A Rosengart Museum

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Ian Williamson tells us that last year, after some research, he found a little-known museum in Germany devoted entirely to Rosengart cars and products. It is generally known that the Rosengart was the French version of the Austin 7. But it goes far further than that, with many larger vehicles following the original theme, which was so closely that of the A7 but with half-elliptic pack suspension.

Over 25 years the owner of this Museum, Mr Banks, has collected all the personal belongings of M Rosengart from Paris and to this has added some 20 more Rosengarts, all restored to immaculate order. It would seem that those going to the Nurburgring this year might like to know of this one-make Museum, as it is situated only about 35 miles north-east of the circuit at Kerpen, the home incidentally of Michael Schumacher and Wolfgang von Trips. The 750 MC and other A7 organisations might also like to introduce their members to this home of the French A7. A visit might be combined with one to the excellent von Trips Museum.

The Rosengart Museum issues a very interesting catalogue of its exhibits and the history of Rosengart, founded in 1903. From it one sees that Rosengart in Paris made lamps and components as well as cars. Lucian Rosengart (1881-1976) is seen being towed on a sledge behind a Citroen Kegresse and the catalogue has views of the large factory as it was in 1923. Rosengart had also an address in London’s Oxford Street. Lucien Rosengart went to the USA and had good associations with Peugeot at the time of the 7/12hp and 7/17hp Peugeot Quads. He made motorised bicycles and the 5cv cars were publicised by Madam Jeanne taking a saloon through the 1931 Monte Carlo Rally and the remarkable M Lecot undertaking a 100,000km endurance run in 1930, followed by others with a Rosengart 6. The later Rosengarts were sophisticated 6ltrs which continued into the 1950s. Commercial vehicles were also made, including an aerodynamic van, and the Museum contains some sports and racing versions. In later times outboard boat-engines woe produced.

The Rosengart Museum is normally open, on Saturdays and Sundays but anyone contemplating a visit should, before turning up, contact Josef Kings, who speaks English, on 0049 21-8373-15; fax, 004921-838 1946. WB