vintage: NSU RO 80 | drive it!

It was Europe's Car of the Year when it was introduced, and a flop with car buyers. But in many respects, the innovative NSU Ro-80 was years ahead of its time.When NSU, traditionally a maker of small cars, introduced the Ro-80 in 1967, the company hoped to establish itself in the market for up-scale mid-sized cars. The Ro-80 was powered by a 1-liter rotary engine that produced 115 hp. It had front-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension, disc-brakes on all four wheels, and a clean and distinctive aerodynamic shape. Unfortunately, the rotary engine initially had major reliability problems and the car was never a success. Even so, its timeless design and many innovations make it a true milestone in automotive history.