NSU

NSU Wankel Spider — оптимистическая попытка предложить на рынке новый тип двигателя

Perhaps the best remembered NSU motor-car is the Wankel-engined Ro80, but those looking for a small car in the late 50s and early 60s may well have considered the diminutive Prinz range. The NSU Prinz was introduced in 1957, at a time when bubble cars were still selling well, and there was a healthy market for small cars that could accomodate four people in moderate comfort. The first NSU Prinz sold from 1957 through to 1962, by which time a boxier replacement had already been introduced.

In 1958 the first Sport Prinz was launched, featuring a rakish coupe bodyshell designed by Bertone of Turin. In all, approximately 20,800 Sport Prinz were built, powered by the same twin cylinder rear-mounted engine as the contemporary Prinz saloons. In 1961 the boxy 598cc Prinz 4 was introduced, replacing the earlier car altogether in 1962. To look at, there were hints of Chevrolet Corvair (in miniature) in it’s styling, and there would be even more in common with the Hillman Imp of 1963, coincidentally also a rear-engined car.