1918 Rauch & Lang Electric B26 Brougham

Rauch & Lang, established in Cleveland, Ohio in 1884, began as a carriage maker before acquiring Hertner Electric in 1903 and producing 500 electric cars a year by 1908. These cars found popularity among the wealthy for their ease of driving, quiet operation, and high-torque motors. This 1918 B26 Brougham is a rare and seldom-seen surviving example, faithfully and meticulously restored to a very high standard.

The original body with its nickel plating is finished in Crimson Red with black fenders and elegant pinstriping, riding on wood-spoke wheels wrapped in wide whitewall tires. The boxed cabin features gray cord fabric upholstery, roll-up windows with blinds, floating flower vases, and a cluster of gauges including a Weston Ammeter, Weston voltmeter, and Warner Auto-Meter drum-style speedometer. Power comes from a Hertner DC electric motor providing five forward speeds via shaft drive and worm-drive axle.

Fitted with new batteries in 2023 and running on 48 volts, it stands ready to take for a spin — a true testament to innovation during the progressive era and a standard-setter for nearly all EV automobiles to follow.