The NSU Ro 80 was a technologically advanced saloon produced by
the West German firm of NSU from 1967 until 1977. Most notable was
the powertrain; a 113bhp, 995cc twin-rotor Wankel engine driving
the front wheels through a semi-automatic transmission employing an
innovative vacuum system, and as such was voted Car of the Year,
1968, by European motoring writers. Other technological features of
the Ro80, aside from the powertrain, were the four wheel, inboard,
disc brakes, which for some time were generally only featured on
expensive sports or luxury saloon cars.
It also featured an automatic clutch which was commonly described as a three-speed semi-automatic gearbox: there was no clutch pedal, but instead, on top of the gearknob, an electric switch that operated a vacuum system which disengaged the clutch. The gear lever itself could then be moved through a standard 'H pattern' gate. The shape was also slippery with a drag coefficient of 0.355 allowing for an impressive top speed of 112mph.
This revolutionary motorcar presents in sound order throughout. Although currently registered as 'off the road', it is due to be up and running in time for the sale. A full one year's MoT test certificate will accompany this Ro 80 as well as, interestingly, a full owner's pack, the original advertising brochure and full garage sales information. For understated performance and old school German quality, the Wankel-powered NSU Ro 80 is in a class of its own.
It also featured an automatic clutch which was commonly described as a three-speed semi-automatic gearbox: there was no clutch pedal, but instead, on top of the gearknob, an electric switch that operated a vacuum system which disengaged the clutch. The gear lever itself could then be moved through a standard 'H pattern' gate. The shape was also slippery with a drag coefficient of 0.355 allowing for an impressive top speed of 112mph.
This revolutionary motorcar presents in sound order throughout. Although currently registered as 'off the road', it is due to be up and running in time for the sale. A full one year's MoT test certificate will accompany this Ro 80 as well as, interestingly, a full owner's pack, the original advertising brochure and full garage sales information. For understated performance and old school German quality, the Wankel-powered NSU Ro 80 is in a class of its own.