NSU 1000
The air-cooled giant-killer that birthed the legendary TT badge.
- Power
- 65 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 13.1 s
- Top speed
- 96 mph
- Est. value
- $25k–$45k
About the NSU 1000
The NSU 1000 TT (later simply the NSU TT) is a cult-classic sports saloon that punchily defined the 'pocket rocket' era. Featuring a rear-mounted, air-cooled four-cylinder engine with a sophisticated overhead camshaft, it offered exceptional agility and a power-to-weight ratio that embarrassed much larger contemporary sports cars. Its distinctive quad-headlight face and rear engine lid, often propped open for cooling, became icons of European hillclimb and touring car racing. Today, it is highly prized by collectors for its pure, mechanical driving experience and its direct lineage to the modern Audi TT nameplate.
NSU 1000 specs
The NSU 1000 produces 65 bhp (48 kW) and 90 Nm (66 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 13.1 seconds and has a top speed of 96 mph (155 km/h).
| Make | NSU |
|---|---|
| Model | 1000 |
| Trim | TT |
| Years | 1967–1972 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | Germany |
| Production | About 49,327 built |
| Engine | 1.2-litre air-cooled inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,177 cc (1.2 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 65 bhp (48 kW) at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 90 Nm (66 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,800 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 13.1 s |
| Top speed | 96 mph (155 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 685 kg (1,510 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 95 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is an NSU 1000 worth?
A typical NSU 1000 is estimated to be worth $25,000 – $45,000 (about £19,000 – £34,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
NSU 1000 rarity in CarSpot
The NSU 1000 is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 40 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
NSU 1000 fun facts
- The 'TT' name stands for Tourist Trophy, a tribute to NSU's historic success in the Isle of Man motorcycle races.
- Owners often propped the rear engine cover open with a special bracket to improve cooling, a look that became a signature of the model's racing pedigree.
- Despite its small size, the engine featured an advanced crossflow aluminium cylinder head and a five-bearing crankshaft.