NSU Legends. Pearl in Haskerdijken

It remains a phenomenon. The NSU brand, which disappeared from the new catalogues after the Ro80 was discontinued in 1977, still evokes fond memories and special associations for many people. The company, founded in 1873, started with the production of knitting machines, but as is well known: it was given a specific name within the construction of motorcycles, lighter motorised two-wheelers and cars. Progressiveness and just that little bit different were key concepts for the manufacturer, who, for example, became the first car manufacturer to launch a car with a Wankel engine in 1964. It has been a long time since the NSU brand name disappeared, but the brand is still very much alive. For example in Haskerdijken in Friesland, where Hette Knijpstra has housed an impressive collection in his NSU Legends museum.

You don't know what you're seeing. Really. If you didn't know any better, you'd think you were at a farm with an adjacent pumping station. Behind the walls of the buildings, however, you're stepping into the history of the manufacturer from southern Germany. The NSU love has gripped the Frisian museum owner for years. He started out in his younger years by buying an NSU Quickly. The brand stuck, and that eventually led to a collection that was unparalleled after Knijpstra's retirement. The former entrepreneur (known for the large Ferris wheels in Paris and London, among other things) became a member of various NSU clubs (one in the Netherlands, three in Germany). And it didn't stop there. The collection of Knijpstra's favorite brand is immense and worth gold.

When you enter the museum you step back in time. At times you experience an almost South German atmosphere and you do not know what you see. There is a workshop with official and historical NSU tools. You are face to face with numerous historical packaging of liquids. There is the Maxima bar, with NSU 1000 nose. And you see a Spider and a Sport Prinz under construction. You come across a 1200 C with Saxomat, newly delivered in the Netherlands. And what about the NSU Phaeton, which is still at the beginning of a large-scale restoration.

The car gem? That the only NSU Leun in the world. Right. The only. Just. In Haskerdijken. When you walk through you will find a number of racing models, a recently restored Sport Prinz, a beautiful and early Prinz 4 and much, much more. As wall decoration you will see for example an almost photo-realistic drawing of the NSU Autonova, and for the miniature lovers a beautiful and enviable diorama with 1:43 models has been set up. And everywhere you will find NSU advertising material from the past. And ceiling lighting in the form of a Wankelschijf. This is a treat for the fan. You cannot ignore the NSU experience for a moment, it is impossible to ignore.

The top floor reveals even more history. A large selection of NSU motorcycles (both pre-war and post-war) passes you by. Welcome to the world of the Max, the Quickly, the Cavallino's and many other illustrious classic two-wheelers. And what do you think of a row of NSU Lambretta scooters? They are just there, in a corner. Three in a row. A separate corner has been reserved for the racing motorcycles. Nice: most of this two-wheeled heritage is arranged chronologically, and you can see the transition from tubular frames to pressed frames. In all types. In all sizes. It passes you by within that typical NSU-blue atmosphere, which gently forces itself upon you.

Aan the other side The top floor is also a treat. There you will find, for example, a Ro80, a Sport Prinz with the single-disc Wankel engine, a Prinz 4, a Prinz 3 and a 1200 predecessor Typ 110. There are racing replicas. And you name it. Furthermore, there are furnished sitting areas, simulated workshops and there is an operating room where a special project is lovingly worked on: a Sport Prinz with a two-cylinder compressor engine. And then we have not even mentioned the archive, which consists of an innumerable number of reference works.

NSU Legends is becoming an increasingly well-known phenomenon. Many car clubs see this as an ideal part of a beautiful tour through the Frisian countryside. And of course the NSU community also likes to take a look at this Valhalla for fans of the German brand. Or rather: for everyone who has a special and long period of car construction and motorized two-wheeler construction close to their heart. This is an absolute must. And one thing is for sure: if you are not yet a fan of everything that NSU built, you will become one in Haskerdijken. Because the attractively housed collection stays under your skin for a long time. And offers everything to get into the world of experience surrounding the German brand. That is a pleasant feeling, we can assure you.

<strong> More info: </strong> www.nsulegends.nl

(The photos continue below.)