1970 NSU TTS – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021
In 1970, NSU offered one of the most competitive small-capacity performance sedans in Europe. The NSU TTS combined a rear-mounted high-revving engine with lightweight construction and motorsport pedigree. It became a regular contender in touring car and hill climb events across Germany and beyond.
Technical Details:
The 1970 NSU TTS was the most powerful road-going development of the NSU TT series, itself derived from the NSU Prinz 1000 platform. It was powered by a rear-mounted, air-cooled inline four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1,177 cc. The engine featured an overhead camshaft layout, reflecting NSU’s longstanding motorcycle engineering expertise.
In TTS specification, the engine was fitted with twin Solex carburetors and a higher compression ratio, producing approximately 70 PS (around 51 kW) at about 6,150 rpm. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox. The compact drivetrain layout and low vehicle weight—roughly 700 to 750 kg—resulted in a favorable power-to-weight ratio.
The suspension consisted of independent front suspension with wishbones and coil springs, while the rear axle supported the engine and drivetrain assembly. Front disc brakes were standard, improving stopping performance compared to earlier Prinz-based models. The 1970 NSU TTS achieved a top speed of approximately 160 km/h, depending on gearing and setup.
- Manufacturer: NSU Motorenwerke AG
- Model Name: NSU TTS
- Year of Manufacturing: 1967–1972
Design:
The NSU TTS retained the compact two-door sedan body of the Prinz 1000 but incorporated subtle visual cues indicating its performance focus. Wider wheels, sportier badging, and distinctive rear ventilation slots distinguished it from standard versions.
The body proportions were upright and compact, reflecting its origins as a small family sedan. Round headlamps and minimal chrome detailing gave the front end a simple, functional appearance. The rear engine cover included cooling slots to manage airflow to the air-cooled engine.
Inside, the TTS emphasized sportiness. A prominent tachometer was included in the instrument cluster, highlighting the engine’s high-revving character. The interior remained simple and lightweight, consistent with the car’s performance orientation.
Historical Significance:
The NSU TTS gained recognition through its success in European motorsport, particularly in touring car and hill climb competitions. Its lightweight construction, strong power output for its displacement class, and competitive handling made it a formidable entry in the under-1.3-liter category.
By 1970, the TTS represented the most refined version of NSU’s rear-engine performance philosophy. It stood alongside other compact European performance sedans but distinguished itself through its combination of overhead-cam engineering and low mass.
Production continued until 1972, the same year NSU was integrated into Audi NSU Auto Union AG. The TTS therefore belongs to the final chapter of NSU as an independent manufacturer, representing the culmination of its small-displacement rear-engine development.
Quirks and Pop Culture:
The rear-engine layout gave the NSU TTS lively handling characteristics. Enthusiasts often note its tendency toward oversteer when driven aggressively, a trait shared with other rear-engined cars of the era. In skilled hands, however, this configuration provided excellent traction and agility.
The TTS became a familiar sight in German club racing and regional competitions. Bright paint colors and racing numbers were common in period motorsport, reinforcing its sporting image.
Today, the 1970 NSU TTS is remembered as one of Germany’s notable compact performance cars of the late 1960s and early 1970s. It represents a time when engineering efficiency and lightweight design allowed small-displacement engines to deliver serious competition results.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at the Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden in 2021. This event, held annually in the spa town’s Kurpark and along the Kaiserallee, is one of Germany’s most picturesque classic car gatherings. In 2021, the 44th edition featured 300 vintage vehicles from 80 different brands, including rare models. The event embraced a 1970s theme, showcasing over 40 vehicles from that era. An innovative highlight was the “automobile fashion show,” where models presented current fashion trends while riding in open-top classic cars through the park. The event concluded with the traditional Concours d’élégance, awarding 120 prizes across 15 categories.
Conclusion:
The 1970 NSU TTS stands as the most performance-focused evolution of the Prinz-based TT series. Equipped with a 1,177 cc air-cooled overhead-cam engine producing around 70 PS, front disc brakes, and a lightweight rear-engine layout, it delivered competitive performance in both road and racing contexts. Its understated design concealed genuine motorsport capability, and its historical significance lies in marking the peak of NSU’s rear-engined sporting development before the company’s integration into Audi NSU Auto Union.
