Model 30 Five-Passenger Tourer presents itself as a suitable example, with an ample 50 horsepower, for vintage touring, or as a nice exhibition vehicle for both shows and private collection display.
1913 American Underslung Tourist
1914 Cadillac Model 30 5-Passenger Tourer
1914 Cadillac Model 30 5-Passenger Tourer
Specifications: 318 cubic-inch T-head four-cylinder engine, 48 horsepower, four-speed manual transmission, front and rear underslung leaf spring suspension, rear wheel hydraulic drum brakes, rear-wheel-drive; wheelbase:
· A faithful restoration by noted specialists
· Best in Class at the 2020 Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance
· 48-horsepower
Specifications: 318 cubic-inch T-head four-cylinder engine, 48 horsepower, four-speed manual transmission, front and rear underslung leaf spring suspension, rear wheel hydraulic drum brakes, rear-wheel-drive; wheelbase:
· A faithful restoration by noted specialists
· Best in Class at the 2020 Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance
· 48-horsepower T-head inline four-cylinder engine
· The earliest built car in the Grand Rapids Classics Auto Museum
Founded in 1906, The American Automobile Company of Indianapolis, Indiana, in its brief eight-year history, produced a variety of cars, although none are more highly regarded or memorable as their revolutionary Underslung models. Starting with a clean sheet for design, Fred Tone came up with a totally new idea, basically flipping the chassis upside down and placing the leaf springs above or beside the frame with the axle suspended from them. Assisting on the project was Harry C. Stutz who worked on the design of the rear transaxle which added to the low silhouette of the car; this was before Stutz would leave American in 1907 and start his own automotive company. For 1912, The American Automobile Company offered three basic lines: Traveler, Tourist and Scout. With prices starting at $1,250, these cars offered a lot of bang for those hard-earned dollars. The Scout’s engine had plenty of pep to drive these cars over almost any terrain and were reported to be quite nimble and responsive on the few good roads that existed, and resilient to getting bogged down on the bad roads found almost everywhere. As with most early car makers, their smaller introductory models helped build their reputations. These would lead to the development of bigger and more powerful machines, which in turn would hopefully generate larger revenues and higher profits. As popular and reliable as Underslungs were, the hoped-for well-heeled customers looked to more conventional and less expensive makes and models for their basic transportation needs and, in 1914, The American Automobile Company filed for bankruptcy seeing their assets sold off before the end of the year. Unfortunately, time forgot these beautiful cars and during two world wars, the price of scrap, especially brass, meant many of these pioneering vehicles would be sacrificed in the name of freedom.
A recipient of a documented and carefully planned restoration, this 1913 American Underslung Tourist is a beacon from the past and what many would consider the first American “sports car”. Formerly of the Bob and Ruth Toney Collection in Merced, California, this Underslung was sold to a private collector in the early 2000s as a rolling chassis. Wanting to bring it back to life and its former glory, a tedious historical research endeavor began in order to ensure that each part of the body was recreated correctly and mirrored its original form. Executed by Honest Charley Garage in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a well-known and highly respected builder and restorer, the outcome was truly stunning and well worth the long days that trickled into the many long nights. At this same time, a correct 48-horsepower T-head inline four-cylinder engine and four-speed manual transmission were properly fitted.
Completed in 2008, this Underslung Tourist would garner its AACA National First Prize and Senior Award badge in the same year. Its award-winning appearance would continue at the 2013 AACA Hershey meet where it won the National Chocolate Town Trophy; it was also part of the Underslung display at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and it captured Best of Show for an American car at the 2017 Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance. Most recently, under the ownership of car enthusiast and TV famed Wayne Carini, this example took home a Best in Class Award ribbon at the 2020 Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance.
Having been carefully maintained since being completed, the mechanicals and bodywork are in wonderful shape which gives its owner a distinctive opportunity to gain access to events around the country. The earliest car in the Grand Rapids Classics Auto Museum, this seldom-seen 1913 American Underslung adds a bit of pre-'20s panache and flavor that most collections can only dream of having.
1919 Renault Type GR Skiff
1914 Cadillac Model 30 5-Passenger Tourer
1919 Renault Type GR Skiff
· Seldom seen Belvallette & Cie coachwork
· Photo documented restoration by Carrosserie Lecoq Paris of France
· 2019 Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance Rolling Sculpture Award winner
· Formerly of the world-renowned Harrah’s Collection; documented by verification certificate
Renault’s reputation was made on the open road races of Europe in th
· Seldom seen Belvallette & Cie coachwork
· Photo documented restoration by Carrosserie Lecoq Paris of France
· 2019 Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance Rolling Sculpture Award winner
· Formerly of the world-renowned Harrah’s Collection; documented by verification certificate
Renault’s reputation was made on the open road races of Europe in the cars built and driven by Louis Renault and his brother Marcel. Competition was the most effective way to promote the company’s products and to demonstrate their speed and reliability. The earliest Renaults were powered by deDion engines and, with a pair of them, Louis and Marcel finished first and second in the amateur drivers class in the 1899 Paris-Trouville race. Only two years later, Renault was building cars and its own engines specifically for competition, and Marcel won the overall victory in the 1901 Paris-Vienna race. By 1913, Renault had grown to become the largest automaker in France, with a reputation for luxury cars of exceptional quality, often fitted with the latest in formal coachwork. In the formative years from 1904 to 1928, Renault’s primary identifying features were a shovel nose bonnet and a radiator positioned between the engine and the firewall, something many competitors soon adopted.
A rarely seen Type GR Skiff Renault, this example sports stylish open coachwork by coachbuilder Belvallette & Cie of France. Bearing chassis number 64533, it is believed this Renault was built in 1918, but the body was not completed until 1919. The charming, nautical-inspired body features African Mahogany decking and a full canvas top with matching side curtains. The two-tone light blue livery suits the boat-like body and is believed to be close to the original color scheme. Accents are provided by black fenders and light grey coach lines, with body-colored artillery wheels.
A copy of the production ledger shows this Renault was first delivered to New York; however, the original owner’s identity remains a mystery. Known history picks up with Eugene Lajunie, owner of the Fair Oaks Garage in Pasadena, California in 1947 and again in 1962 when George Shafer of San Bernardino, California, a founder and past president of The Horseless Carriage Club, sold it to the world-famous Harrah’s Collection of Reno, Nevada. William Harrah had an eye for rare and interesting cars and surely recognized the significance of this Renault when he acquired it. This GR remained in the Harrah’s Collection until 1985 when many of the cars either became part of the National Motor Museum in Reno or were sold at auction. This Type GR Skiff was then acquired by Mr. Shar of Glendale, California. Photos in this binder show this example when it was purchased from Harrah’s, displaying this Renault as worn down but very complete, making it an ideal candidate for a restoration. For the restoration, it was only fitting that it was returned to Europe in 1996 for Carrosserie Lecoq Paris of France to complete the thorough restoration. Finished in 2002 and documented by a photo album showing the entire process, everything, including the mechanical prowess was gone through, leaving the 18-horsepower long-stroke 4,534cc four-cylinder Monobloc engine ready for touring and road enjoyment. Refinished in two-tone ocean blue with tan leather upholstery, it is handsomely presented and well-detailed throughout. Carefully maintained since restoration, it has mellowed nicely, and shows signs of occasional use while remaining worthy of display. Most recently, this Renault won the Rolling Sculpture Award in February 2019 at the Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance.
This special 1919 automobile is documented by a Harrah's Verification Certificate, a copy of a Nevada title in Bill Harrah’s name, an owner’s manual, and the aforementioned copy of the production ledger as well as photos before and during the restoration process.
Seldom seen today with fabulous coachwork and striking features, this proven award-winning 1919 Renault Type GR Skiff which was once owned by one of the largest and most famous car collectors in the world, makes for a fabulous addition to the ever-growing Grand Rapids Classics Auto Mus
1929 AUBURN 8-90 SPEEDSTER
Specifications: Lycoming eight-cylinder engine, 90 horsepower, three-speed manual transmission, semi-elliptic springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, Lockheed system hydraulically operated expanding brakes, rear-wheel drive; Wheelbase: 125 inches
· Believed to be less than 100 1928-29 Speedsters
· Concours-level body-off-the-frame restoration
Specifications: Lycoming eight-cylinder engine, 90 horsepower, three-speed manual transmission, semi-elliptic springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, Lockheed system hydraulically operated expanding brakes, rear-wheel drive; Wheelbase: 125 inches
· Believed to be less than 100 1928-29 Speedsters
· Concours-level body-off-the-frame restoration
· A primary First award winner at the ACD Club National Reunion
· Timeless and elegant boattail styling
By the 1929 season, under the leadership of E. L. Cord, Auburn automobiles had gained a strong following of loyal customers due in part to their advanced engineering and attractive coachwork. Cord realized that not just solid engineering sold cars; it also took a bit of “sizzle” to appeal to the buying public. He employed several gifted stylists including the talented, Al Leamy. Having launched his automotive career with Marmon in 1927, within a year he was hired by Cord to assist in the design of the new Cord Front Drive models as well as contributions to the upcoming Duesenberg Model J and the Auburn’s 1929 models. Another member of E. L. Cord’s industrial complex was the Lycoming Motor Co., which had been making engines for cars and planes since 1907, and supplied motors for Auburn. For 1929, Auburn’s lines presented a subtle reveal molding that flowed from the sides of the cowl to a peak at the front of the hood which blended into the streamlined radiator shell that would be a trendsetter for the industry. As part of Auburn’s leadership for handling and safety, suspension points using newly developed hydraulic shock absorbers provided a smooth ride while the Bijur centralized chassis lubrication system kept all points properly maintained. Also new this year was the introduction of the Lockheed system of hydraulically operated internal expanding brakes that provided safe and swift stopping power with less effort from the driver. For Auburn, 1929 would be the best year ever with 23,509 units produced, nearly double the cars seen for 1928.
The beautifully presented 1929 Auburn 8-90 Speedster here has been brought back to life thanks to a concours level body-off-the-frame restoration that was completed in 2014. A concours restoration is the highest level of restoration, the goal is for the automobile to score a perfect 100 on a judging scale, which includes every nut, bolt, finish and part to be as close to perfect as possible.
The sweeping lines are accented by an original factory color scheme, black fenders and upper body with Navahoe Red as a contrast; the beltline is highlighted by tasteful gold-toned pinstripes, with lavish chrome “flashes” throughout. A black Haartz soft top and supple red leather interior complete a stunning visual package.
The iconic Lycoming inline eight-cylinder engine, no. GR3095A, is meticulously presented in keeping with the rest of the car; and is paired with a correct floor-shifted three-speed manual transmission. Additional prominent features include the chromed wire wheels with Firestone wide whitewall tires, cowllights, dual side-mounted spares, twin windshield wipers, and a centrally located Stewart-Warner instrument cluster on the dashboard.
The excellence of this car’s restoration was recognized with a Primary First at the 2014 Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club National Reunion. In addition, the Auburn was selected for the Sports Cars of the Century Class at the 2014 Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s, received a Red Ribbon at the 2014 Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and was a featured display car at the Canadian International Auto Show’s Art and the Automobile display in 2015.