NSU Ro80 - The Complete Story

This book chronicles the NSU Ro80, an innovative car celebrated for its design and advanced Wankel engine, yet marred by reliability issues, ultimately becoming a notable example of automotive ambition.

NSU Ro80 - The Complete Story explores the fascinating journey of the NSU Ro80, a car that made waves upon its launch in 1967. Featuring modern aerodynamic design and an innovative Wankel rotary engine, the Ro80 was celebrated as Car of the Year in 1968. Initially, it garnered positive attention for its cutting-edge technology and stylish appearance. However, this acclaim was soon overshadowed by a troubling reputation for unreliability, with many vehicles facing significant engine issues within just a few tens of thousands of miles. Despite the manufacturer's efforts to rectify these problems and a solid warranty offer, the damage to the Ro80's reputation was lasting.

The book delves into the Ro80's unique position in automotive history as a remarkable yet ultimately doomed vehicle. Unlike other infamous failures such as the Edsel and the DeLorean, the Ro80 was genuinely a well-crafted car, often regarded as one of the finest saloons of its time. Its introduction marked a significant shift for NSU, a company previously known for producing economical runabouts and motorcycles, as they ventured into the realm of family saloons with a groundbreaking engine design.

With over 300 archival photographs, drawings, and diagrams, this comprehensive account not only recounts the technical achievements and challenges of the NSU Ro80 but also highlights the passion for engineering that characterized German automotive innovation. Ultimately, NSU Ro80 - The Complete Story serves as a tribute to a car that, despite its flaws, remains a significant part of automotive heritage.