1966 NSU Wankel Spider – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

In 1966, a small German roadster carried one of the most radical engine concepts of the 20th century. The NSU Wankel Spider combined compact sports car proportions with the world’s first production rotary engine. It was a technological experiment offered to paying customers.

Technical Details:

The 1966 NSU Wankel Spider was powered by a single-rotor Wankel engine designated KKM 502. Unlike a conventional piston engine, the rotary unit used a triangular rotor rotating within a specially shaped housing. The engine’s geometric displacement was 498 cc, but its performance characteristics were comparable to a significantly larger four-cylinder piston engine.

Output was approximately 50 PS (37 kW) at around 6,000 rpm. The engine was mounted at the rear, driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox. The rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout was inherited from the NSU Sport Prinz platform on which the Spider was based.

The compact size of the rotary engine allowed efficient packaging and contributed to favorable weight distribution. The Spider had a top speed of approximately 150 km/h, making it competitive among lightweight mid-1960s European sports cars. Four-wheel drum brakes were fitted, and the suspension consisted of independent front suspension and a rear setup adapted to accommodate the engine assembly.

• Manufacturer: NSU Motorenwerke AG
• Model Name: NSU Wankel Spider
• Year of Manufacturing: 964–1967

Design:

The NSU Wankel Spider featured a two-seat roadster body derived from the NSU Sport Prinz, originally styled by Bertone. Its compact proportions included a short wheelbase, low beltline, and simple, well-defined surfaces. Round headlamps and restrained chrome detailing gave the front end a clean and balanced appearance.

The rear deck incorporated ventilation openings to cool the rotary engine. The soft-top roof could be manually raised or lowered, maintaining the car’s lightweight character. Overall, the design emphasized clarity and practicality rather than flamboyance.

Inside, the cabin was compact and driver-oriented. The dashboard featured round instruments and straightforward controls. The Spider offered basic but sufficient comfort for a small sports car, with seating for two and minimal luggage space.

Historical Significance:

The NSU Wankel Spider was introduced in 1964 as the world’s first series-production car equipped with a rotary engine. By 1966, it represented the most mature phase of the model’s short production run. NSU had worked closely with Felix Wankel to develop and industrialize the rotary concept.

Although innovative, early rotary engines faced technical challenges, particularly related to apex seal wear and durability. NSU continued refining the design during the Spider’s production life. Approximately 2,375 units were built between 1964 and 1967.

The Spider served as a technological precursor to the NSU Ro 80, which further advanced rotary engine development. The Wankel Spider therefore occupies a unique place in automotive engineering history as the first commercially available rotary-powered car.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The 1966 NSU Wankel Spider stood out for its smooth engine operation and distinctive exhaust note, characteristics inherent to rotary design. The absence of reciprocating pistons resulted in a different vibration profile compared to traditional engines.

Despite its pioneering status, the Spider remained a niche vehicle and did not achieve large-scale commercial success. Today, it is primarily appreciated by enthusiasts and historians interested in rotary engine technology and 1960s European automotive innovation.

Its combination of Italian-influenced styling and German engineering experimentation gives it a distinct identity among classic sports cars of the era.

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 1966 NSU Wankel Spider represents a bold chapter in automotive development. Technically defined by its 498 cc single-rotor KKM 502 engine, rear-engine layout, and compact roadster body, it introduced rotary propulsion to the production car market. While production numbers were modest, its engineering significance is substantial. As the first production rotary car, the NSU Wankel Spider remains a landmark in 1960s automotive history.