1936 WANDERER W25 K ROADSTER

1936 WANDERER W25 K ROADSTER
Bonhams Auction, Amelia Island, Florida 2015
Coachwork by Wendler
Chassis no. 252702
Engine no. 252922


2000cc OHV Supercharged 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Supercharger Mounted Carburetor
85hp
4-Speed Transmission
4-Wheel Hydraulic Brakes

*Extremely rare, supercharged, German sports car
*Porsche designed competitor of the BMW 328
*Product of the Auto Union consortium
*Wonderful roadster coachwork by Wendler
*From a major European Collection

THE WANDERER

The 1930s saw a growth in German motorsports. More and more private individuals wanted cars that were high performance for both street and competition use. Cars like the BMW 328 set the pattern for a performance machine of the era and Wanderer, wanting a piece of this glamorous market, turned to Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche GmbH to design a sports car.

Porsche, well known for his forced induction work at Mercedes-Benz, used a similar practice here. By supercharging the robust and reliable two-liter Wanderer engine he produced an engine that had identical power to the BMW 328, but with a far simpler valve train. The BMW had a reputation for wonderful performance but at the expense of fragility in the cylinder head.

From a marketing standpoint, supercharging had a certain allure that a normally aspirated engine would never have. The few blown pre-war cars today are some of the world's most desired machines; the whale of a vintage roots blown car is something that stirs the heart of most motoring enthusiasts.

The rest of the new sports model, which was dubbed the W25 K for Kompressor, would be on the leading edge of Thirties' design. Built on a tubular steel chassis with independent suspension all around, the engine would drive through a crisp 4-speed transmission. Stopping would be handled by hydraulic-brakes on all four wheels. The car would be dressed in fine sporting coachwork built by Wendler.

The W25k, though distinctive, could arguably be considered as the BMW 328's sibling. Dimensionally almost identical, with the same engine size, horsepower and wheelbase, the two cars differed only in philosophy. Wanderer preferred a supercharged robust motor while BMW chose to push the limits of their fine normally aspirated design.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This Wanderer W25 K Roadster has been part of two major European collections for many decades. It is being offered for the first time publicly and represents the first supercharged Wanderer W25 K to be offered at auction in decades. Lightly used but well cared for, the Wanderer is offered in nice yet older, restored condition. Close examination of the car shows that it was restored from a good original car and has received fairly sympathetic work. Despite its age the restoration looks very good and the car is even and pleasing. The condition is quite appropriate for a true sports car of this era.

The car has recently seen a number of miles and has been subject to a good deal of mechanical fettling. Having primarily been displayed for the last ten years it has been subject to routine work to bring it back to road going condition. Reported to be running well, Bonhams would still advise a proper checking over before any lengthy touring.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a pre-war German supercharged sports car. With its connection to the legendary Auto Union and its striking Wendler coachwork, this Wanderer would be a charismatic addition to any fine collection.
More Info Here: http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/22530...

Robert Myrick Photography