NSU · NSU RO80 · Cars
NSU RO80 Ultra-rare
As of 2026 Q2, 92 NSU RO80s remain registered in the UK — one of the rarest cars in Britain on today's roads. That's down from a peak of 93 in 2026 Q1 — only 99% of the high-water mark, a loss of about 1 cars. Unusually, the numbers are actually rising — up 3 (3.4%) over the past year, as imports and barn-finds rejoin the register faster than cars leave it. Tellingly, 51% are declared SORN — kept off the road in garages and barns rather than driven, the signature of a car being looked after rather than used up. In all, the NSU RO80 is rarer than 60% of the 2,315 UK car models we track, putting it firmly in 2026's endangered class.
Survivors over time
How rare is it?
Genuinely rare — only 92 left on UK roads.
Rarer than 60% of the 2,315 UK car models we track.
Trend
About the RO80
The NSU Ro 80 is a four-door, front-engine executive sedan manufactured and marketed by the West German firm NSU from 1967 until 1977. Noted for innovative, aerodynamic styling by Claus Luthe and a technologically advanced powertrain, the Ro 80 featured a 84 kW (113 bhp), 995 cc (60.7 cu in) twin-rotor Wankel engine driving the front wheels through a semi-automatic transmission with an innovative vacuum-operated clutch system. Engine dimensions (Comotor units): length 412 mm (16.2 in); width 340 mm (13 in), height 340 mm (13 in), weight 101 kg (223 lb). Power 80 kW (107 hp) at 6,500 rpm; torque...
NSU RO80 — questions & answers
How many NSU RO80 are left in the UK?
As of 2026 Q2, 92 NSU RO80 were still registered in the UK — 45 licensed and on the road, plus 47 declared SORN (off-road). The figures come from official DVLA vehicle licensing data.
Is the NSU RO80 rare?
The NSU RO80 is genuinely rare, with only 92 left, making it rarer than 60% of the 2,315 UK car models we track.
Is the NSU RO80 increasing or decreasing?
Over the last year the number of NSU RO80 on UK roads rose by 3 (3.4%).
What fuel do most NSU RO80 use?
Most NSU RO80 run on petrol — about 100% of those still registered.
When did the NSU RO80 peak?
The NSU RO80 peaked at 93 registered in 2026 Q1, and was first recorded in the data in 2014 Q3.