Description
The Wartburg Motorwagen Modell 2 was an early automobile produced by the Eisenach Vehicle Factory (Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach) around 1899. Building on the success of the original Wartburg Motorwagen Modell 1, this second model featured a few advancements and refinements, reflecting the rapid technological progression in the early days of automotive development.
The Modell 2 retained the single-cylinder engine layout, similar to the Modell 1, but offered a slight increase in power, producing around 4 horsepower. This boost allowed the car to achieve a modest increase in top speed, up to approximately 30 km/h (about 19 mph). Like its predecessor, the engine was mounted at the rear and connected to the rear wheels through a simple transmission, while the vehicle still required hand-cranking to start.
The vehicle’s construction incorporated a more robust metal and wood frame, aimed at improving stability and ride quality. The design remained open-top and carriage-like, with no roof or windshield, but the body style featured refinements that gave it a somewhat more polished appearance compared to the Modell 1. The tiller steering was retained, as steering wheels had yet to become the standard.
In terms of styling, the Wartburg Motorwagen Modell 2 maintained a horseless carriage appearance, complete with large, spoked wheels and an exposed engine compartment. The seats were leather-upholstered, providing a bit more comfort, and the vehicle had basic controls for throttle and braking, albeit primitive by today’s standards. The Modell 2’s enhancements focused on reliability and ease of use, though it was still a luxury item available only to a wealthy few.
Despite limited production, the Modell 2 helped solidify the Wartburg name as a pioneer in German automotive manufacturing. The Eisenach Vehicle Factory would continue to evolve, eventually becoming a major player in Germany’s car industry, with the Wartburg name being revived in the 1950s as part of East Germany’s state-run automotive production.
Today, the Wartburg Motorwagen Modell 2 is a rare and prized collector’s item, symbolizing the ingenuity and ambition of early automotive engineering in Germany. Its legacy is celebrated among classic car enthusiasts and marks an important chapter in the history of European automobiles.