RO 80 (1967-1977): 37,402 examples
The NSU Ro 80 was a technologically advanced large sedan-type automobile produced by the West German firm of NSU from 1967 until 1977 (only 37,402 NSU Ro 80 were produced in 10 Years time). Most notable was the powertrain; a 113 bhp (84 kW; 115 PS), 995 cc twin-rotor Wankel engine driving the front wheels through a semi-automatic transmission employing an innovative vacuum system. It was voted Car of the Year for 1968 by European motoring writers.
The NSU Ro80 was an advance preview of the 1980s for discerning '60s executive car buyers. It redefined the levels of expectation for buyers in its market sector. It handled beautifully, was huge inside, looked amazing and rode as well as any luxury saloon.
For a while, the NSU Ro80 had the world at its feet. But the problems soon started – its rotary engine was refined but unreliable, and warranty costs had crippled NSU. By the time the company fixed it, the energy crisis hit, and all of a sudden its 15mpg thirst was an unwanted burden. Modern technology has completely conquered the rotor tip problem, and a Ro80 is a brilliant classic car to own with the correct support.
+ Modern styling
+ roomy cabin
+ cossetting ride
+ clever semi-auto gearbox
+ restful cruising
+ excellent front-wheel drive handling
- engine reliability worries
- Wankel engine's huge thirst for petrol and oil
- watch out for serious corrosion
RO 80 (1967-1977): 37,402 examples
The NSU Ro 80 was a technologically advanced large sedan-type automobile produced by the West German firm of NSU from 1967 until 1977 (only 37,402 NSU Ro 80 were produced in 10 Years time). Most notable was the powertrain; a 113 bhp (84 kW; 115 PS), 995 cc twin-rotor Wankel engine driving the front wheels through a semi-automatic transmission employing an innovative vacuum system. It was voted Car of the Year for 1968 by European motoring writers.
The NSU Ro80 was an advance preview of the 1980s for discerning '60s executive car buyers. It redefined the levels of expectation for buyers in its market sector. It handled beautifully, was huge inside, looked amazing and rode as well as any luxury saloon.
For a while, the NSU Ro80 had the world at its feet. But the problems soon started – its rotary engine was refined but unreliable, and warranty costs had crippled NSU. By the time the company fixed it, the energy crisis hit, and all of a sudden its 15mpg thirst was an unwanted burden. Modern technology has completely conquered the rotor tip problem, and a Ro80 is a brilliant classic car to own with the correct support.
+ Modern styling
+ roomy cabin
+ cossetting ride
+ clever semi-auto gearbox
+ restful cruising
+ excellent front-wheel drive handling
- engine reliability worries
- Wankel engine's huge thirst for petrol and oil
- watch out for serious corrosion