1912 Rauch and Lang Electric

The Rauch & Lang automobiles were electrically powered and often adorned with luxurious amenities. The electric motor provided benefits over the gas-powered engine. Starting the automobile was easy, especially when compared with the rudimentary means of spinning a crank to start an electric motor. The electric motor was quiet and did not produce fumes. The drawback was that it could only travel a short distance before requiring a recharge. As the years progressed, so did the gas-powered engine. The horsepower was increased, exhaust systems were created, and the electric starter was introduced. The electric-powered automobile could no longer compete.

The Rauch and Lang Carriage Company was located in Cleveland, Ohio, and began their business by creating carriages and coaches. From 1905 through 1916 they produced automobiles. The automobiles they produced, both open and closed versions, were expensive and purchased mostly by rich urban women. Many of the vehicles featured a seat outside of the closed compartment for the driver. With their coachbuilding expertise, they were able to create elaborate and exquisite automobiles that were easy to drive and comfortable to ride.

An advertisement for their automobiles read 'Whatever your ideas today, you are certain to come to the conclusion, sooner or later, that an enclosed automobile like the Rauch & Lang Electric combines all the desirable features and eliminates all the well-known annoyances and much of the expense incident to gasoline cars.'

In 1916 they merged with Baker Electric and became known as Baker, Rauch & Lang Company. In 1922 the company was moved to Chicopee Falls, MA where it became known as Rauch & Lang Electric Car Manufacturing Company. The vehicles they produced during this time were known as Raulangs. Quantities were low and production ceased near the close of 1922.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2005

The Cleveland-based Rauch & Lang Carriage Company progressed from building horse-drawn carriages since their inception in 1853 to produce their first electric vehicles in 1905. Listed at $3,800, the Town Car was offered in the R&L catalog for a number of years, but it is thought that few were actually produced. This particular Town Car has the distinction of having been owned by the most appropriate person in the field of electricity itself, Thomas Edison. He used the car for a period of time, and it was later displayed in the Edison Institute's museum. In 1989, Mr. Robert Gottlieb, of Oxnard, CA, purchased the car from the museum. Mr. Gottlieb is well known to students of automotive history, serving for many years as the Classic Car Editor for Motor Trend Magazine. Mr. Gottlieb restored the car, and, in 2004, the current owner purchased this piece of automotive history.