NSU Ro 80 is an affordable classic with a Wankel engine

Autovisie is always looking for used cars for enthusiasts and therefore searches the lists on the sales site Gaspedal.nl. This time we found an NSU Ro 80.

Enthusiasts immediately know that the NSU Ro 80 is not just a classic. The German sedan came onto the market in 1967 with a Wankel engine. That same year it was named Car of the Year and would continue to be produced for another 10 years.

Test with the NSU Ro 80, car of the year 1967

Autovisie carried out the first comprehensive test with the NSU Ro 80 in 1968. “Three weeks seems like a long time for a road test, but for a car like the Ro 80 it is necessary.” In fact, you still have to cover an impressive number of kilometers in those three weeks before you start to appreciate the “soul” of this car recognize.”

“We have previously written that the NSU Ro 80 impressed us more as a car than its Wankel engine, and although we now have to admit that the engine (which seemed to have improved significantly since our test drives with a hand-built test model) now does too We got along well, we were once again impressed, really impressed with the car.”

“A car that can do almost everything, that is always available to the driver. A car that playfully drives around a corner at a speed that leaves many other good cars nothing but smoking wrecks. A car with power brakes so good, so imperceptible, that you feel like you are endowed with the powers of a Goliath, and also a car with power steering, which is only found in a few very expensive other cars. Finally a car that you can drive in an unprecedentedly relaxed manner.”

An elegant and well designed interior

The test editors were also satisfied with the interior of the NSU Ro 80. The statements from back then still apply today to ordinary used cars. “The heating is so comprehensive that we even have a heated rear window installed as standard – very pleasant on cold, wet days. Four people can sit like kings. And even though there are five of us, we still have it like a prince.”

“You can also take too much luggage with you because there is enough space for it in the suitcase, although the spare wheel (standing) takes up quite a lot of space due to its very large tire size.”

The NSU Ro 80 as a used car

Autovisie finds an NSU Ro 80 as a used car. It is currently the only Ro 80 for sale in the Netherlands. Not the best, because it still looks neat.

The NSU Ro 80 dates from 1973 and was bought that year in the Netherlands by a family from Epse in Gelderland. After just over 136,000 kilometers, the seller is asking 27,500 euros for the used car.