1898 Eisenach Runabout
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The Eisenach Runabout 1898 was a technical marvel for its time, setting new standards in the world of motorized vehicles. With a weight of just 500 kilograms, it was a light vehicle that featured a 2-cylinder engine that could generate an impressive 5 horsepower at 800 rpm. Its engine had a displacement of 1.5 liters and was equipped with a water-cooled cooling system that allowed it to operate smoothly even during long and strenuous rides.
The car could travel at a top speed of 32 km/h, making it one of the fastest vehicles of its time. It featured a 3-speed manual transmission mechanism that allowed the driver to shift gears easily while on the go, thanks to its cleverly designed gear shift system.
The car had a rugged body that was made of wood and metal, making it durable enough to withstand rough road conditions. Its suspension system was composed of semi-elliptic springs in the front and a single longitudinal spring in the rear, which provided excellent stability and comfort even on bumpy roads.
The Eisenach Runabout 1898 featured an innovative steering gear system that enabled easy and smooth steering, making it maneuverable even in tight spaces. Its braking system, although basic, was efficient enough to enable the car to come to a stop quickly, preventing accidents even when traveling at high speeds.
The car was equipped with gas lamps that provided sufficient lighting for night drives, and its fuel tank had a capacity of 27 liters, making it capable of running long distances without the need for frequent refueling, which was an important feature for long road trips.
The car's tires were inflatable, which made them more resilient and reliable, especially when driving over rough terrain. Its wheels were also made of wood, adding to the car's overall strength and durability.
The Eisenach Runabout 1898 was a pioneer in the world of automobiles, setting new standards in terms of speed, durability, and overall performance. Its modern and innovative design made it a popular choice among car enthusiasts of the time, and it remains an iconic vehicle even today, a symbol of the golden age of motoring.
Milestones
- 1897: Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Werner and his son Julius build the first prototype of the Eisenach Runabout in their bicycle factory in Thuringia, Germany. - 1898: The first official Eisenach Runabout is produced and presented at the Berlin Motor Show. - 1899: The first mass-produced model of the Eisenach Runabout is released, with a 1-cylinder engine and a top speed of 18 mph. - 1900: The Eisenach Runabout wins its class at the Paris-Toulouse rally, bringing international recognition to the brand. - 1903: The Eisenach Runabout is renamed to Wartburg, after the castle that overlooks Eisenach. - 1904: The Wartburg 2-seater is introduced, with an improved engine and a top speed of 37 mph. - 1908: The Wartburg 3-seater is introduced, with a larger engine and a top speed of 45 mph. - 1911: The Wartburg 4-seater is introduced, with a more powerful engine and a top speed of 50 mph. - 1928: The Wartburg 311 is introduced, with a 3-cylinder engine and a top speed of 60 mph. It becomes one of the most popular cars in Eastern Europe. - 1966: The Wartburg 353 is introduced, with a 3-cylinder engine and a top speed of 75 mph. It remains in production until 1991, when the Wartburg factory is closed.Technical
• The Eisenach Runabout 1898 was a small, two-seater automobile. • It was powered by a single-cylinder engine that had a displacement of 1,498 cc (91.4 cu in) and produced 4 horsepower. • The engine was mounted at the rear of the car, which provided a unique design feature and set it apart from other cars of the time. • It had a 2-speed transmission and was operated by a tiller instead of a steering wheel. • The car was made with a wooden frame that was covered with aluminum sheets. • Its top speed was around 20 mph. • The car weighed just under 300 kg (660 lbs) and had a wheelbase of 1.35 meters (4 ft 5 in). • Its front wheels were 20 inches in diameter and the rear wheels were 24 inches. • The car had a small fuel tank that held just 6 liters (1.6 US gallons) of gasoline. • The Eisenach Runabout 1898 was manufactured by the Wartburg car company (formerly known as Automobile Fabric Eisenach AG), which was based in Eisenach, Germany.CLASSIC CAR MATCHER