NSU Ro 80

Vehicle Description

Such a fine sight, this Ro 80. This example of the technology pioneer has, according to the previous owner, spent almost two decades “hibernating” in a garage, sheltered, but completely unmoved. Accordingly, more than a little “spring cleaning” will be required, before the 2-disc Wankel engine will purr like on day one. The vehicle is technically in an untinkered original condition – compression is ok, but the exact scope of the work required has not been determined.

The inside gives a well-kept impression. The beige velour blends well with the original paint in blue metallic. The sky is clean, as are the seats, and the interior altogether without major flaws. The original radio is also on board.
The chrome parts are in good, albeit slightly tarnished state. The vehicle is reportedly accident-free, only a slight dent in the driver’s door casts a small shadow on the overall picture.

All in all a car that absolutely deserves to be carefully restored and recommissioned. It will be worth it!

When NSU presented the Ro 80 in 1967, the car created quite a stir, what with numerous innovations all packed into one vehicle. Above and beyond all else, there’s the Wankel engine, which unfortunately was rather damage-prone at first, ruining the reputation of the otherwise ingenious engineering feat, even if the problems got completely resolved over time. Other features were, among others, disc brakes on all four wheels, or electro-pneumatically actuated semi-automatic gearshift. Then as now an eye-catcher: the wedge-shaped body, anticipating design tendencies by about two decades.

The enthusiasts’ scene of the Ro 80 owners is particularly active, so it is no problem to use one of these stylish cars as a daily driver. What is, however, rather difficult to describe is this unique ride on the motorway, with the engine noise getting lesser and lesser as the speed increases.

Vehicle Overview