1960 NSU Prinz III — The Tiny German That Paved the Way
1960 NSU Prinz III — The Tiny German That Paved the Way
The NSU Prinz III is a small car with a big story. Built by NSU Motorenwerke AG in Neckarsulm, West Germany, the Prinz series was the company’s first post-war car design and laid the foundation for one of the most remarkable turnaround stories in automotive history — one that would eventually lead to the creation of Audi.
The Prinz III, introduced in 1960, was the final evolution of the original Prinz line (Prinz I launched in 1957). It was a tiny, rear-engined economy car designed to motorise post-war Germany, much like the BMW 600 and the Fiat 500 in their respective markets.
NSU had a rich history before the war, manufacturing motorcycles and the iconic NSU Quickly. After WWII, the company was forbidden from building motorcycles for a time and turned to microcars to survive. The Prinz was their answer.
Under the Bonnet (Well, Under the Boot)
Like the VW Beetle, the NSU Prinz had its engine mounted at the rear. But unlike the Beetle’s flat-four, the Prinz used a tiny two-cylinder air-cooled engine.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 583 cc air-cooled two-cylinder |
| Power | 23 hp at 4,800 rpm |
| Torque | 32 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm |
| Top Speed | ~105 km/h (65 mph) |
| 0–100 km/h | ~30 seconds |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Weight | ~580 kg (1,280 lbs) |
| Layout | Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive |
The Prinz III’s 583 cc engine was a significant upgrade over the original Prinz’s 498 cc unit. With 23 hp on tap, the little car could reach 100 km/h — just barely, and with a lot of patience. But for city driving and country roads, it was adequate, economical, and remarkably nimble.
The engine was simple and robust, with pushrod-operated valves and a fan for cooling. It was a design that prioritised reliability over performance — exactly what the market needed.
Design and Features
The Prinz III was recognisable by its two-tone paint scheme, rounded rear window, and distinctive grille. At just 3.2 metres long, it was barely bigger than a modern Smart car, yet it offered seating for four (though rear passengers would need to be friendly).
The styling was clean and functional, with large windows providing good visibility and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The car featured a heater (a luxury in this class), a fresh-air ventilation system, and a surprisingly generous boot for such a small vehicle.
The Prinz III was available as a two-door saloon and, in some markets, a convertible. It was also offered in a “Luxus” trim with upgraded interior appointments.
The NSU — Audi Connection
NSU is largely forgotten today, but its legacy lives on in a big way. In 1969, NSU merged with Auto Union GmbH to form Audi NSU Auto Union AG — the company that would eventually become Audi AG.
The NSU name disappeared from cars after the 1970s, but the company’s engineering DNA lived on. NSU was a pioneer of the Wankel rotary engine (the NSU Ro 80 is legendary), and its front-wheel-drive technology influenced later Audi designs.
The little Prinz III, humble as it was, kept NSU alive during its most difficult years. Without the Prinz’s success, there may have been no Audi today.
NSU in South Africa
NSU vehicles were imported into South Africa in small numbers during the 1950s and 1960s. While never a major player in the SA market, NSU motorcycles had a strong following, and the Prinz was sold through select dealers.
The NSU Quickly scooter was particularly popular in South Africa, and NSU’s presence in the country laid groundwork for the later success of Audi, which arrived in SA in the 1970s through the merger with Auto Union.
Today, NSU Prinz cars are rare in South Africa, but they remain cherished by collectors who appreciate their unique place in automotive history. The NSU Owners Club in Germany has active international members, including a few in SA.
Legacy
The NSU Prinz III was only produced for two years (1960–1962) before being replaced by the larger, more modern NSU Prinz 4. But in its short life, it served its purpose admirably: providing affordable, reliable transport for a nation rebuilding after war.
The Prinz nameplate lived on through the Sport Prinz (a beautiful coupe designed by Bertone) and the Prinz 4. NSU would eventually build over 500,000 Prinz cars before the nameplate was retired in the early 1970s.
Today, the NSU Prinz III is a rare sight, but when you do see one, it’s a reminder of a time when Germany’s automotive industry was fighting for survival — and winning, one tiny car at a time.
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Have you ever heard of NSU before? Or do you have a soft spot for the tiny, quirky cars of the 1950s and 60s? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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