This little car was the first production car powered by a Wankel rotary. Yes, it’s true, NSU was there long before Mazda. Of course, NSU was absorbed into Audi, while Mazda lives on and currently doesn’t sell a Rotary. Which fate is better? I guess we should ask Ducati.
This is a project car, as the seller lists several needs. It seems the engine turns but won’t start. I have to wonder how easy it is (or isn’t) to find parts for an early, low-volume rotary. Still, this is a cool little piece of history – just one most in the US don’t know about.
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North Andover, MA
$1,025 with 7 bids and reserve NOT met
02/19/2014 update: Ended at $7,500 with 26 bids and reserve not met
While this fits in the microcar category by most definitions, it’s a handsome little thing. I think the red interior looks great, too.
The fins, though subtle, remind me that 50s influence was alive and well.
I don’t know if the grill did anything here, but it makes this rear-engine ride look more normal.
The rear deck is longer than normal, but the proportions here are better than something like a Fiat 850. The rotary is a tiny engine, well suited to rear-engine duty. So…why didn’t it last in this format?
Interior is reminiscent of a Karmann Ghia, to some extent, but mostly in its tub-like, non-front-engine glory.
Here’s the 0.5L rotary – cool stuff!
Ad text:
YEAR: 1965 VIN: 5601809
MAKE: NSU
STOCK: SMC0115173
MODEL/TRIM: 56-Wankel Spider
CONDITION: Pre-Owned
BODY: Convertible
EXTERIOR: White
ENGINE: 498 cc (30.4 cu in) Single Rotor Wankel
INTERIOR: Red & Black Vinyl
TRANSMISSION: 4-Speed All-Synchromesh Manual
MILEAGE: 13,665
DRIVETRAIN: Rear Wheel Drive
***** THE VEHICLE IS LOCATED IN LYON, IL *****
What we have here is a 1965 NSU Wankel Spider Cabriolet with 13,665 miles on the odometer (actual miles unknown). This very rare car – with only 2,375 built over a four year production period – makes it a highly desirable collectible today. The car is finished in White with its original Red and Black Vinyl Interior which is in very good condition. This NSU cabriolet has a convertible roof that needs to be replaced.
Apart from its water-cooled single rotor engine and standard front disc brakes, the NSU Wankel Spider was in most respects unremarkable. First appearing at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1964, the Spider featured a two-door cabriolet body based on that of the NSU Sport Prinz coupé introduced back in 1959.
In addition to the folding roof, the Spider was distinguishable from the hard top car by a grill at the front. As with all NSU cars at the time, the engine was rear-mounted: in order to improve weight distribution, space was found for the Spider’s radiator and for its 35-liter (9 US gal) fuel tank ahead of the driver. The front luggage locker was in consequence small. There was a second luggage area in the rear of the car above the engine.
This 1965 NSU Wankel Spider Cabriolet needs a new windshield and a new top, the engine turns but is not running, there is some rust which we have photographed but in general, this will make a terrific and interesting project car. This car is unlikely to last long so if an antique NSU Spider is something you might be interested in, act now.
If you want to know the reserve on the car – CALL ME (978) xxx-xxxx
If you would like to talk about a Buy It Now purchase – CALL ME (978) xxx-xxxx
My name is Paul please call me direct with any questions – my cell phone is always with me at (978) xxx-xxxx or you can email me anytime at xxx
I promise you will enjoy your experience at Silverstone Motorcars. We’ll gladly pick you up at O’Hare or Midway airport and/or deliver this vehicle to your doorstep.
***** THE VEHICLE IS LOCATED IN LYON, IL *****