NSU-Fiat, Neckar

1100, Europa

1953-1968

The NSU-Fiat 1100 was introduced in 1953, when Fiat began producing its popular Fiat 1100-103 in West Germany through the joint venture NSU-Fiat Automobil AG. The arrangement allowed Fiat to build cars within the German market, avoiding import restrictions and strengthening its presence in post-war Europe. Mechanically identical to the Italian model, it was offered in several body styles, including a four-door saloon and estate. The NSU-Fiat 1100 became one of the most successful Fiat-derived models built in Germany during the 1950s. However, in the late 1950s NSU Motorenwerke wished to reserve the NSU name for its own automobiles and motorcycles. As a result, the partnership was reorganised and the branding of the Heilbronn-built cars had to change. This transition led to the introduction of the Neckar brand at the beginning of the 1960s.

See also: Fiat 1100

 

The Neckar Europa was introduced in 1960 as the successor to the NSU-Fiat 1100 after the Heilbronn manufacturer adopted the new Neckar brand name. Although the name changed, the Europa remained closely related to the Fiat 1100 on which it was based. It retained the same basic mechanical layout: a front-mounted four-cylinder engine of around 1.1 litres driving the rear wheels through a four-speed gearbox. Over time the model evolved alongside the Italian Fiat 1100 series, adopting updated styling and improved engines. Produced throughout the 1960s, the Neckar Europa represented an important chapter in the local production of Fiat-designed cars in Germany before the Heilbronn plant eventually ceased passenger-car production later in the decade.