While NSU began building Lambretta scooters under license, they soon found they could do something better so when that agreement had run its course they began developing their own range of scooters, based loosely on on their Italian rival.

It could be argued that these became the ultimate version of the classic scooter, with style and panache from the Italian original, albeit with some new embellishments, but now with German engineering under the skin.

This one is in beautiful condition, looking like the body work has not been restored, while the engine has been painted and the club papers suggest enthusiast owners.

The oldest record with the Prima is a buff card logbook from a change of owner in October 1978 when the scooter was already 20 years old, having been registered in September 1958. 

Its then owner lived in NW1, so it's easy to imagine it buzzing around Camden, Regents Park and Primrose Hill and the other London spots.

In later years the NSU moved a little north to Cambridgeshire, we have a pair of MOTs from 2010 and 2011 which show it having 36075 miles and 36076 a year later. 

In 2013 it had reached 36,111, and today with just 36125 it looks like it has only been ridden to the MOT and back each year if that but the owner was told it was kept serviced and it has recent tyres fitted.

The current owner has not had the scooter very long, having bought it as something fun to commute on, but found his license did not cover him under grandfather rights as he expected, so as he doesn't have time to take a bike test has decided to part with it, sadly without having ridden it.

Contrasting the main red of the bodywork, the white panels and trim really stand out and look fantastic. 

The central white stripe extends to the seats and handlebars. The moulded seats have not discoloured or cracked. They have a light texture and NSU logo embossed in them

The passengers grab handle, handlebar grips and foot pads are all of a different plastic which has yellowed slightly as it has aged. Only the rear foot pads show any wear with a couple of cracks in them.

It has a small lockable compartment hiding the battery which has space for carrying little items and an access hatch below the instruments, which comprise of a simple speedo cluster, ignition switch and button.

With no paperwork to back up any assumptions, we can only go on what we see and has been passed down from previous owners. 

With low miles on the clock and having been dry stored for many years, it is believed that the scooter is unrestored and the paint is original. The red and white finish is in very good condition, with just a few scrapes and scratches - there are some chips that have been touched in on the front of the floor panel foot rest, and the panels are undamaged and appear free of corrosion.

The NSU scooters gained some nice decorative touches over the Lambrettas, there is pressed metal trim from nose to tail, embellishing the edges of the front panel and to the rear there are triple stars on either side, surrounds to the air intakes leading into trailing side bars and grills on the rear most cooling vents. 

In the spirit of the decade these googie styled pieces are very jet age and space inspired, and add a touch of mid century style to the scooter, formats of these being the jet plane hood ornament on the front mud guard, likely from a ‘50s American car.  

These delicate trim pieces are generally in very good order, there are a few knocks from riders feet on the air intakes but nothing too serious and the surface has dulled and pitted a little over the years.

There is no receipt but the previous owner fitted three new tyres not long ago.

Remove the rear side panels and we have excellent access to the 150cc motor. 

We have no history with the scooter, but the included workshop manual and spare gasket suggest a hands on owner in recent years. The engine and ancillaries have all been painted silver, the metal finish beneath suggesting they may have been shot blasted clean first. 

Looking around the NSU there are new rubber fuel lines, some new wiring and fresh, clean grease visible which all also suggests it was being well maintained. 

There do not appear to be any oil leaks and the owner tells us it starts and idles well, although he has not been able to ride it.

This is a very attractive scooter in its own right, but being the less obvious NSU makes it all the more appealing as it will stand out from the crowd at shows and meets.

The condition of this 64 year old is very good and the colour scheme appealing, whether it it wanted to ride or as an ornament it makes a great buy.