Wankel-Wunder: Ro 80 2 Porte +2 Pininfarina Rekord - A Rotary Revolution?
You know that feeling when you see a car that just makes you say "Whoa!"? That's what I felt when I first laid eyes on the NSU Ro 80 2 Porte +2 Pininfarina Rekord. This thing was a Wankel-powered beast – a rotary engine that roared with an almost mystical hum, a sleek Pininfarina design that looked like it was straight out of a sci-fi movie, and a performance that was, well, record-breaking.
What Makes This Car So Special?
Let's break it down:
- The Engine: It's not your average piston engine, folks. This baby runs on a Wankel rotary engine, a unique design that's all about smooth power and high revs. It's like a high-tech whisper compared to the rumble of a traditional engine.
- The Design: Pininfarina, the legendary Italian design house, crafted a masterpiece. The sleek, flowing lines were a radical departure from the boxy cars of the time. This was a car that said, "Look at me, I'm the future!"
- The Performance: It wasn't just about looks. The Ro 80 2 Porte +2 Pininfarina Rekord was built to fly. It shattered speed records and became a symbol of German engineering prowess.
A Short-Lived Revolution?
Sadly, the Ro 80 2 Porte +2 Pininfarina Rekord's reign was short-lived. The Wankel engine's appetite for oil became a major issue, and despite NSU's best efforts, they couldn't solve the problem. Production ended in 1977.
A Legacy of Innovation
Despite its premature demise, the Ro 80 2 Porte +2 Pininfarina Rekord left a lasting mark on automotive history. It was a bold, ambitious experiment that paved the way for future rotary engines. It was also a symbol of the optimism and technological advancements of the 1960s.
Today, this car is a highly sought-after collector's item. It's a reminder of a time when car designers and engineers dared to push the boundaries of what was possible. And it's a testament to the enduring power of innovation and creativity.
So, the next time you see a car that makes you say "Whoa!," remember the Ro 80 2 Porte +2 Pininfarina Rekord. It's a reminder that even the most audacious ideas can have a lasting impact.