NSU Ro 80 2 Porte: Pininfarina's Rare Futuristic Masterpiece

ONE-OFF - Cars have always been more than just a mode of transportation. For some, they represent innovation, creativity, and a deep history that is often intertwined with technological advancement. Among the many unique cars that have graced automotive history, there is one that stands out not just for its design but also for the story that surrounds it. This particular car, a one-of-a-kind NSU Ro 80 2 Porte + 2, is a true example of automotive art that blends imagination with reality.

This one-of-a-kind NSU Ro 80 2 Porte + 2, designed by Paolo Martin of Pininfarina, seamlessly blends imaginative design with innovative engineering and safety. (Picture from: Madle.org)

The story of the NSU Ro 80 2 Porte + 2 starts with its appearance in the early 1970s. Designed by Paolo Martin for the renowned Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina, It featured safety features, like shock-absorbing bumpers, and extra strengthened doors, to prevent injuries, caused by side-impacts. Elastic bumpers, without chrome gives the car a modern look, even over 50 years after the car was presented at the 1971 Turin Motor Show and later at the 1972 Brussels Motor Show. What made this car stand out was not just its sleek design but the fact that it was based on the NSU Ro 80, a car known for its innovative rotary engine. This engine, developed by NSU, represented cutting-edge technology at the time, emphasizing performance and efficiency in a way that few cars had before.

The NSU Ro 80 2 Porte + 2 was based on the NSU Ro 80, a car known for its innovative rotary engine, and debuted at the 1971 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

Pininfarina took the basic structure of the NSU Ro 80 and transformed it into something extraordinary. The NSU Ro 80 2 Porte + 2 was not just a simple redesign; it was a bold statement. With its aerodynamic exterior, suicide doors, and retractable roof, this car was designed to turn heads. Its design allowed for maximum airflow and ventilation through large air intakes strategically placed along the windshield and sides of the roof. What made it even more special was that much of the roof could be opened, giving the driver and passengers an almost convertible-like experience, while still maintaining practicality with its trunk space intact.

The NSU Ro 80 2 Porte + 2 featured safety features, like shock-absorbing bumpers, and extra strengthened doors, to prevent injuries, caused by side-impacts. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

Inside, the NSU Ro 80 2 Porte + 2 was just as impressive. Pininfarina placed a heavy emphasis on ergonomics, creating an interior that was not only stylish but also incredibly functional. The dashboard was designed with the driver in mind, placing all the necessary instruments directly in front of them for easy access and visibility. Safety was also a major focus, with extensive padding used throughout the interior to protect passengers in the event of a collision. Adjustable visors were added to reduce glare from sunlight, another thoughtful feature that highlighted the attention to detail that went into this car's design.

The NSU Ro 80 2 Porte + 2 design allowed for maximum airflow and ventilation through large air intakes strategically placed along the windshield and sides of the roof. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

The NSU Ro 80 2 Porte + 2 wasn’t just a car built for show, though it certainly had its share of appearances. After its debut at the motor shows, it continued to captivate audiences. It gained significant attention in the press, including a feature in the 1993 issue of Motor Klassik. Its unique design and engineering continued to fascinate car enthusiasts, making it a memorable piece in automotive history.

The interior of the NSU Ro 80 2 Porte + 2 was equally impressive, with Pininfarina focusing on both stylish design and exceptional functionality. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

For many years, the NSU Ro 80 2 Porte + 2 was part of the collection of Rudi Klein, a well-known car collector. Klein acquired the vehicle from a friend and fellow Mercedes-Benz dealer, Thomas Taffet, in 1995. Though it only made a few public appearances after joining Klein's collection, the car was soon lent to Audi’s museum in Germany, where it remained on display for many years. This connection between NSU, which later merged with Audi, and the car's placement in the museum further solidified its place in automotive history.

Today, the NSU Ro 80 2 Porte + 2 remains a rare and fascinating piece of automotive art, representing an era of bold, forward-thinking, and creative car design. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

Today, the NSU Ro 80 2 Porte + 2 remains an intriguing and rare piece of automotive art. It represents a time when car design was bold, forward-thinking, and full of creativity. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this car is a prime example of what happens when innovative engineering meets artistic vision. As it makes its way to auction once again, it offers a rare opportunity for someone to own a piece of history that continues to inspire with its timeless design and unique story. However, as there is no video available for the specific car, here is a video on the 13370 - NSU Ro80 Wankel - 1970 instead.

In the world of cars, few manage to capture the imagination quite like the NSU Ro 80 2 Porte + 2. It’s a reminder that the beauty of cars isn’t just in how fast they go or how luxurious they are, but in the stories they tell and the creativity that brings them to life. This car, with its roots in cutting-edge engineering and its place in a renowned collection, has a story that continues to captivate those who appreciate both style and innovation. If you're interested in owning it, you're in luck—this car is currently up for auction at RM Sotheby's. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVER | MADLE.ORG | CARSCOOPS | RMSOTHEBYS ]

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