JHF
Driving Dynamics Pro
There’s 1970s quirky and then there’s the NSU Ro80. Hyper modern for its time, this sedan with a Jetsons like futuristic quality and a rotary engine marked some of the final product for Audi-Auto Union’s now defunct NSU brand. These cars are rare, particularly in pristine condition so when we spotted this 35K mile lime green specimen on Ebay we had to share it.
Before we get into the nitty gritty details, we need to spoil the ending. The buyer’s got the Buy-it-Now price at no less than $32,900 US. That’s a lot of money and decidedly above market for a ’69 Ro80, but we’re not sure we’ve seen an equivalent in condition and it appears to be original (i.e. not restored) and unmodified with the exception of those driving lights mounted behind the grille. So, to someone who lives and breathes rotary engine technology or NSU cars, we’re thinking this might qualify as a unicorn.
Here’s what the listing states:
1969 NSU RO80
3800109265
• Very Rarely Seen NSU RO80!
• 113HP 995cc Twin Rotor Wankel Rotary Engine!
• Semi-Automatic Gearbox!
• Possibly the Best NSU RO80 Example in America!!!
MotoeXotica Classic Cars is pleased to offer this very, VERY rarely seen 1969 NSU RO80! The RO80 was considered to be a technologically advanced automobile, produced by the West German firm of NSU from 1967-1977. Most notable about this very special car is the 113 horsepower 995cc twin rotor Wankel rotary engine with front wheel drive. The appearance of this sedan is very original within the engine compartment, as well as the interior, and is likely one of the best examples to be found in America!
Finished in beautiful, metallic Lime Green, the paint was a special order option back in 1969. The paint is in excellent condition, showing only very minor imperfections, such as rock chips to the front clip. The body is in excellent condition as well. The chrome is in great condition and shows only minor imperfections. There is a functional sunroof and the windows are tinted for esthetics. This four door sedan is sure to turn heads no matter where you go!
Inside, the interior is finished in all black. The seats are wrapped in black vinyl with black textured inserts. The seats are in great condition and show very minimal wear, if any. The carpet, headliner and door panels are also in great condition. The left front trim piece on the door panel has some minor imperfections but still shows well. The dashboard is in good original condition, showing only a small crack down the center. The dash houses a set of original gauges and an AM/FM radio as well.
This neat sedan is powered by a 113 horsepower, 995cc twin rotor Wankel rotary engine with 2 Solex cross-draught 2-phase carburetors. Mated to the engine is NSU change semi-automatic gearbox with 3 baulked, fully synchro forward stages and reverse. There is no clutch pedal. The hydraulic Fitchel & Sachs torque convertor with a single stage dry clutch which is powered electro-pneumatically with a Fitchel & Sachs servo motor. The car sits upon a set of 14” NSU Wankle 5-spoke wheels wrapped in P185/70R14 tires that look great. It does have four wheel disc brakes.
Included with the purchase of this NSU is “The Wankel Engine Today” in both English & German, an RO80 repair manual, the original book of RO80 Operating Instructions, Customer Service Voucher booklet and various original slips, repair receipts & warranties, some still in German.
http://fourtitude.com/news/in_marke...e-day-museum-quality-35k-mile-nsu-ro80-sedan/
At least they would stand out.
