1958 – 1960 NSU Prinz II – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
In 1958, NSU returned to automobile production with a compact rear-engined car built for a recovering West Germany. The NSU Prinz II combined motorcycle-derived engineering with practical four-seat packaging in a body under 3.2 meters long. It marked the rebirth of NSU as a car manufacturer after decades focused primarily on two-wheelers.
Technical Details:
The NSU Prinz II was powered by a rear-mounted, air-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine derived from NSU motorcycle technology. Displacement was 583 cc, and output was approximately 20 PS (around 15 kW) at roughly 4,600 rpm. The engine featured overhead camshaft actuation, a relatively advanced solution in the small-car segment at the time.
Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox. The drivetrain layout followed the rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration typical of late-1950s European micro and small cars. This compact mechanical arrangement allowed efficient use of interior space.
The chassis employed independent suspension at all four corners. The lightweight construction and modest output gave the Prinz II a top speed of approximately 105 km/h, sufficient for urban driving and secondary roads in the late 1950s. The air-cooled engine eliminated the need for a radiator, simplifying maintenance and reducing weight.
- Manufacturer: NSU Motorenwerke AG
- Model Name: NSU Prinz II
- Year of Manufacturing: 1958–1960
Design:
The NSU Prinz II featured a compact, boxy two-door body designed to maximize interior space within minimal external dimensions. Its upright proportions and short overhangs reflected practical priorities rather than stylistic experimentation.
The front end was simple, with round headlamps integrated into modest front fenders and a minimal grille opening. The rear housed the engine beneath a vented cover, visually emphasizing the car’s rear-engine configuration. Chrome trim was restrained, aligning with its position as an affordable small car.
Inside, the cabin offered seating for four passengers, although rear accommodation was limited. The dashboard was straightforward, with clear instrumentation and minimal ornamentation. The steering wheel was large and thin-rimmed, typical of the era. The overall design conveyed clarity and efficiency rather than luxury.
Historical Significance:
The NSU Prinz II holds particular historical importance as NSU’s first post-war automobile. NSU, founded in the 19th century, had become one of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturers before re-entering car production in the late 1950s.
Introduced in 1958, the Prinz II built upon the original Prinz concept but incorporated improvements in refinement and detail. It arrived during a period of strong demand for affordable personal mobility in West Germany. The model contributed significantly to NSU’s financial recovery and growth during the Wirtschaftswunder years.
The Prinz II also laid the groundwork for subsequent NSU models, including more powerful Prinz variants and later developments such as the NSU Prinz 4 and the rotary-powered NSU Ro 80. It represents the beginning of NSU’s modern automotive chapter.
Quirks and Pop Culture:
The NSU Prinz II’s engine, derived from motorcycle design principles, gave the car a distinctive sound and character. Owners often noted the lively response of the small twin-cylinder engine, even if absolute performance remained modest.
In German-speaking markets, the Prinz became associated with affordable entry-level mobility. Its compact dimensions made it particularly well suited to narrow urban streets and limited parking space.
Although not a high-performance vehicle, the Prinz line later developed a sporting reputation through tuned and TT variants. The Prinz II therefore represents the practical starting point of a model family that would evolve significantly over the following decade.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at Motorworld Classics Bodensee in 2022. This event, held in Friedrichshafen, is a popular gathering for classic car enthusiasts in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The 2022 edition featured over 800 exhibitors spread across multiple halls and open-air spaces, offering a vibrant mix of vintage automobiles, motorcycles, boats, and aircraft. Visitors could explore restoration workshops, parts markets, and club presentations. A key highlight was the live vehicle auctions and dynamic driving demonstrations on the event grounds. The show reaffirmed its reputation as a hands-on celebration of classic mobility culture.
Conclusion:
The 1958–1960 NSU Prinz II stands as a compact and technically interesting small car from post-war Germany. With its 583 cc air-cooled twin-cylinder engine, rear-engine layout, and independent suspension, it offered practical mobility during a period of economic expansion. Its functional design and motorcycle-inspired engineering underline NSU’s industrial heritage. As the company’s first modern post-war automobile, the Prinz II played a crucial role in re-establishing NSU within the European automotive market.
