In classic circles you don't have to explain to anyone what an NSU Ro80 is. Yet. There will have been few cars in the history of the car that caused such a stir as this really fantastically drawn model of German design. Nobody knew what they saw when the futuristic lines invaded the automotive world in 1967. At the same time, the Neckarsulmer science fiction overtaken by the reality of quality issues. Although these problems were later resolved, the operational reliability of the NSU Ro80 was always surrounded by doubt. It got in the way of his potential for success.
The Ro80 was sold less than 40.000 times. In fact, after the technical improvements to the beautiful limousine, the sales figures even dropped. The not exactly economical Wankel engine exacerbated the hiccup in the sales figures, because the 6s also treated the world to an oil crisis. How sales would have developed if NSU had just mounted a piston engine (a creamy V80, or a nice Mitteldruck engine) in the Ro80 will always be a question. What is certain is that the RoXNUMX also became a myth because of the meager production figures, and remained a head turner.
Fortunately enough choice of thumbnails
Finding a beautiful Ro80 today is no easy feat, purely because owners cherish it and don't want to get rid of it. Fortunately, the beautiful NSU provided more than enough reason for many model builders to reduce the size of the car and make it indispensable in the display case. Looking for a beautiful, true-to-life and well-detailed model, we came across a model from Maxichamps. This company grew out of Minichamps, a renowned manufacturer of miniatures. Maxichamps is more for the masses, but that does not alter the fact that the Minichamps genes are clearly visible in the products. Logical, because Maxichamps often uses the molds of the Minichamps models produced in limited editions.
Mini and Maxi
The NSU Ro80 was reduced in several editions and built by the German Maxichamps, and this did not happen overnight. For example, on the worldwide web we found the metallic light blue Ro80, and it is really worth it. The proportions are well taken over, the frame line is also quite correct. There are some cosmetic flaws, the grille does not fit well, the third side window could have been a bit smaller, and in 1972 the wipers had a black tint. Those who don't fall for that, however, have a very nice model in their hands.
Nice successful model by Maxichamps
Chrome details, the decorative strip under the doors, beautifully executed door handles, the large moldings on the A-pillar, the relationship between the large windscreen and the rest of the glass of the NSU Ro80 and the beautiful wheels: it's all quite right. The NSU Ro80 from Maxichamps is available through various online channels and at many specialty stores. Nice: it is made in several colors such as Derbyrot, Saharabeige and Coronagelb. Prices vary per provider, but keep amounts between €30 and €60. The alternative? The original from Minichamps, which is slightly better finished, but is now offered for higher amounts. Anyway: if you want to get a scale model of one of the most beautiful classics, there are a few excellent alternatives.
Hi Toby, yes that was me after my period at Van Veen Kreidler Import BV I went to Honda with a wheelbarrow Jaap de Visser (also a Schiedammer!), there was also a Link with the Sparreboom brothers with a motorcycle shop in Schiedam, of which Toon later MotoPort Rotterdam ran!
Will this be the future? Dreaming about the past with a miniature?
Once there was one standing in a shed between other wrecks of cars. Was dry but was so rotten that the complete car was pushed through the press.
Mazda was the only manufacturer to sell the Wankel engine in large numbers with more than 30 years of production. Still a gem of a motorcycle. Its simplicity, power, light weight, in short, beautiful technology.
Its biggest drawback, the apex seals, turned out to be a problem. Long distances show less wear and tear than short distances. Another drawback is consumption. Mazda placed a turbo NPG, which made the engine a lot more economical. This engine has achieved great successes. Once won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Mazda with a four-rotor Wankel in 1991. The howling of this engine at high speed has a powerful feeling.
What will the future hold for electric driving? God knows.
Wankel engines are still used
When I was still living in Germany in 1968 and working at the Desdner Bank Frankfurt/Main (home bank of NSU) we received the first three from production with the circulation to keep a usage report, none of these 3 have ever had a breakdown or an engine broken , unlike the Mercedes and BMWs!
The reason, they are only used at great distances between the different bank centers in Germany, so it was not a car for shopping trips, only worked later with the Mazda's!
Harold (known to me as a Honda man who came to Leen Post motorbikes in Naaldwijk), what a beautiful story about a car that is known to me as a "smoke screen" this is because when I lived in Schiedam a neighbor in the street bought a RO80 and wanted to drive out in the morning as the street was very foggy.
It is not a Mitteldrückmotor but Mitteldruckmotor. 'Der Druck drückt' of course
The question of what would have happened if they had put a creamy smooth V6 or Mitteldruck engine in it can be answered in one point.
This beautiful car would not have been called Ro80.
In my opinion, the model is still current in terms of design. And they drove heavenly. If only the engine hadn't broken down again.
Yes, that's right. Would have probably become K80.