NSU Wankel Spider (Typ 56)

Vehicle Description

The historic two-seater is the first production car with a Wankel engine
– 498 cc single-disc rotary piston petrol engine with 37 kW (50 hp) and 4-speed manual gearbox
– Imported from the USA in 2012
– Owned by the current owner since then
– All technical parts, engine, transmission, brakes and chassis overhauled as specified
– Seats and sun visors restored and reupholstered
– The Spider has been serviced and maintained by a specialist classic car workshop
– Belongs to a classic car collection and has only been driven approx. 500 km
– Paintwork and chrome parts in good condition
– German registration and admission as historic vehicle
– Valid technical control (MoT) until February 2026
A real automotive rarity with minor patina only

Sales on behalf of consignor

At the 1963 IAA (International Motor Show) in Frankfurt, the NSU Wankel Spider stole the media show from the other debutants, the Porsche 911 (901) and MB 600. The reason was the invention, the rotary piston engine of Felix Wankel, which was presented in the world’s first production car. The rotary piston engine offered considerable advantages over the conventional reciprocating piston engine.
With only one rotating disk, the rotary engine can be produced much more economically and weighs a third less while running exceptionally smoothly. This revolutionary engine powered the NSU Sport Prinz Spider designed by Bertone, which was exhibited as a study at the Turin Motor Show in 1959. With its exceptional performance, the Wankel Spider was able to outpace its competitors at the time, the AH Sprite, MG Midget, Triumph Spitfire and the Fiat 850 Spider. However, the surcharge of almost 3,000 marks demanded for the Sport Prinz was not accepted by the market as desired. Even a drastic price reduction in 1966 could not compensate for the declining production figures, with only 581 units being built. Factory-prepared Wankel Spiders were very successful in motorsport. The then reigning German GT hill climb champion, Siegfried Spiess, dominated his class with six victories in seven races. The Spider also achieved respectable successes at the Monte. At the end of 1967, Spider production came to an end after 2,375 units.

Vehicle Overview