1964 – 1967 NSU Wankel Spider – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
In 1964, NSU became the first manufacturer in the world to put a rotary engine into series production. The NSU Wankel Spider combined compact roadster styling with a completely new type of power unit. It marked the beginning of rotary engine automotive history.
Technical Details:
The NSU Wankel Spider was powered by a single-rotor Wankel engine known internally as the KKM 502. Unlike conventional piston engines, the rotary design used a triangular rotor turning within an epitrochoid-shaped housing. Displacement was nominally 498 cc (geometric displacement), though output was comparable to a much larger piston engine.
The engine produced approximately 50 PS (37 kW) at around 6,000 rpm. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox. The drivetrain layout followed a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration, derived from the NSU Sport Prinz platform on which the Spider was based.
The rotary engine’s compact dimensions allowed it to fit neatly into the rear compartment. Compared to traditional engines, it featured fewer moving parts and operated with smooth rotational motion rather than reciprocating pistons. The car reached a top speed of approximately 150 km/h, a significant figure for a lightweight open sports car in the mid-1960s.
- Manufacturer: NSU Motorenwerke AG
- Model Name: NSU Wankel Spider
- Year of Manufacturing: 1964–1967
Design:
The NSU Wankel Spider was based on the body of the NSU Sport Prinz, originally styled by Bertone. Its compact two-seat roadster form featured clean, simple lines and balanced proportions. The front end displayed modest chrome trim and round headlamps, while the rear incorporated ventilation openings for engine cooling.
The car’s short wheelbase and low roofline emphasized its sporting character. The open-top configuration featured a manually operated soft top. Despite its small dimensions, the Spider conveyed a refined appearance, typical of early-1960s Italian-influenced design.
Inside, the cockpit was simple but driver-focused. Round gauges, a thin-rimmed steering wheel, and a straightforward dashboard layout reflected the car’s lightweight sports orientation. The cabin remained compact, consistent with its rear-engine layout.
Historical Significance:
The NSU Wankel Spider holds a unique place in automotive history as the world’s first production car powered by a rotary engine. Developed in cooperation with Felix Wankel, the rotary engine concept had been under development at NSU since the 1950s.
The Spider’s introduction in 1964 represented a bold technological step. NSU positioned itself at the forefront of engine innovation, promoting the rotary’s smoothness, compact size, and mechanical simplicity. However, early rotary engines faced challenges related to apex seal wear and long-term durability.
Between 1964 and 1967, approximately 2,375 units were produced. While production numbers were modest, the Wankel Spider served as a technological precursor to the later and more advanced NSU Ro 80, which further developed the rotary concept.
Quirks and Pop Culture:
The Wankel Spider’s rotary engine gave it a distinctive character. The smooth, high-revving nature of the engine differed noticeably from conventional piston units. Enthusiasts often highlight the unique sound and vibration characteristics of early rotary cars.
Despite its technical significance, the Spider remained relatively rare compared to mainstream sports cars of the era. It is primarily remembered for its engineering innovation rather than motorsport achievements or widespread media presence.
Today, the NSU Wankel Spider is valued among collectors as the first chapter in rotary engine automotive history, predating later applications by other manufacturers.
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 1964–1967 NSU Wankel Spider represents a milestone in automotive engineering. Technically defined by its single-rotor KKM 502 engine, rear-engine layout, and lightweight roadster body, it introduced rotary propulsion to series production. Its Bertone-designed styling and compact dimensions reinforced its sporting identity, while its historical importance lies in pioneering Wankel technology. As the first production rotary car, the NSU Wankel Spider remains a landmark in 20th-century automotive development.
