NSU Spider

NSU Wankel Spider

The NSU Wankel Spider is a two-seat convertible in the NSU Werke AG and was the world's first production car with a Wankel engine.

He appeared in 1964 on the market. Its development with the single-rotor Wankel engine was a precursor for the NSU Ro 80 with a two -rotor Wankel engine. The Wankel Spider is a highly sought-after classic cars nowadays.

The car was produced from 1964 to 1967 in 2375 copies. It cost 8500 DM (1964 ) or 7000 DM ( 1966).

General

The body of the spider is only based in the Broad on the NSU Sport Prinz. Despite the superficial similarity, the differences are serious. Hardly any body part is the same for Spider and Sport Prinz. The car has a rear engine and the water cooler is located at the front of the car to achieve a very uniform weight distribution; also the tank (35 liters) is placed in front. As the rotary engine is built lower than a conventional series motor, the rear or on the drive unit space for a flat storage space, in addition to the trunk in the front.

The engine is unusually high-revving and smooth running at high speeds compared to other small engines. However, speeds greater than 6000 rpm is to be avoided. When accelerating, without regard to this recommendation ( in the lower gears at short notice about 7000 rpm ) accelerates the Wankel engine the small sports car from 0 to 100 km / h in 14.5 seconds.

Specifications

Sports use

In 1966, Karl -Heinz Panowitz German rally champion of all classes with the NSU Wankel Spider. 1967 and 1968 Siegfried spit was German Bergmeister all classes with the NSU Wankel Spider.

Literature and sources

• Peter Schneider: " NSU 1873-1984 • From farthing to the automobile ," engine book publishing house, Stuttgart 1988, ISBN 3-613-01086-0
• "Auto, motor und sport" ( Review ), No. 18/1964, United Motor Publishers, Stuttgart