NSU Wankel Spider Spider 1967
General description :
In 1964 NSU marketed the first cabriolet with a rotary engine, also known as the Wankel engine. Compared to the conventional gasoline engine, the Wankel engine did indeed offer benefits, but reliability was a problem and the production of this lovely cabriolet was soon discontinued. The last example of a total of 2,375 Wankel Spiders was produced in 1967. It is estimated that some 150 of these cars are still on the road. The NSU Wankel Spider that we have on offer has an unusual life story. The car was used for just ten years. All owners of the car in that period are known. The car was delivered to an inhabitant of Wiehl, Germany, in August 1967 in the colour Gletscherweiss. In February 1977, the car was bought by a German from Dormagen. He was the last German to own this car. He stopped the car and the Wankel Spider did not take part in traffic any more. Early 2000, the restoration of the Spider began. With love for detail and with help from members of the NSU Spider Club, a full restoration was carried out. Of course, the engine was overhauled, and with the modern materials nowadays available being used, this engine is probably less vulnerable than the original engines mounted in these cars. Not long after the completion of the restoration, which had taken years, the owner died, whereupon the family decided to sell the car. In 2015, the car passed into the hands of a Dutch enthusiast, who drove the car sparingly. Taking into account the very long period, from 1977 until 2015, in which the car did not take part in traffic, as well as the fact that the original maintenance booklets have been preserved, it may be assumed that the 51,350 kilometres displayed on the odometer are correct.
1967 NSU Wankel Spider Spider is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Fien de la Marstraat 59NL-1902 MT Castricum by Veni Vidi Vici Classic Cars BV for €39500.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : NSU Model : Wankel Spider Model Version : Spider Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1967 Sub type : Convertible Location : Fien de la Marstraat 59NL-1902 MT Castricum Vehicle Registration : Undefined
39500 €
Seller Information
Veni Vidi Vici Classic Cars BV
Veni Vidi Vici Classic Cars BV
+31 6 51298532
Veni Vidi Vici Classic Cars BV
+31 6 51298532
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About NSU
NSU, known for its pioneering work with the Wankel engine, had a rich history and various accomplishments beyond this innovation. Here's a comprehensive overview of NSU's history:Early Years and Foundation:
Origin: NSU (Neckarsulm Strickmaschinen Union) started in 1873 as a knitting machine manufacturer in Germany.
Transition to Bicycles and Motorcycles: In the late 19th century, NSU diversified into bicycles and motorcycles. Their success in this domain propelled them into the automotive industry.
Notable Achievements and Contributions:
Development of Automobiles: NSU began producing cars in the early 20th century, crafting a range of small and mid-sized vehicles. They gained recognition for their innovative designs and engineering advancements.
Wankel Rotary Engine: NSU made history by being the first company to produce a car, the NSU Spider, equipped with a Wankel rotary engine in 1964. This engine design offered high power-to-weight ratio and smooth operation.
Racing Success: NSU had notable achievements in motorcycle racing and broke various speed records. They also competed in motorsport events with their cars, contributing significantly to their brand reputation.
NSU Ro 80: The Ro 80 sedan, introduced in 1967, became an iconic car for its design, featuring the Wankel engine. Despite its technical sophistication, issues with early Wankel engine versions affected its reputation.
Merger with Audi: In 1969, NSU merged with Auto Union GmbH (which owned Audi) to form Audi NSU Auto Union AG. This laid the groundwork for the Audi brand as we know it today.
Legacy and Influence:
Innovative Spirit: NSU's focus on innovation and engineering excellence left a lasting impact on the automotive industry, particularly with the development of the Wankel engine.
Technical Challenges: Despite its pioneering role with the Wankel engine, NSU faced challenges with the engine's reliability and durability, impacting the perception of this groundbreaking technology.
Foundation for Audi: The merger with Audi was pivotal in shaping Audi's direction, leveraging NSU's engineering expertise and Audi's market presence to create a stronger automotive entity.
NSU's legacy extends beyond its pioneering work with the Wankel engine, encompassing significant contributions to automotive engineering, racing triumphs, and the foundation it laid for Audi / VW future success.