1916 Rauch & Lang Electric BX6 Brougham

1916 Rauch & Lang Electric BX6 Brougham

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 draw-back 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's, 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 1920 the automobile production line was purchased by Stevens-Duryea Company of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. The Cleveland Company, known as Baker, remained in business producing trucks and industrial vehicles until the 1980s.

Descriptions & Pictures by conceptcarz & hymanltd