NSU Nergal

The NSU Nergal was an angular hatchback coupé designed by Italian designer Aldo Sessano and built by the Turin-based coachbuilder Eurostyle. Unveiled as a prototype at the 1970 Turin Motor Show and later exhibited at the 1971 Concorso d’Eleganza Pincio Roma, the Nergal was notable for its distinctive design and innovative features. Based on the NSU 1200, the Nergal showcased a sleek, modern aesthetic that was ahead of its time. Its most striking features included pop-up headlights, which contributed to its futuristic look and improved aerodynamics. This design element would later influence the stylistic direction of the Seat 1200 Sport Coupé, marking the Nergal as a significant forerunner in automotive design. The two-door, four-seater coupé was created with the support of Glasurit Italiana, a subsidiary of the German paint manufacturer Glasurit. This collaboration ensured that the Nergal not only looked cutting-edge but also featured a high-quality finish, showcasing the capabilities of Glasurit’s automotive paints. Sessano’s design for the Nergal combined sharp lines with a practical hatchback configuration, making it a versatile vehicle that blended style with functionality. The angular bodywork and innovative lighting solutions were complemented by a well-thought-out interior, designed to accommodate four passengers comfortably. The NSU Nergal remains a fascinating example of early 1970s automotive design, reflecting the experimental spirit of the era. It demonstrated how collaborations between designers, coachbuilders, and paint manufacturers could push the boundaries of what was possible in car design. Although it never went into mass production, the Nergal’s influence can be seen in subsequent models, and it remains a noteworthy prototype in the history of automotive design.