Highlights
- Incredibly original example
- Rare factory RHD car
- Presents in great mechanical and aesthetic order
- 40k miles from new
The Appeal
The NSU Ro80 really was, and still is, a peculiar little car, but that is precisely what makes it so appealing. Arguably one of the most technologically advanced cars of its time, the Ro80’s winning of the 1968 car of the year award was certainly no surprise for those who knew the model well and had experienced it first hand.
The quirky car maker, which would go on to become a part of the auto union group, and eventually Audi, was no stranger to an unusual and revolutionary vehicle, but the Ro80 was undoubtedly their greatest hit.
Around 37 thousand Ro80s were made throughout its 10 year production run but today good quality examples, especially right hand drive cars, are rather scarce which makes cars such as the one we see here, something of a rarity. Whilst production started in 1967, the Volkswagen groups purchase of the company in 1969 meant that the later Ro80s benefitted from more refinements and reliability improvements and so post 1969 cars are really the ones to go for.
HGU 955N a 1975 Ro80 is a marvellous example of the model. Having been incredibly well preserved throughout its lifetime, the car is in impeccable mechanical and aesthetic order and must surely be one of the finest quality examples available for purchase at present.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 23/01/1975
- Bought by the current owner as part of a fleet of classic cars including another Ro80
- Exceptionally well cared for and dry stored throughout its ownership
- Accompanied by NSU Ro80 owners manual
- Correct V5 registration document present with the vehicle
- Both tax and MOT exempt due to historic status
The Interior
- Excellent well preserved original example
- Incredibly clean
- Factory electric sunroof
A perfect compliment to the metallic blue exterior, we find the cabin of the Ro80 to be awash with sumptuous blue upholstery all of which has borne the test of time incredibly well and as such presents beautifully.
Front and rear we find excellent plush seating finished in a smart two tone blue pattern. In great almost untouched order these boast good quality cushioning and stitching and exhibit very little if anything in the way of wear, fading or damage.The same can then be said for the four excellent door panels found in the car, all well appointed with simple yet stylish door furniture and chrome trim.
A well stocked dash panel takes precedence at the front of the car, brimming with a large collection of switchgear used to operate all of the important mod cons the discerning NSU buyer could have possibly wanted back in 1975. The dash panel itself appears to be in great order and hasn’t fallen victim to discoloration or cracking due to sun exposure, yet another sign of the excellent care that has been taken to preserve this car.
Focusing on the top of the cabin, we find a great clean headliner, within which sits an excellent factory fitted electric sunroof. Being such a well cared for car, it comes as no surprise to report that this functions correctly with just the simple push of a button.
Moving to the rear of the car, one is presented with a very clean, simple boot area which presents well and holds the full size spare wheel.
The Exterior
- Marvellous blue paintwork
- Incredibly original example
- Good quality chrome trim
The Ro80 first came to market in 1967 and the car’s exterior styling remained largely unchanged throughout its production span, however taking a proper look at the car one could be easily forgiven for thinking the Ro80 hailed from a much more recent era, as the styling, like much of the engineering behind the car, was incredibly advanced for its time.
This particular example has been preserved beautifully and sits proudly in a lovely pale blue metallic paint scheme. The paint itself is of outstanding quality and presents as such, with a rich deep shine. Make no mistake, this is a truly wonderful example of an Ro80.
A wonderful collection of chrome trim finds itself dotted around the car, all of which is of a great standard, presenting with very little, if anything in the way of pitting or blemishing. Front and rear sit a clean set of chrome bumpers in equally good order, however it should be noted that the rear bumper is sitting at a slight angle and may need adjusting.
At ground level we find four marvellous alloy wheels, all of which are in great clean shape and look excellent sitting on the car. As previously mentioned, a fifth full size spare wheel resides in the boot of the car.
The Mechanics
- Factory rotary engine
- Excellent mechanical order
- Clean low mileage example
When it came to designing an engine for their all new model, NSU decided to go along the path less travelled and utilise a wankel rotary design. Of course now more commonly associated with the RX models from Mazda, however NSU were actually the first to use a wankel engine in a car with the wankel spider of 1964, so by the time the Ro80 came to market in 1967, they were well into their stride.
Development to improve reliability of the unit continued throughout the Ro80s production and was greatly boosted after the Volkswagen group takeover in 1969, so post 69 models such as the example we see here are the ones to go for as they are seen to be the most reliable and well developed.
The small compact and highly efficient unit that resides in this Ro80 is of a great standard and presents in incredibly clean fashion. Still boasting many OEM NSU and Volkswagen group parts it would have left the factory with back in 1975. The little engine fires into life comfortably with what can only be described as an iconic rotary engine note coming from the rear mounted exhaust.
On the road the car is reported to provide a great comfortable drive, with the current owner facing no issues from throughout their ownership of the car. The vacuum operated clutch, which works via pressure put onto the gear stick when changing gear, still functions correctly and efficiently, and the engine provides plenty of power to get the car up to speed.
Summary
Stylish and understated, but also rare, desirable and effortlessly cool, the NSU Ro80 is a rather special car indeed. Incredibly advanced for its time, the Ro80 highlights some excellent advancements in automotive engineering and design and is a car that proudly put the wankel rotary engine on the map.
Good clean examples have always been a rarity so when cars such as this, beautifully preserved, low mileage, right hand drive example come to market it presents a very exciting opportunity for those looking to get into the world of NSU ownership.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion.
Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy.
Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
