Dinky Toys 176; NSU Ro80; Metallic Red

The NSU Ro 80 was a technologically advanced automobile produced by the German firm of NSU from 1967 until 1977. Most notable was the powertrain; a 113 bhp (86 kW), 995 cc twin-rotor Wankel engine driving the front wheels through a semi-automatic transmission employing an innovative vacuum system. It was voted Car of the Year for 1968 by European motoring writers.

Unfortunately for NSU, the car developed an early reputation for unreliability, from which it would never escape. The Wankel engine in particular suffered from heavy wear on the rotor tip seals, among many other problems, and some early cars required a completely rebuilt engine before 30,000 miles (50,000 km), with problems visible as early as 15,000 miles (24,000 kilometres). The fact that the rotary engine design was inherently thirsty (typically 15-18 mpg) and a poor understanding of the Wankel engine by dealers and mechanics did not help this situation. By the 1970 model year, most of these problems were resolved, but a necessarily generous warranty policy and damage to the car's reputation had undermined NSU's financial situation irreparably.

The Dinky model has a battery underneath powering working front and rear lights so if you press down on the suspension the lights light up. It also has luminous seats. The Dinky NSU Ro80 was introduced into the range in 1969 and remained there until 1974. It was always dark metallic red and there are no rare versions listed.

This Dinky was sourced in June 2009 from Chester Toy Fair