The whole NSU story began in Riedlingen ( Riedlingen an der Donau ). In 1873 two young mechanics, Heinrich Stoll and Christian Schmidt started a workshop for production of machines for weaving. Later, they found a better location in Neckarsulm and they took the NSU name for their brand. The name comes from the rivers surrounding the plant: Neckar and Sulm….
Weaving machines have been selling well, but in the world bicycle rush began, and the two young entrepreneurs quickly switched and became “Neckarsulmer Fahrradwerke”, ie. NSU bicycles. NSU bikes were quickly becoming more and more popular, and soon followed the modernization of a large front wheel with bearings. Very narrow line divided them from bicycle to motorcycle, so in 1901 the first NSU motorcycle was ready. It had a 1,5 HP engine, imported from Dela Switzerland. In 1903 NSU started their own production of aggregats, while in 1904 there were six different models. At that time they were aware of the importance of the participation in racing and this has had a major impact on the development and sale. Numerous victories were accomplished. If You thought that the V-twin is an invention, You are wrong. In faraway 1905 NSU had a very popular 3 HP engine, and in 1909 V-twin of almost 1.000 ccm.
1936 was very significant. NSU took over the production of Adam Opel’s bicycles and presented the two best selling models: Quick and Pony. Then the World War II began and NSU has been re-ordered to start the production for the army. Most produced motorcycles were 250ZDB and Kettenrad, half-track with Opel Olympia engine. The factory in Neckarsulm was partly destroyed in the bombing, only few weeks before the war ended. After the war it was used as a military service garage. 1945 was a year of awakening for NSU with the Quick 98 model. In 1948 NSU celebrated the 75th anniversary by presenting and launching model Fox, 4-stroke with a 100 ccm. Sold and marketed with the slogan : Fixe Fahrer Fahren Fox ( smart riders ride the Fox ), in, until then, unseen advertising campaign. “Back from the ashes” was very fast, and in early 50’s NSU began manufacturing the Italian Lambretta scooter under license.
Model Quick was still popular, and pre-war models Konsul I and II, 350 and 500 ccm, have been improved and modernized to compete with BMW and Zündapp. Old models have ceased to produce, when in 1953 model Max was presented with four-stroke engine and 250 ccm. Max has quickly gained a reputation for very good, reliable and drivable motorcycle. Later same year, 50 ccm moped was presented under name – Quick. Produced in close to a million copies! During 50’s NSU had a lot of success in moto-racing worldwide. Many records were overthrown, even more so, NSU still holds some. License for the production of Lambretta expired in 1955, so the NSU constructors created their own version of 147 ccm, called Prima D, which was released on sale in 1956. Scooters had a fast development and very soon NSU entered the market with two new models: Prima III 150 ccm and Prima V 175 ccm. NSU even had a scooter with a four-stroke engine borrowed from the Max ( 250 ccm ), ready for discharge on the market in the early 60’s, but the demand for scooter sales dropped, so the project was abandoned.
Previous story has been told because we have found and bought the 1967 model NSU Prima III Star.
We begin the story with the industrialization of Bosnia and Herzegovina ( within the Yugoslavia ), which was strengthened by the ambitions for the development of the auto industry after the end of the Second World War. As early as 1953, the company FAMOS ( Fabrika Motora Sarajevo ) purchased a license for the production of engines from the Swiss Saurer, which, with certain modifications, were installed in FAP trucks, also based on the models of this manufacturer. The cooperation of FAMOS with Mercedes-Benz began in 1973, as well as the production of the most modern engines from this manufacturer. The company Pretis ( Preduzeće Tito Sarajevo ), as a supplement to its production program related to the purpose-built industry, began assembling the German “NSU Prince” in 1963. At the time, the “Prince” was the equivalent of today’s “Audi TT”, which is enough to understand the importance and image of that model. In addition to cars, Pretis also produced NSU motorcycles. They were a “Maxi” model of 175 cubic meters, but even at that time an attractive scooter “NSU prima” of 146 and 175 cubic meters. From today’s perspective of the destroyed industry, it seems almost unreal reminiscent of the time when extremely demanding products came off the lines of Bosnia&Hercegovina factories.
What we can say about our „Prima“ is that we took care of every detail. It is very important that we found the chassis and the engine itself in very good condition during the purchase, and in condition suitable for restoration.
The restoration itself lasted for over two years, but we are more than satisfied with the result, bearing in mind that a large part of „Prima“ itself is original. We are proud of our 1967 Prima *** 150cc. At the end of the story, we present NSU Prima 150 III Star. Produced in 1967. Through pictures and specifications, enjoy the offered model.