1913 Rauch & Lang Electric Open Roadster

This 1913 Rauch & Lang Electric Open Roadster is said to have spent time in Briggs Cunningham’s automotive museum in Costa Mesa, California, prior to being sold into another private collection. It was purchased in 1988 by the seller’s father, who used it as a promotional vehicle at his theme park, the Ponderosa Ranch in Incline Village, Nevada. The car has reportedly remained in storage since the theme park closed in 2004. An 80-volt Hertner electric motor powers the rear wheels through a worm drive and draws from 14 six-volt golf cart batteries. This Rauch & Lang roadster is now offered with a charger, spare tires, and a clean Nevada title in the seller’s name. Rauch & Lang produced electric cars in Cleveland, Ohio, and later Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, between 1905 and 1928. Eight models were offered by the factory in 1913, two of which were convertibles. This car is finished in brown with black front and rear hoods and black accents. The black leather fenders were replaced approximately 30 years ago, and the folding soft top features a three-panel rear window. The 32″ Firestone tires are cracked, and replacement Goodrich Silvertown tires are included along with tubes and flaps. Accessories include a rear luggage rack with a trunk, Rauch & Lang-branded running board step plates, dual sideview mirrors, headlights, two lanterns, and a folding windshield. The car is equipped with brakes at the rear wheels only. The bench seat was reupholstered in brown buttoned leather many years ago. The door panels and dashboard are also trimmed in brown leather. The car features tiller steering, a continuous torque controller to regulate speed, and a folding rear-facing seat on the passenger side. Instrumentation consists of gauges for voltage and amperage, and no odometer is present. The seller estimates that he has added about 500 miles during his ownership. Power is sent to the rear wheels via worm drive and an 80-volt Hertner electric motor mounted underneath the car. Power is supplied by 14 six-volt golf cart batteries, five of which are mounted out back. The other nine are located under the front hood, as pictured above. The seller states that the batteries will not hold a charge and will need to be replaced. A Lester Electrical charger is included.