1971 NSU Prinz - Prinz 4L

Luxury Prinz delivered new to Italy

Preserved in unrestored condition

Wonderful patina

When NSU introduced the Prinz 4 in 1961, the company from Neckarsulm was determined to make its mark once again in the booming small-car market. With its clean, almost American-inspired bodywork, its resemblance to the Chevrolet Corvair was no coincidence – proof that even a small car could look thoroughly modern.

Mechanically, the Prinz 4 remained faithful to the formula of its predecessors: rear engine, air cooling and two cylinders. The 598cc engine initially produced 30 bhp, rising later to 34 bhp in the 4L, the ‘luxury’ version. Combined with a kerb weight of just under 600 kilograms, that was enough for a top speed of around 120 km/h. Hardly a sports car, but lively enough to be nimble around town and hold its own on a country road.

The ‘L’ made the difference. The 4L offered more equipment, finer fabrics, chrome trim and more comfortable seats. The interior remained fairly simple, but it was clear that NSU had made an effort to give its little car a touch of grandeur.

By 1971, the Prinz 4L was already getting on in years, yet it remained in the range as an inexpensive alternative to the Beetle and Renault 4. That it never achieved their sales figures had less to do with its qualities than with NSU’s comparatively small dealer network.

Today, the Prinz 4L is an endearing little classic. It embodies the individuality of a marque that would later become famous for the Ro 80 and the Wankel engine – and serves as a reminder that even a small car from Neckarsulm could have style.

This particular NSU is an Italian Prinz, first registered south of the Alps in 1971. In NSU’s final years, Italy was the marque’s principal export market, and the country was positively crawling with Prinzes. Its exceptionally original condition persuaded the consignor to bring the car back to Germany for his collection five years ago. There is little reason to doubt that the 87,000 kilometres showing on the odometer are genuine. Both the bodywork and interior survive in remarkably well-preserved, far above-average condition.