NSU type 110

NSU type 110/1200
Production period:	1965-1973
Class :	Compact class
Body versions :	limousine

The NSU Type 110 and the NSU 1200 were passenger car models from NSU Motorenwerke AG and were built in different versions from 1965 to 1973. Based on the NSU Prinz 1000 , the 4 m long Type 110 was a class larger than this. From the beginning, NSU omitted the name “Prinz” for this model.

Type 110 / Type 110 S / Type 110 SC

Type 110 / Type 110 S / Type 110 SC
NSU type 110
Production period:	1965-1967
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Petrol engines : 1.1–1.2 liters (39–44 kW)
Length:	4000 mm
Width:	1500 mm
Height:	1390 mm
Wheelbase :	2440 mm
Empty weight :	720 kg

The Type 110 was presented on the occasion of the International Motor Show in 1965 and rounded off the top of the NSU program at the time . The Type 110 was based on the NSU Prinz 1000 , but had a longer wheelbase and a longer body front, which significantly enlarged the interior and trunk.

From the outside, the Type 110 could easily be distinguished from the smaller Prinz 1000 by its rectangular headlights, the large decorative front panel and the wide rear lights. In the interior, the fashionable belt speedometer, a strip of wood veneer and a new heating and ventilation system were supposed to create a mid-range flair.

Like the Prinz 1000 and its sporty offspring TT / TTS, the 110 was also equipped with a space-saving transverse, air-cooled OHC four-cylinder rear engine. At the beginning, the Type 110 was delivered with a 39 kW (53 hp) engine with a displacement of 1085 cm³, which was also used in the Prinz 1000 TT, but had an output of 1.5 kW (2 hp) more. From 1966, the equipment variants Type 110 S and Type 110 SC with a 44 kW (60 hp) engine with a displacement of 1177 cm³ could be ordered.

Between 1965 and 1967 around 74,000 copies of the NSU Type 110, Type 110 S and Type 110 SC were built.

1200/1200 C

1200/1200 C
NSU 1200
Production period:	1967-1973
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Otto engines : 1.2 liters (40 kW)
Length:	4000 mm
Width:	1500 mm
Height:	1390 mm
Wheelbase :	2440 mm
Empty weight :	720 kg

Rear view

In 1967 NSU streamlined the entire range of models and some of the models were given new names. The NSU 1200 emerged from the 110, which was produced with a 1.2-liter engine and 40 kW (55 hp) until December 22, 1972. Upon request, the NSU 1200 could also be supplied with the three-speed automatic transmission of the NSU Ro 80 .

For the time, the NSU 1200 C, as a small “comfort sedan”, offered very impressive performance. The car managed the sprint from 0 to 80 km / h in just under 9 seconds, up to approx. 60 km / h the NSU 1200 C could easily keep up with much larger and more powerful cars. At higher speeds the engine became very loud, which was due to the air cooling and the lack of noise insulation.

Between 1967 and 1973 about 256,000 copies of the NSU 1200 and 1200 C.

As with all four-cylinder NSU models, the chassis with its semi-trailing arm rear axle was state-of-the-art and ensured sporty driving characteristics. The disadvantage was the extreme sensitivity of the rear-wheel drive vehicle to cross winds, especially with the diagonal tires that were still offered as standard at the time; With the steel belted tires emerging at the same time, that was hardly an issue. On the other hand, the maneuverability of the vehicle in city traffic and in mountainous regions as well as its suitability for winter use were excellent.

The car's ease of repair should have been unique: almost all car parts were easily exchangeable. The clutch could be changed in just 30 minutes. The air-cooled engines, however, often suffered from overheating in the production version; The first and most important measure for tuning the engines, which are otherwise excellently suited for increasing performance, was to install an oil cooler and raise the bonnet to improve ventilation.

Two colors (glacier white and river blue) were offered for the NSU 1200. With the NSU 1200 C, the customer could optionally choose the colors jade green, derby red and champagne beige.

Side view NSU 1200 C (year of construction 1972)

The NSU compact cars had an elaborate zinc dust coating on the underbody as rust protection. The inspections recommended by the NSU factory should be carried out every 7500 km; At that time, inspection intervals of 5000 km were standard.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b c d e f g h i j k l} Werner Oswald: German cars 1945–1990 . Volume 4. 1st edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2001. ISBN 3-613-02131-5 . Pp. 399-402
2. ↑ ^{a b} NSU Automobile 1905–1977 . Motorbuch-Verlag
3. ↑ Shift book of Audi NSU Autounion AG

Web links

Commons : NSU Typ 110  - collection of images, videos and audio files

Commons : NSU 1200  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• German-language website about the NSU Type 110