Highlights
- Highly original and well presented car
- Condition supports the low displayed mileage
- Italian car imported to UK 2019 from dry region
- Stored in dehumidified garage and only used on sunny days
- Original factory paperwork and Italian registration documents
The Appeal
It was a bold and clever idea. So bold and indeed so clever that it inspired an advertising strapline that is part of motoring folklore and still in use today.
Audi’s ‘Vorsprung Durch Technik’ (‘success through engineering’) was originally penned to describe the Ro80. The idea for the car began in 1951 when NSU started working with Wankel on its new rotary engine. Tiny NSU would execute a home run around the established premium saloon car makers with a well-built and technologically innovative four-door.
Of course, it didn’t quite work out that way. The gargantuan cost of such over-reaching would lead NSU into the arms of Volkswagen and the Ro80 would garner a reputation for unreliability.
Today the Ro80 is remembered for what it is: one of the boldest and most advanced cars of its era. Its sleek Claus Luthe styling contained a plethora of clever ideas - such as strong clamshell doors with no sills, just like a SAAB - and then there was that powerful 995cc Wankel motor.
Today the Ro80 is remembered for what it is: one of the boldest and most advanced cars of its era. Its sleek Claus Luthe styling contained a plethora of clever ideas - such as strong clamshell doors with no sills, just like a SAAB - and then there was that powerful 995cc Wankel motor.
Just 45 Ro80s are road registered in the UK so finding and buying one is not an everyday task. This low mileage 1971 car was imported to the UK from dry Italy in 2019 and has been carefully curated since, stored in a dehumidified garage and only used on sunny days. The condition will surely delight enthusiasts - it is highly original and very well preserved. Whether you’re new to the brilliant Ro80 or have been looking for one for a while, this is a car that we think will delight all classic car fans.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in Italy on 5th November 1971
- Imported to UK on 1st February 2020 by vendor’s father-in-law
- Vehicle passed within family as part of deceased estate
- Two registered keepers in UK but both within the same family
- Original Italian registration and Revisione documents
- Factory handbook set in very good condition
The Condition
- Smart dark blue paintwork in good, seemingly original order
- Some light marks to paintwork visible in photographs
- Straight bodywork with good panel fit and complete well kept trim and fittings
- Good chromework and alloys in original and unrestored condition
- Stylish Luthe lines with large, airy glasshouse and low bonnet line
- Underside presents well with tidy undersealing
- We are advised of a crack in the windscreen - second hand unit provided with car
- Very well kept interior finished in complementary light blue fabric
- Seats front and rear are well kept and other trim items in similar preserved condition
- Original and unmodified interior with tidy dashboard and VDO dials
- Steel sliding sunroof fitted
- Great detailing around car including vented aluminium sill trims
- Boot area similarly tidy with clean carpets showing few signs of age
The Mechanics
- 995cc 113bhp Wankel twin-rotor engine
- 3spd ‘semi automatic’ cluchless gearbox with stick shift
- Advanced specification including FWD and four-wheel disc brakes
- Very tidy engine bay
- Appears to be a factory standard and unmodified car
- Vendor advises that the car starts easily and has been run regularly
- Lightly used for short runs to in good weather only
- Stored in dehumidified garage when not in use
- No reported running or other mechanical issues
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
