Vehicle Details
- Year: 1968
- Make: NSU
- Model: Ro80
- VIN: 3800104676
- Mileage Shown: 51,233km (5-digit odometer)
- Transmission: Semi-Automatic
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Blue
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Pasadena, CA 91106
- Lot #: V-0047549-DT
Built by the German automaker NSU between 1967 and 1977, NSU was bought out by VW in 1969. The NSU Ro80 is renowned for its innovative engineering, sleek aerodynamic profile, and being one of the first cars to utilize a rotary (Wankel) engine. Powered by a replacement 995cc twin-rotor Wankel engine paired with a 3-speed semi-automatic transmission with a vacuum-operated clutch, this 1968 example was acquired by the original owners in France and subsequently imported to the U.S. in 2017 by the current and second owner. It is finished in blue over a brown interior and features an independent suspension system, power-assisted disc brakes, polished bumpers, chrome accents, fog lights, 14” steel wheels, an original Blaupunkt Frankfurt LMKUU push-button radio with its power antenna (radio works, antenna is frozen), and more. This Ro80 is now being offered for auction by its seller out of California.
Constructed on a steel frame, the Ro80 was designed by Claus Luthe featuring a wedge-shaped body, a high rear deck, and a gently sloping roofline, highlighted by its large rectangular headlights integrated into the body. This example is finished in blue and features chrome accents, polished bumpers, a single driver’s side mirror, and dual exhaust outlets. It rides on 14” steel wheels wrapped in Michelin tires. The seller notes minor dings on the body, detailed images are provided in the gallery.
The interior features front bucket seats and a rear bench upholstered in brown vinyl with matching door panels. No cracks are noted on the dashboard or rear panel. It is equipped with three-point seatbelts, a locking glovebox, VDO instrumentation, and a push-button radio. The seller notes that the analog clock is not functioning, but all other gauges and electronics are in proper working order.
Power comes from a replacement 995cc twin-rotor Wankel engine, which delivers a factory-rated 113 HP to the front wheels through a 3-speed semi-automatic transmission paired with a vacuum-operated clutch. The car is equipped with independent suspension, with MacPherson struts in the front and semi-trailing arms in the rear, while power-assisted inboard disc brakes facilitate stopping power. The seller notes that the spark plugs were recently replaced.
This sale will include a repair manual in English, a toolkit, a spare tire, an owner’s manual in French, and a clean California title.
The seller would like you to know: “Bought from the original owner’s family in France was used as their Sunday car. Brought to the USA in 2017. Car of the Year 1968 last year under NSU control Volkswagen group bought NSU in 1969, VW merged NSU with Auto Union, creating Audi NSU Auto Union AG, and ultimately Audi. Since current ownership in 2017 it has driven over 1500 miles and participated in many shows notably: Legends of the Autobahn 2023 (earning 3rd place), and San Marino Motor Classic 2022…it is estimated by the German Ro80 club that about 800 are left on the road this could be one of the best example having relatively low mileage and a pretty pristine interior.
The following is an excerpt from Car of the Year 1968, the last year under NSU control Volkswagen group bought NSU in 1969: ‘The Ro-80 was a truly advanced front-wheel drive saloon. It combined the first commercially developed twin-rotor Wankel engine with front-wheel drive and semi-automatic transmission, a spacious interior, and a low-drag body shape. With its four-wheel disc brakes and excellent suspension, the Ro-80 was praised as the car of the future and was named car of the year in 1968. Unfortunately, the Wankel engines were not durable and NSU warranty costs drove them out of business. The assembly plant ceased production of the Ro-80 in 1976, after Volkswagen’s 1969 purchase of Auto Union. NSU GMBH still exists, as a department serving under Audi Traditions GmbH.' - From the Jeff Lane Museum."
Comments (0)
Bid in the amount of $1,000
Bid in the amount of $500
Thank you, parts are readily available fro the NSU club in Germany, included is the repair manual in English (most useful). I have had little work done during my ownership but did change all four plugs that I acquired on ebay…
A true time capsule….
Thank you
Very cool! Admired this car back in the day when my parents were shopping for the Audi 100LS. Recall reading about Audi, and then reading about this car. Can the seller comment on the availability of parts and general ease (or lack thereof) of maintenance, whether it's done by the owner or a shop?