ACE ROBEY’S 1966 NSU Prinz 1000 TT
STORY | STEIN BROEDER
PHOTOGRAPHY | VIJAY SANKAR ANIL
The NSU Prinz 1000 TT is a name that resonates with automotive aficionados who appreciate the blend of compact design, spirited performance and German engineering precision. Born during an era when small cars were gaining popularity, the Prinz 1000 TT stood out as a pocket-sized powerhouse that left a lasting impression.
For Ace Robey, owner of Retro Sporting, it is a treasured part of his car collection. A very uncommon and interesting find, full of detail and history. This less known German car with an air-cooled rear engine is part of Audi’s history and the first to have the famous TT badge. It was fully restored in 2021, with a 1.0-liter inline four-cylinder air-cooled engine, 40mm twin Webers, full stainless-steel exhaust, and Gaz adjustable suspension.
Not just a collector, Ace is a car tester and professional race driver too, on track and rally courses across Europe and the United States. When not immersed in car culture, he is an architect on premium residential projects, pursuing that same acute level of detail they build into the cars at Retro Sporting.
Retro Sporting was originally founded as Robey’s private restoration workshop but soon grew to a full blown business servicing clients across the globe looking for that rare and perfect build, just like his NSU Prinz 1000 TT.
ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION
The Prinz lineage traces its roots back to the NSU Prinz I, which made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1957. The advertising slogan accompanying the Prinz I was simple yet effective: “Fahre Prinz und Du bist König” (“Drive a Prince and you’re a king”). After a successful pilot run of 150 preproduction cars, volume production commenced in March 1958.
The Prinz I was a two-door saloon with an upright roofline, providing seating for four occupants. Despite its diminutive size, the Prinz I offered reasonable access to the rear seats, although legroom was at a premium. The rear-mounted, two-cylinder, 600cc engine produced 20 PS (15 kW; 20 hp) and drove the rear wheels via an initially “crash” gearbox. Later versions featured a four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox, a testament to NSU’s commitment to engineering excellence. The Prinz I’s maintenance schedule was refreshingly brief, with lubrication points limited to just two grease nipples on the steering kingpins.
The Prinz II, introduced in 1959, upped the ante with better trim and an all-synchromesh gear box. An export version, the Prinz 30E, boasted a 30-horsepower engine. In October 1960, the Prinz III arrived, featuring a new stabilizer bar and the same 30-horse motor.
THE PRINZ 1000 TT EMERGES
The Prinz evolved, and in 1963 the NSU Prinz 1000 (Typ 67a) stepped onto the stage. Slightly larger than its predecessors, the Prinz 1000 retained the same charming silhouette. But it was the Prinz 1000 TT that truly captured enthusiasts’ hearts.
The NSU 1000 TT was the embodiment of spirited driving. Its 1.1-liter engine delivered 60 horsepower, propelling the lightweight car to a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h). The TT moniker stood for “Tourist Trophy,” a nod to NSU’s racing heritage. With its four-headlamp setup, the 1000 TT looked purposeful and ready for action.
Under the hood, the 1000 TT featured an inline-four, air-cooled, overhead-cam shaft engine—a technological marvel for its time. The all-synchromesh four-speed gearbox ensured smooth gear changes, allowing drivers to extract every ounce of performance. Whether tackling winding roads or sprinting on the Autobahn, the Prinz 1000 TT delivered a thrilling experience. Step inside, and you’d find a cabin that embraced you like a favorite sweater. The seats held you in place during spirited drives. The dashboard, adorned with analog gauges, exuded vintage charm. And the rear seats? Well, they were more symbolic than functional. But who needed rear passengers when you were busy conquering twisty roads?
The Prinz 1000 TT found its true calling on the racing circuit. Tenacious and agile, it terrorized hill climbs and conquered legendary tracks like the Nürburgring. Its compact dimensions and punchy engine made it a favorite among motorsport enthusiasts.
A PRIZED POSSESSION
The only American to ever win a gravel rally in Finland, Ace embodies the word enthusiast. When describing what it is like to drive his NSU, he invoked an analogy not often used to describe a driving experience but does the job of getting the point across. “It’s very light and tactile. It’s like driving a housefly,” said Ace. “It’s a visceral experience. Very immediate.”
Ace considers his NSU one of Retro Sporting’s treasured restorations. Other restorations and resto-mods include a 1976 Lancia Fulvia 1.3s, a 1982 Ford Capri WT Zakspeed Widebody, a 1974 Opel Kadett GTE, a 1975 Ford Mk2 Escort RS2000 and many more.
One thing is clear, Ace’s passion and love of locating cars is unrivaled. Whether a hidden treasure in a barn outside of Munich or under a sheet of dust in a parking garage in New York, Ace leaves no stone unturned, he loves the hunt. And the NSU is a hunter, seeking to find the driver that perfect, analog driving experience.
The 1966 NSU Prinz 1000 TT remains a testament to NSU’s ingenuity and passion for performance. Its blend of compactness, agility, and spirited driving dynamics ensures that it continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike. So next time you spot a Prinz 1000 TT at a classic car show, remember that beneath its un assuming exterior lies a true automotive gem—a compact powerhouse that once ruled the roads with authority.
