Description
NSU Ro 80 | 1976
Highlights:
– 995 cc twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine, petrol, 3-speed semi-automatic transmission
– Distinctive aerodynamic body designed by Claus Luthe
– European Car of the Year 1968, a landmark of post-war saloon engineering
– Recently overhauled in December 2025, including carburettor, brakes, hoses and tyres
– Sliding steel sunroof and ribbed cloth interior
The seller offers for sale this 1976 NSU Ro 80, powered by a 995 cc twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine, paired with a 3-speed semi-automatic transmission. Finished in metallic copper-brown over a tan cloth interior, this four-door saloon is fitted with a sliding steel sunroof and the model’s characteristic ribbed upholstery. According to the seller, the car was recently overhauled in December 2025, with work carried out on the carburettor, brakes, hoses, vacuum pump diaphragm and tyres. The seller further reports that the roadworthiness inspection is valid until December 2026. The bodywork shows no significant rust and the interior presents in good condition.
The NSU Ro 80 was introduced in 1967 and remained in production until 1977. It was the first car ever honoured as European Car of the Year, taking the title in 1968 in recognition of its forward-thinking engineering and its clean, wind-cheating shape penned by Claus Luthe. Power came from a twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine, a layout that gave the car remarkably smooth and quiet running for its era, combined with a semi-automatic transmission that dispensed with a conventional clutch pedal. Its low drag coefficient, front-wheel drive and four-wheel disc brakes placed the Ro 80 well ahead of most contemporaries, and its styling is widely regarded as having influenced a generation of saloon design.
As with all rotary-engined examples, the Wankel unit is valued for its high-revving character and compact dimensions, which allowed the long, low bonnet line and the spacious cabin. The semi-automatic gearbox combines a torque converter with an electrically operated clutch, selecting gears through a conventional-looking lever. Cars from the later years of production, such as this one, benefited from a series of factory refinements introduced over the model’s lifetime.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
Condition of the interior
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
Technical condition
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
Overall condition
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
