In 1932 Wanderer was absorbed into the Auto Union group, whose four constituent brands gave rise to the now familiar four-ring emblem, the others being DKW, Horch and Audi. The company started life producing machine tools and office equipment such as typewriters, before progressing to motorcycles and eventually motor cars. It initially focused its attention on compact models such as the Puppchen (‘Baby Doll’), the great success of which facilitated its diversification into the mid-size class with innovative machines like the four-cylinder W 10.
In 1928, the W 11 propelled the brand further upmarket as the first Wanderer to feature a six-cylinder engine. By now, the company’s cars had garnered a reputation for exceptional production quality and reliability for which customers were prepared to pay a premium. Our later W 23 Cabriolet model, secured some years ago by Audi UK at an Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring circuit, was equipped with a 2.6-litre in-line six-cylinder unit offering 62PS which was designed by Dr Ferdinand Porsche. The Cabriolet was one of three W 23 body styles available at the time.
Technical information
- Cylinders – six in-line
- Displacement – 2651cc
- Power – 62PS @ 3,500rpm
- Torque – n/a
- Max speed 71mph
- 0-62mph in n/a
- Transmission – four-speed manual
- Rear-wheel-drive
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