1966 NSU Spider

Spider image

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The NSU Spider 1966 is a rare classic sports car that revolutionized the automotive industry with its innovative technical features. This two-seater convertible has a compact yet aerodynamic design with a streamlined body that enhances its speed and maneuverability. With a length of 3.77 meters, a width of 1.52 meters, and a height of 1.18 meters, the NSU Spider boasts a low center of gravity, excellent weight distribution, and exceptional handling.

Underneath the hood, the NSU Spider is powered by a rear-mounted, air-cooled twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine that produces 50 horsepower and 75 Nm of torque. This engine configuration allows for a higher power-to-weight ratio and smoother acceleration, making it optimal for a sports car. The engine is paired with a four-speed manual transmission that delivers the power to the rear-wheel drive. The NSU Spider can reach a top speed of 160 km/h and can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 13.5 seconds.

The NSU Spider 1966 features a four-wheel independent suspension system that provides a smooth and comfortable ride, even on tough terrains. The front suspension is a McPherson strut design with a lower transverse control arm, while the rear suspension is a semi-trailing arm design with coil springs. The NSU Spider is equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels, ensuring reliable and efficient braking even at high speeds.

One of the most notable features of the NSU Spider 1966 is its lightweight fiberglass body shell, which was a first for a full production car. The fiberglass body shell weighs only 125 kilograms, which is much lighter compared to the conventional steel body used in other sports cars. The lightweight body shell provides the NSU Spider with a better power-to-weight ratio resulting in improved performance.

Inside the NSU Spider, the cockpit is simple yet functional. The steering wheel, gear shift knob, and bucket seats are all made of leather, giving the car an elegant and timeless look. The instrumentation is basic, with a speedometer, fuel gauge, and oil pressure gauge, but the driver can monitor the engine temperature on a separate indicator. The NSU Spider is also equipped with four-point safety belts, providing added safety and security for the driver and passenger.

The NSU Spider 1966 is a rare sports car that represents an era of technological innovation and stylish design. With its advanced features and exceptional performance, this classic car is a true testament to NSU's commitment to automotive engineering excellence. The NSU Spider is a timeless classic that has aged gracefully and still holds its own in today's world of high-performance sports cars.

Milestones

- Introduction of the NSU Spider at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1964 - Commencement of production of the NSU Spider in 1966 - NSU Spider was manufactured at the NSU plant in Neckarsulm, Germany - The NSU Spider was a nimble and light 2-seater sports car with a unique body design - The NSU Spider was powered by a 1.2-liter 4-cylinder air-cooled engine that produced 60 hp and a top speed of 98 mph - The car featured a 4-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive - The NSU Spider came with a convertible soft top that could be quickly and easily opened and closed - The car's independent suspension setup and disc brakes offered superb handling and stopping power - In 1967, NSU was acquired by Volkswagen, and the Spider's production was discontinued in 1972 after only 2,375 examples were produced


Technical

- Manufacturer: NSU Motorenwerke AG - Model: NSU Spider (Typ 122) - Production years: 1964-1967 - Engine type: air-cooled, 2-stroke, 2-cylinder engine - Displacement: 598cc - Power output: 50hp at 5,500rpm - Torque: 54lb-ft at 4,000rpm - Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox - Suspension: independent front suspension with coil springs and rear trailing arms with torsion bars - Brakes: front disc brakes, rear drum brakes - Steering: rack-and-pinion - Top speed: 95mph - 0-60mph acceleration: 14.5 seconds - Fuel economy: 25-30 mpg - Weight: 1,400 pounds - Dimensions: 139.4 inches length, 57.1 inches width, 48.8 inches height.

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