View source for NSU Prinz

{{short description|Automobile produced in West Germany by the NSU Motorenwerke AG from 1958 to 1973}}
{{use dmy dates|date=July 2023}}
[[File:NSU Prinz 30.jpg|thumb|A NSU Prinz in 2007]]
The '''NSU Prinz''' (Prince) is an [[automobile]] which was produced in [[West Germany]] by the [[NSU Motorenwerke AG]] from 1958 to 1973.

==NSU Prinz I, II & III==
{{Infobox automobile
|name = NSU Prinz I, II & III
|image = NSU-Prinz-I.JPG
|caption = NSU Prinz I
|production = 1958–1962
|assembly = {{Plainlist|
*West Germany: [[Neckarsulm]]
*Chile: [[Arica]]
*Australia: [[Heidelberg, Victoria]]<ref>[http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/36898677 ''NSU Prinz sedan, 1960''] Retrieved on 19 March 2012</ref>
}}
|engine = {{convert|583|cc|cuin|abbr=on|lk=in}} [[Straight-twin engine|I2]]<ref name=PracticalMotorist196103>{{cite journal |title =Knowing Your NSU Prinz 30| journal =Practical Motorist| volume = 7 | number = 79| pages =709–710| date = March 1961}}</ref> <br>rear-mounted<br>air-cooled
|transmission = 4-speed manual <br> 4-speed manual all-synchromesh<ref name=PracticalMotorist196103/>
|body_style = 2-door [[Sedan (automobile)|saloon]]<ref name=PracticalMotorist196103/>
|length = {{convert|124|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} <ref name=PracticalMotorist196103/>
|width = {{convert|56|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} <ref name=PracticalMotorist196103/>
|height = {{convert|53|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=PracticalMotorist196103/>
|wheelbase = {{convert|2000|mm|in|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}
|weight = 
|related = {{ubl | [[NSU Spider]] | Ramses (Utilica)<ref>''Die Chronik des Automobils'', Chronik Verlag / Bertelsmann-Lexikon Verlag / Weltbild Verlag GmbH {{ISBN|3-86047-137-6}}, p. 347</ref>}}
}}

The first post-war NSU car, the '''Prinz I''', was launched at the [[Frankfurt Motor Show#1957|Frankfurt Motor Show]] in September 1957 accompanied by the advertising slogan "Fahre Prinz und Du bist König" ''("Drive a Prince and you're a king")''.<ref name=AutoMotoruSport199613>{{cite magazine| title =Not und Spiele: Die 50er Jahre...|magazine= [[Auto, Motor und Sport|Auto Motor u. Sport]]| volume = Heft 13 1996| pages = Seite 58–65|date = 14 June 1996}}</ref>  After a pilot run of 150 preproduction cars, volume production began in March 1958.{{sfn|Deutsche Autos, Band 4,|2001|page=392}}

The Prinz I was available as a 2-door [[Sedan (automobile)|saloon]] (sedan)<ref name=Sedgwick_145>Michael Sedgwick & Mark Gillies, ''A-Z of Cars 1945-1970'', page 145</ref> featuring an upright roof line and seating for four people. The doors opened wide enough to permit reasonable access even to the rear seats, although leg room was severely restricted if attempting to accommodate four full sized adults.<ref name=PracticalMotorist196103/>  In addition to a luggage compartment accessed via a hatch at the front of the car and shared with the spare wheel and fuel filler, there was a narrow but deep full width space behind the rear seat sufficient to accommodate a holiday suitcase.

In addition, the Prinz was imported to the United States, but in the era of gas guzzling cars being the norm on American roads, the Prinz did not sell well. with it being dropped after 1960.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hemmings.com/stories/1958-nsu-prinz/ |access-date=2024-11-16 |website=www.hemmings.com}}</ref> The Prinz was also one of the few cars that was used by US astronauts. While astronauts drove Chevrolet Corvettes that were given to them by GM, Mercury astronaut John Glenn instead drove an NSU Prinz 1. The Prinz got better fuel mileage than the Corvette, as Glenn had a longer commute than his fellow astronauts, allowing him to save for his children’s college fund; the more economical Prinz made financial sense.
<ref name=PracticalMotorist196103/>



The noisy<ref name=PracticalMotorist196103/> two-cylinder 600&nbsp;cc {{convert|20|PS|kW hp|abbr=on}} engine was located at the [[RR layout|back]] where it drove the rear wheels, initially via a [[Non-synchronous_transmission |"crash" gearbox]]. Later versions gained a four-speed all-[[synchromesh]] gearbox. Contemporaries were impressed by the brevity of the maintenance schedule, with the engine, gear box and final drive operating as a single chamber and all lubricated by means of oil, added through a filler in the rocker box cover.<ref name=PracticalMotorist196103/> There were just two grease nipples requiring attention, positioned on the steering kingpins.<ref name=PracticalMotorist196103/> The engine was also commended in contemporary reports for its fuel economy and longevity.<ref name=PracticalMotorist196103/> Although noisy, the engine offered impressive flexibility, recalling NSU's strengths as a motorcycle manufacturer.<ref name=PracticalMotorist196103/>

The '''Prinz II''' (a 'luxury' version)<ref>[http://www.audi.com/corporate/en/company/history/models/nsu-prinz-ii-automobile-1959.html ''nsu prinz ii automobile 1959'' at audi.com/corporate/en/company/history/models] Accessed 28 December 2016</ref> was released in 1959 with better trim and an all-synchromesh gearbox.<ref name=microcarmuseum>[http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/nsu-prinz-rhd.html ''1960 NSU Prinz III'', www.microcarmuseum.com] Retrieved 9 February 2016</ref> A '''30E''' export version was equipped with a 30&nbsp;hp engine.<ref name=microcarmuseum/> The '''Prinz III''' was launched in October 1960<ref>[http://www.audi.com/corporate/en/company/history/models/nsu-prinz-iii-automobile-1960.html ''nsu prinz iii automobile 1960'' at audi.com/corporate/en/company/history/models] Accessed 28 December 2016</ref> featuring a new stabilizer bar and the 30&nbsp;hp motor.<ref name=microcarmuseum/>

NSU received government approval to build the Prinz in Brazil in the late 1950s, but nothing came of the project.<ref name=shapiro>{{cite journal | title = Determinants of Firm Entry into the Brazilian Automobile Manufacturing Industry, 1956-1968 | ref = HShap | first = Helen | last = Shapiro | volume = 65 | journal = The Business History Review | number = 4, The Automobile Industry |date=Winter 1991 | page = 897 | doi=10.2307/3117267| jstor = 3117267 | s2cid = 153363903 }}</ref>

<gallery widths="200px" heights="150px">
NSU Prinz 30.JPG|NSU Prinz 30E
1960 NSU Prinz II.jpg|1960 NSU Prinz II
NSU Prinz III 1961 (18283962053).jpg|1961 NSU Prinz III
</gallery>

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==NSU Sport Prinz==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = NSU Sport Prinz
| image = Nsu Sport Prinz 1964.jpg
| caption = 1964 NSU Sport Prinz
| production = 1958–1968 <ref name=Sedgwick>Michael Sedgwick & Mark Gillies, ''A-Z of Cars 1945-1970'', page 146</ref> <br> 20,831 produced <ref name=Sedgwick/>
| assembly = {{Plainlist|
*West Germany: [[Neckarsulm]]
*Italy: [[Turin]] ([[Gruppo Bertone|Bertone]])
}}
| engine = 583&nbsp;cc I2 <ref name=Sedgwick/> <br> 598&nbsp;cc I2 <ref name=Sedgwick/>
| transmission = 
| body_style = 2-door [[coupé]]
| related = [[NSU Spider]]
| successor = [[Audi TT]]
}}

The Sport Prinz was a 2-seater sports coupe variant.<ref name=Sedgwick/> It was designed by [[Franco Scaglione]] at [[Gruppo Bertone|Bertone studios]] in Turin. 20,831 were manufactured between 1958 and 1968.<ref name=Sedgwick/> The first 250 bodies were built by [[Gruppo Bertone|Bertone]] in Turin. The rest were built in [[Heilbronn]] at Karrosseriewerke Drauz which was later bought by [[NSU Motorenwerke AG|NSU]].

The Sport Prinz was initially powered by the {{convert|583|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} Prinz 50 straight-twin engine but a maximum speed of {{convert|160|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} was nevertheless claimed. From late 1962 a {{convert|598|cc|cuin|abbr=on}} engine was fitted.<ref name=Sedgwick/>

The [[NSU Spider]] was a [[Wankel engine|Wankel rotary]] powered two-seater [[Roadster (automobile)|roadster]] based on the Sport Prinz platform.<ref name=Sedgwick/>

[[File:NSU Sportprinz 1958-1967 backright 2008-08-17 A.jpg|thumb|left|Sport Prinz, rear view]]
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==NSU Prinz 4==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = NSU Prinz 4
| image = NSU Prinz cremefarben.jpg
| aka = [[Egyptian Light Transport Manufacturing Company|Ramses]] II ([[Egypt]])<!-- reference: Die Chronik des Automobils: Chronik Verlag / Bertelsmann-Lexikon Verlag / Weltbild Verlag GmbH ISBN 3-86047-137-6 (page 347 bottom half) --><br/>NSU P-1000 ([[Uruguay]], 1963&ndash;1964)
| production = 1961&ndash;1973
| engine = 598&nbsp;cc air-cooled [[Overhead valve engine|OHV]] I2<ref name=Autocar196808>{{cite magazine |title =Autotest: NSU Super Prinz|magazine=[[Autocar (magazine)|Autocar]] | volume = 129 | number = 3785| pages =18–22| date = 29 August 1968}}</ref>
| transmission = 4-speed manual all-synchromesh<ref name=Autocar196808/>
| body_style = 2-door [[Sedan (automobile)|saloon]]<ref name=Autocar196808/>
| length = {{convert|3440|mm|in|abbr=on}}<ref name="AU71.9">{{citation | ref = AU71 | title = Auto-Universum 1971 | editor-first = Arthur | editor-last = Logoz | year = 1971 | publisher = Verlag Internationale Automobil-Parade AG | location = Zürich, Switzerland | volume = XIV | page = 140 | language = de }}</ref>
| width = {{convert|1490|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="AU71.9"/>
| height = {{convert|1360|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="AU71.9"/>
| wheelbase = {{convert|2040|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="AU71.9"/>
| weight = 
| related = [[NSU P6]] (Uruguay, 1963–1967)
| successor = [[Audi 50]]
}}

One of the revelations of the [[Frankfurt Motor Show#1961|Frankfurt Motor Show]] in September 1961,<ref name=Automobilia1962>{{cite journal| title =Automobilia| journal = Toutes les voitures françaises 1962 (Salon Paris oct 1961)| volume = 19 |page=74|year = 2001|publisher=Histoire & collections|location=Paris }}</ref><ref>[http://www.audi.com/corporate/en/company/history/models/nsu-prinz-4-1962.html ''nsu prinz 4 1962'' at audi.com/corporate/en/company/history/models] Accessed 28 December 2016</ref> the Prinz 4 replaced the original Prinz. Its new body closely resembled the then fashionable [[Chevrolet Corvair]], but was of course much smaller. Like the original Prinz, it was powered by a two-cylinder air-cooled engine in the rear. The Prinz 4 was much improved and continued to be a well-engineered car, like its predecessors. The engine carried on the NSU tradition of an [[Eccentric (mechanism)|eccentric rod]]-driven camshaft inherited from their motorcycle engines, and had a [[dynastart]] (combined starter/generator) built into the [[crankcase]]. The dynastart also works as a flywheel of the engine. Later, four-cylinder engines adopted the more conventional (pre-engaged) separate starter motor and alternator.

In 1968, Britain's ''[[Autocar (magazine)|Autocar]]'' road tested a Super Prinz. They had tested a Prinz 4 in 1962, and in commenting on how little the car had changed in the intervening six years quipped some of their road testers appeared to have gained more weight than the commendably light-weight Prinz in that period.<ref name=Autocar196808/> The test car achieved a top speed of {{cvt|70|mph|km/h|0}} and accelerated to {{cvt|60|mph|km/h|0}} in 35.7 seconds.<ref name=Autocar196808/> The home grown [[Mini|Mini 850]] reached 60&nbsp;mph in only 29.5 seconds in an equivalent contemporary test and also managed to beat the NSU's top speed, albeit only by about 3%.<ref name=Autocar196808/> At this time, the UK car market was heavily protected by tariffs, and the Prinz's UK manufacturer's recommended retail price was £597, which was more than the (possibly below cost){{citation needed|date=July 2012}} £561 asked for the 850&nbsp;cc Mini, but certainly not completely out of touch with it.<ref name=Autocar196808/> The testers concluded their report that the car was competitively priced in its class and performed adequately.<ref name=Autocar196808/> They opined, cautiously, it offered 'no more than the rest' but neither did it 'lack anything important'.

[[File:NSU Prinz 4.Heck.jpg|thumb|left|Prinz 4]]

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=={{anchor|1000|1000C|TT|TTS}} NSU Prinz 1000, TT==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = NSU Prinz 1000/1000 C/TT/TTS
| image = N.S.U. 1000 C dutch licence registration 45-47-ZV pic2.JPG
| caption = NSU 1000 C
| production = 1963–1972
| engine = {{ubl | 996&nbsp;cc air-cooled [[Overhead camshaft|OHC]] [[Inline-four engine|I4]] | 1085&nbsp;cc air-cooled OHC I4 | 1177&nbsp;cc air-cooled OHC I4 }}
| transmission = 4-speed manual all-synchromesh
| body_style = 2-door [[Sedan (automobile)|saloon]]
| length = {{ubl | {{convert|3760|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (1000 C) | {{convert|3793|mm|in|abbr=on}} (TT/TTS) }}
| width = {{convert|1490|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="AU71.9"/>
| height = {{convert|1364|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="AU71.9"/>
| wheelbase = {{convert|2250|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="AU71.9"/>
| weight = 
| aka = 
| related = [[NSU P10]] (Uruguay, 1970–1971)
| successor = [[Audi 50]]
}}
The NSU Prinz evolved into the somewhat larger bodied NSU Prinz 1000 (Typ 67a), introduced at the [[Frankfurt Motor Show#1963|1963 Frankfurt Motor Show]].<ref name="AR67">{{citation | ref = AR67 | title = Automobil Revue Modelle 1967/Revue Automobile modèles 1967 | editor1-last = Braunschweig | editor1-first = Robert | display-editors = et al | language = de, fr | publisher = Hallwag AG | page = 366 | location = Berne, Switzerland | volume = 62 | date = 9 March 1967 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.audi.com/corporate/en/company/history/models/nsu-prinz-1000-1964.html ''nsu prinz 1000 1964'' at audi.com/corporate/en/company/history/models] Accessed 28 December 2016</ref> A sporting NSU 1000 TT (with a 1.1 litre engine) also appeared, which was later developed into the NSU (1200) TT<ref>[http://www.audi.com/corporate/en/company/history/models/nsu-tt-1967.html ''nsu tt 1967'' at audi.com/corporate/en/company/history/models] Accessed 28 December 2016</ref> and NSU TTS<ref>[http://www.audi.com/corporate/en/company/history/models/nsu-tts-1967.html ''nsu tts 1967'' at audi.com/corporate/en/company/history/models] Accessed 28 December 2016</ref> models. All had the same body with inline-four air-cooled OHC engines and were frequently driven as sports cars, but also as economical family cars as well. The mostly alloy engines were very lively, and highly reliable.The OHC arrangement was quite advanced for the time on a small family car as most home-grown cars were still using less efficient pushrod engines. The Prinz 1000 lost the "Prinz" part of the name in January 1967, becoming simply the '''NSU 1000''' or 1000&nbsp;C depending on the equipment. It has {{convert|40|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} DIN, while the 1200 TT has {{convert|65|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} DIN and the most potent TTS version has {{convert|70|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} DIN from only one litre.<ref name="AU71.9"/> The 1000 received large oval headlights, while the sportier TT versions have twin round headlights mounted within the same frame. The first 1000 TT has {{convert|55|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} DIN and uses the engine first introduced in the larger [[NSU Typ 110]].

[[File:NSU Prinz 1000 white hr.jpg|thumb|left|NSU Prinz 1000]]
The NSU Prinz 1000 TT was built in 14,292 examples between 1965 and 1967, when it was replaced by the bigger engined TT. This, with a 1.2-liter engine, was built until July 1972 for a total of 49,327 examples. The TT can be recognized by its broad black stripe between its headlights. The TTS was built especially for competition, being successful in both hillclimbs and circuit racing. It has a front-mounted oil cooler and was built in 2,402 examples from February 1967 until July 1971. It was briefly referred to as the "Prinz 1000 TTS" when first introduced. There was also a competition model of the TTS available for sale, with {{convert|83|PS|kW|abbr=on}}.<ref name="AR67"/> Production of the Typ 67a (NSU 1000) came to a halt in December 1972.

In 1965, an even larger model was added, initially called [[NSU Typ 110|Typ 110]], and from 1967 on [[NSU Typ 110|NSU 1200]]. It offered more space, so it was a better family car, but was not as sporty as the smaller models. Therefore, the NSU 1200TT used the 1200&nbsp;cc engine of the 1200 in the smaller body of the NSU 1000.

[[File:NSU 1200 TT.JPG|thumb|left|1969 NSU TT]]

===End of production===
When NSU was acquired by [[Volkswagen]] in 1969, it was merged with [[Auto Union]] AG. Auto Union had previously been taken over by VW in 1964 and produced mid-sized cars, resurrecting the [[Audi]] [[Brand|marque]]. The name of the new company changed to Audi NSU Auto Union AG. The small, rear-engined NSUs were phased out in 1973, as production capacity was needed for larger and more profitable Audis. The successor of the NSU Prinz was the [[front-wheel drive]] [[Audi 50]], later rebadged [[Volkswagen Polo]].

== Related models ==

Under license, the Prinz was manufactured in [[Sarajevo]], [[Yugoslavia]] (now in [[Bosnia-Herzegovina]]), by [[PRETIS]] (''Preduzeće Tito Sarajevo''). Around 15,000 vehicles were made.<ref name="pravilivozili">{{cite web |url=http://ba.n1info.com/Auto/a74796/Proizvodnja-automobila-u-bivsoj-Jugoslaviji.html |title=SFRJ četvorotočkaši: Šta su pravili i vozili Jugosloveni? |work=ba.n1info.com |date=2015-12-23}}</ref>

The Prinz was also manufactured in Argentina by [[AUTOMOTORES ARGENTINOS|Autoar]], making mainly models Prinz II and Prinz III / 30. A total of 2,432 units were built between 1959 and 1963. It is told{{who|date=July 2012}} only 40-45 Sportprinz and a few Prinz IV (fewer than 10) were imported.{{citation needed|date=July 2012}}

The Ramses was the first car produced in Egypt, and was the result of a co-operation between the new Egyptian car firm [[:de:Egyptian Light Transport Manufacturing Company|Egyptian Light Transport Manufacturing Company]], and NSU. The factory was located right next to the Great Pyramids. Plans were to produce around 10,000 cars a year, most of the work being manual labor.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Ramses Automobile|url=http://aada-african-car.blogspot.com/2009/04/ramses.html |website=Africa Automotive Design Association |date=3 April 2009 |access-date=4 February 2017}}</ref>

The Prinz 4-cylinder air-cooled engine was also famously adopted by Friedl Münch in 1966 for the hand-built [[Münch (motorcycles)|Münch Mammut]] motorcycle, at the time the fastest and most expensive motorcycle in production.

In Uruguay, the Prinz 4 was built by Nordex S.A., and a new model, the P6, combined the engine and mechanics of the NSU model with a separate body completely redesigned by Carlos Sotomayor. From 1970, the P10 was built as the successor model to the NSU P6. This had the larger engine of the NSU Prince 1000 and a 21&nbsp;cm extended wheelbase.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-european/automotive-history-nsu-prinz-the-4-cylinder-models-part-1-grocery-getters-with-pizzaz/ |title=Automotive History: NSU Prinz – The 4 Cylinder Models, Part 1: Grocery Getters with Pizzaz |work=www.curbsideclassic.com |access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref>

==References==
=== Notes ===
{{reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
<!-- last updated October 2021 -->

====General====
{{refbegin}}
* {{Arth-NSUA}}
* {{Arth-NSUAA |author-mask=5}}
* {{Bruse-Storz-NSUP}}
* {{Geiling-NSUFPE}}
* {{Lintelmann-NSUP}}
* {{Deutsche Autos-4}}
* {{Schneider-NSU7384}}
* {{Schneider-NSUA |author-mask=8}}
* {{Schneider-NSUAM |author-mask=8}}
* {{Schneider-NSUS |author-mask=8}}
* {{Steidl-NSUP}}
* {{cite book |last=Thyssen-Bornemissza |first=Hanns-Peter von |author-link=:de:Hanns-Peter Baron Thyssen-Bornemissza von Kaszon |title=NSU Prinz: Prinzen-Garde |trans-title=NSU Prinz: Prince Guard |date=1998 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |isbn=3613871793 |language=de}}
* {{Walker-NSUTCS}}
* {{cite book |last1=Westrup |first1=Arthur |title=Fahre Prinz und du bist König: Geschichten aus der NSU-Geschichte |trans-title=Drive a Prinz and you are the King: Stories from NSU History |date=1995 |publisher=Delius Klasing |location=Bielefeld, Germany |isbn=3768808904 |language=de}}
{{refend}}

====Workshop manuals====
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last1=Korp |first1=Dieter |title=NSU: 1000/C, 110/1200/C, TT/TTS |series=Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series, Band 13 |date=1966 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |isbn=3879430527 |language=de}}
* {{cite book |last1=Korp |first1=Dieter |title=NSU: Prinz 4, Sport-Prinz, Prinz I bis III |series=Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series, Band 6 |edition=6th |date=1971 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |isbn=3879430454 |language=de}}
* {{cite book |title=NSU: Prinz 1000/1000L/1000S/1000/1000C/110/110S/SC/1200/1200C/TT/TTS |series=Reparaturanleitung series, Band 148 |year=2013 |publisher=Verlag Bucheli |location=Zug, Switzerland |isbn=978-3716812136 |language=de}}
* {{cite book |title=NSU: Prinz I/II/III/Sportprinz/Prinz 4 |trans-title= |series=Reparaturanleitung series, Band 61 |date=2017 |publisher=Verlag Bucheli |location=Zug, Switzerland |isbn=9783716822463 |language=de |edition=reprint of the original 1973}}
* {{cite book |title=NSU 1000 Owners Workshop Manual 1963-1972 |date=1979 |publisher=Brooklands Books |location=Cobham, Surrey, UK |isbn=1783181230}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|NSU Prinz}}
*http://www.nsu-ig.de/
*https://web.archive.org/web/20170315082748/http://www.nsuprinz.com/
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150610200501/http://www.vignale-gamine.com/apps/forums/topics/show/2519562-keren-sahar-classic-car-museum-and-a-new-nsu-sport-prinz?next= Restored NSU Sport Prinz in Israel]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nsu Prinz}}
[[Category:NSU vehicles|Prinz]]
[[Category:Rear-engined vehicles]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1958]]
[[Category:Cars powered by 2-cylinder engines]]
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[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:1960s cars]]
[[Category:1970s cars]]