06 Jul 01
The 1200TTS is the most exotic variant of a complex range of rear-engined, air-cooled NSUs that began with the twin-cylinder Prinz 4 of the early '60s. All the other versions used a transversely-mounted, light-alloy four-cylinder in two different bodyshells, cast in the style of the original Chevrolet Corvair. The sporty TT and TTS models used the shorter of the two bodyshells but, for regulatory reasons, the 1200TTS actually had a 998 cc engine, sharing its block - originally designed as a 1.5-litre - with the basic 1000C model.
With special pistons, twin double-choke Solex carbs, straight-through exhaust and a high-lift camshaft, the 70 bhp, 100 mph TTS was claimed to be the fastest 1.0-litre car in the world in 1967. The catch was the price which, at £1036, put it in competition with the much bigger Lotus Cortina, but you shouldn't forget that these baby NSUs were always beautifully finished, well equipped and actually rather more practical than a Mini Cooper S, with a decent-sized boot and a much more comfortable ride. Car spotters could identify a TTS by its front oil-cooler - mounted vulnerably under the front bumper - and the rear engine cover propped open by ball socket catches to help engine cooling.
The rear-engined NSUs were fine little cars, but once the company had committed itself to the amazing, rotary-powered Ro80 saloon, the days of the TT were numbered. The last ones were built in 1971.
