1945 - August 21st
Nolden Automobil GmbH was founded after WW II by Thomas Nolden in Germany. Because of the economy after the war, just a few people could buy cars. Noldens goal was to make safe, reliable and tameable cars for the richer people.
1946 - August 24th
Nolden Cruiser I Saloon
Nolden presented his first car to the public. It is the Saloon version of the Nolden Cruiser and is available with 3 Engines and 2 Interiors.
Also three engines are presented and will be used at least till the end of the decade.
Nolden 1946 V8 5.0 293 HP / 414 Nm
Nolden 1946 V8 5.0 Eco 240 HP / 426 Nm
Nolden 1946 R4 5.0 170 HP / 298 Nm
1947 - February 14th
Nolden Cruiser I Hatchback
Half a year after the first Nolden Cruiser discovered the world, the manufacturer build a little smaller hatchback with just 4 seats, instead of 5. The design slightly changed, mostly the engines were revised. Again the I4 got wider tires and a slighty changed interior. For all 3 versions Nolden tried to get more quality to lower the weight a little bit and keep the car more driveable. For this reason none version will be a low budget car.
For the new Hatchback version all 3 engines were revised
Nolden 1946 V8 5.0 Evo 1947 297 HP / 444 Nm
With a new tubular header and performance intake, the ‘standard’ V8 5.0 gained 4 hp and 30 Nm and also lowered the economy by 220 g/kWh. But the material cost stepped $1.700 up.
Nolden 1946 V8 5.0 Eco Evo 1947 240 HP / 438 Nm
The Settings were modified, to keep the power with lower RPM, more reliability and more mileage at the same time. The engine itself kept the same.
Nolden 1946 I4 5.0 Evo 1947 172 HP / 409 Nm
The I4 changed the most of all 3 engines. Not only the name changed from german ‘R4’ to international ‘I4’, the cast and pistons now are from heavy steel. This allowed to get more mileage and reliability. Nolden also lowered the RPM, but was able to get 2 hp and stunning 111 Nm gained.
1947 - September 15th
Nolden Cruiser I Hatchback Budget
After 7 month of hard work, Nolden was able to make a car nearly reliable, economic and driveable as the 3 versions before, but just for half the money. It´s Noldens try to get more costumers, while the country regains it´s economy. With 155 tires, it got a feature none other Nolden has. The goal was, to build a ‘Nolden’ under $10.000 and it was accomplished.
To lower the costs, Nolden developed a new I4 3L engine.
Nolden 1947 I4 3.0 123 HP / 239 Nm
The engine is based on the I4 5.0, but 2L smaller. It´s cheaper, not so heavy and very economic. Even it got only 123 hp and 239 Nm, it got nearly the torque of the first I4 5.0. The 3.0L will be a new base for Noldens next cars.
1948 - July 7th
Nolden Cruiser I Saloon Facelift
Since the work on the Hatchback was done, Nolden facelifted the old Cruiser I Saloon from 1946. While the car got smaller rims and wider tires, Nolden used the old V8 from 1947 and the 1947 introduced I4 3.0. The Eco version of it´s 1947 V8 engine was mostly rebuilt with a much smaller piston bore. As done with the Hatchback, the I4 powered car will be cheaper than $10.000.
The facelift on the body was inspired by the Hatchback and is again just slightly different. The biggest differences are a new top grill and a little longer front and back of the car.
Two of the Saloon engines aren´t changed, but the V8 Eco is.
Nolden 1946 V8 5.0 Eco Evo 1948 187 HP / 354 Nm
With a smaller piston bore, the engines just got 4.0L, but is still listed as a 5.0. It´s hp dropped by 53 and got 84 Nm less. But it´s cheaper, reliable, economic and smoother. The standard V8 of Nolden will be the last real 5.0L engine for the future.
1949 - 15th August
Nolden Excelsior I
It took over a whole year for Nolden to build it´s second platform: The Excelsior. Nolden managed to make a new and modern model without loosing it´s characteristic look.
The Excelsior comes only in 2 trims: The V8 and the I4. The V8 is a powerful and more sporty car, that sets a new prestige record of Nolden. The I4 is also sporty, but mostly drivable and reliable with a good economy for just $12.100.
Nolden worked again also on it´s engines, but the 5.0L era will come to an end after just 4 years. It´s to heavy and expensive for the new costumers Nolden tries to get.
Nolden 1946 V8 5.0 Evo 1949 333 HP / 468 Nm
The engine got a new setting and higher RPMs. It´s not such reliable as before, but now the ‘top dog’ of Noldens Engines got 24Nm and 36hp more. Also Nolden used more quality products to reduce the weight by 6.3 kg.
Nolden 1947 I4 3.0 Evo 1949 161 HP / 253 Nm
Nolden also worked on it´s economic I4 3.0 engine and was able to get 38 hp and 14 Nm more out of it. But again the RPMs are now higher and that´s rewarded by a little lower reliabilty. Nolden also used better supplier of it´s parts and could get a more responsive and economic engine.
The Excelsior is just 5 seconds slower on the test track with this small engine and so Nolden will go in this direction for the future.
1950 - 23rd January
Nolden Excelsior I 4-Door
Just 4 month after the Excelsior was released, the market boomed and Nolden decided to build a 4 door version of the car. The car comes in 4 trims. Together with the economic I4 a second more powerful version of that engine is available. Also there will still be the choice to get the car with a V8, but this time a whole new 4.0L as Standard or Eco Spec.
The car is more drivable than the 2 door version and a little bit safer. The V8s are more comfortable than before, while it´s eco version increased the mileage by nearly 100%.
The I4 versions are even more sporty, while not as comfortable. But they got a good economy and much cheaper prices. The I4 3.0 will be the cheapest at $15.701, the V8 the most expensive with $24.939.
The 5.0L era finally ended and a new V8 4.0 comes now along with a twice revised I4 3.0 Engine.
Nolden 1950 V8 4.0 223 HP / 329 Nm
The ‘Standard’ Spec of the new V8 is still not perfect. It got to much fuel consumption, but it can be a good alternativ for the old 5.0L Engines.
Nolden 1950 V8 4.0 Eco 201 HP / 356 Nm
The ‘Eco’ Spec of the new V8 is way smoother and economic. It also got more torque than the ‘Standard’ Spec with a better Economy.
Nolden 1947 I4 3.0 Evo 1950 152 HP / 275 Nm
Nolden lowered the power of the car by 9 HP, but reached way more torque and an even better economy with new settings on the old I4 Eco from 1947.
Nolden 1947 I4 3.0 Performance Evo 1950 180 HP / 287 Nm
With it´s ‘Performance’ Spec of the '47 I4 Nolden built an powerful engine. 19 extra HP and phenomenal 287 Nm torque are reached with this masterpeace of german engineering.
Noldens competitors BMW, Daimler and VEB Automobilwerk Zwickau also are now well established on the marked for all people, not only the rich. But all three are working with much smaller and cheaper engines, to get more costumers. Nolden falls in a bit of depression and is forced to build cars for under $15.000 in the next years.
1951 - 12th January
Nolden Cruiser II Saloon (US version: Sedan)
With the new year Nolden presented it´s new Cruiser II. The biggest difference won´t come with the actual look of the Nolden cars, it comes with the engines. Nolden acquired a BMW I6 2.0L engine and modified it for the Cruiser II. The second engine is a Nolden 1.2L I4 with much better materials used. As a result, both versions behave nearly the same. The I4 1.2 is more economic, but at the same time more expensive.
Nolden reached the goal of a cheap car, without loosing the identity of it´s previous cars. The 2.0L trim will cost $9.312 and the 1.2L trim is at $10.270. The goal was to build cars under $15.000 for the lower middle class people. It´ll help to stop the depression Nolden Automobil GmbH fell into, especially the cars are about §3.000 cheaper than a Mercedes, but about $1.000 dearer than a BMW.
The reason for nearly 12 month of hard work wasn´t to optimize the BMW, Nolden needed the time to build it´s I4 1.2.
1949 BMW I6 2.0 Evo 1951 100 HP / 151 Nm
The 2.0L engine was bought from BMW, but widely modified. 800 RPM more, 55 hp gained and 36 Nm more torque are the result of a complete overhaul. Also the engine is more responsive and reliable than the BMW version, but a little less economic at nearly the same material and service costs.
Nolden 1950 V8 5.0 Eco 65 HP / 105 Nm
The inhouse developed 1.2L engine is less powerful than the modified BMW 2.0L. But its 60 kg lighter and way more reliable. The material costs are the same, but the service costs is $300 less. Even it runs with super leaded fuel only, Nolden managed to get a better economy.
With the low service costs and the cheap prices for a modern and economic car (9.92 lt/100 km) Nolden suited the taste of many costumers and was able to avoid bankruptcy. The manufacturer can´t say, if the old engines will still be developed. But for now, the small 1.2L and 2.0L seem to fit much better in the new working-class state after WWII.
1951 - 4th June
Nolden Cruiser II Sedan V8
It took a little time, but Nolden was able to build a new V8 trim for its Cruiser II Sedan to keep it´s V8 fans of the market.
The design changed just a little bit, but the car is now even more drivable than the first two trims and more reliable than the I6 2.0. Also the car can reach now up to 172km/h (107 mph).
And for the first time in the history of the manufacturer, Nolden uses a automatic locker as differential. This reduces the wheel spin of the car to zero.
Nolden changed the bore and stroke of it´s old V8 4.0 to get an extra of 1 cc.
1950 V8 4.0 Evo 1951 100 HP / 151 Nm
This engine is more economic and needs much less cooling. It´s a little heavier, but can now be run with regular leaded fuel. Of course its power is down from 223 hp to 111 hp, the torque changed from 329 Nm to 231 Nm and instead of 5000 RPM used, Nolden just uses 3500 now.
Again this trim was a good deal for Nolden to get more costumers and now the company works on a new Cruiser II Hatchback.
1952 - 2nd March
Nolden Cruiser II Hatchback
With the beginning of the new year, Nolden Automobil GmbH coudl finally finish the Cruiser II Hatchback version of the car. It´s a little more drivable and of cours sporty, than the sedan. But also Nolden rised the prices in order for better quality.
The engines are the same, as on the sedan. A revised BMW I6 2.0, and both in-house developed I4 1.2 and V8 4.0.
1953 - 8th May
Nolden Excelsior I Facelift
Nolden regained it´s stability with the set of cars in the last years and sold much more of them. The cheaper cars and smaller engines were exactly, what the customers wanted. Even Nolden lost some to the more presitgious Mercedes-Benz. But the could step up to BMW and the now called Auto Union, while leaving Opel behind.
In order to that, it was time to facelift the 1949 Excelsior. The ‘new’ Excelsior is way more modern. It´s more driveable, sporty, comforty and safe. But the car lost some of it´s prestige with the smaller engines. But the manufacturer could keep it´s reliabilty and lower the fuel consumption at nearly 50% of the old price of the car. Also it was the first time Nolden used a double wishbone in the front and a semi trailing arm in the back of the ladder chassis made of steel. The Nolden headquarter thinks thats a good idea and will hold on to it for the next cars.
The three engines will remain the I6 2.0, the I4 1.2 and the V8 4.0. But this time Nolden tried again to fix some things on them. Only the I6 2.0 will be unchanged again.
More reliabilty and better economy was the goal for the engineers to revise the three standard engines.
1951 I4 1.2 Evo 1953 66 HP / 106 Nm
Nolden gained 1 hp and 1 Nm on the 1.2L engine. The engine is now smoother than before and much mur reliable. Also Nolden could get 6 kg out of it and lower it´s economy by nearly 100 g/kWh.
1950 V8 4.0 Evo 1953 149 HP / 295 Nm
The biggest changes were made on the V8. Nolden used much better supplier to raise the hp from 111 up to 149 and the torque from 231 to 295 Nm. The engines now allows 3600 RPM instead of 3500, is a little bit less noisy, but nearly as double as smooth as before. Also the reliabilty was increased, the weight and economy decreased. And even the engine is nearly in every spot better than the old version, Nolden could also lower the service costs.
1954 - 11th March
1955 Nolden Concept NX1 NEC - 0154
At the 1954 Geneva Auto Show Nolden was initially represented with a concept car. The ‘NX1 NEC’, or in-house 0154 called, shows the way Nolden will go in the future. The car itself is worth nearly $100.000 and will never be produced.
The car is a very sporty and comforty on, with a completly new build V8 4.0 Engine. It will represent the state of the art at the pretige and safety for modern Nolden car. Even it´s a concept car, Nolden could keep it´s reliabilty and lower the economy to nearly 11lt/100km in a V8! With the first V8 from BMW and the Mercedes 300 SL, Nolden was the third german manufacturer with such a crowd puller.
Even the car itself will never be build, the design will be seen in a similar way at the next cars of Nolden.
The ‘Nolden Engine Concept’, short NEC, V8 4.0 is a whole new engine and got nothing in common with the old V8 4.0.
1954 NEC V8 4.0 262 HP / 435 Nm
A DOHC with 5 valves each are used at this new V8. Also forged steel, forged h beam conrods and a forged piston are used for the first time in an Nolden engine. With it´s 4 barrell twin carburettor and the long tubular headers with dual exhausts the engine produces 262 hp at 4300 RPM with 435 Nm of torque at 4200 RPM. This engine is quiet, smooth, powerfull and even economic and reliable at the same time. As with the design of the car, this engine will be seen in a more civil way in the next Nolden cars.
1955 - 13th March
Nolden Nabot I
In 1955 Nolden introduced it´s first B-Segment Subcompact car, the Nabot together with a new 0.7 inline-4 Engine. It is the most drivable and sporty car, much inspired by the NX1. The car weights just 660 kg and together with 45 hp it is also the most economic car so far.
The interior is quite simple with 4 standard seats and a basic AM radio. Although there is only one trim with offroad tires, the Nabot is nearly as quick as the Cruiser and the Excelsior, but got total costs of only $10k.
The new engine is the smallest Nolden ever produced.
1955 I4 0.7 45 HP / 59 Nm
The small and light I4 SOHC with it´s 699cc produces enough power to move the Nabot up to 140 km/h. It will become the new standard size of the B segment cars by Nolden.
1956 - 14th August
Nolden Terpeno I
In the summer of 1956 another new car was born. The Terpeno is Noldens first C-Segment Compact car. The car is nearly as good to handle like the Nabot, but offers mor comfort and prestige at higher safety standards.
The car is also quite light with under 1.000 kg in each of the three trims and got nearly the same mileage like the Nabot. But the total costs of the car are up to $20k with the biggest engine, the new I6 1.8.
While the I4 0.7 and the I4 1.2 are old engines, Nolden also introduced a new I6 1.8 and dropped the 2L engine by BMW. The I4 1.2 and the I4 0.7 weren´t changed at all and are the same like in 1952.
1956 I6 1.8 114 HP / 180 Nm
The new 1.8L engine is build quite simple, but got a DOHC and 30 valves für it´s 1998cc. The engine will produce 114 hp at 5800 RPM and 180 Nm at 2900 RPM. It´s stays quiet and smooth and is build economic. Only it´s reliability is a point Nolden will have a look on.
1956 - 10th December
Nolden Excelsior II
At the end of 1956 Nolden presented the second generation of the Excelsior at the New York Auto Show. The 1957 full-size car is now more comfy, prestigious and safer than the old Excelsior. More weight, but also more reliabilty will set the new standard for Noldens top class car. This powerful E-Segment car will double the costs, but also be a fair competitor for the Mercedes-Benz W105 and the BMW 501.
Together with a revised version of the '51 V8 4.0 a new V8 3.0 will be available.
The Excelsior will only use V8 engines to mark it´s top spot in the company.
1951 V8 4.0 Evo 1957 168 HP / 315 Nm
Nolden was able to squeeze 19 hp of more power out of the old engine and gained 20 Nm. At the same time the engine is now lighter and more economic than in the last revision of 1953. But this time, the big engine will be the one with less power and after 6 years it´ll be the last time Nolden worked on that block. A new 4.0L engine will be expected in the future.
1957 V8 3.0 210 HP / 296 Nm
The 3.0L V8 engine is based on the NEC from the NX1 concept car. But Nolden decreased the pistons bore and stroke to let it only use 2998cc. The Crossplane DOHC Carburettor with 40 valves will still produce 210 horse power and 296 Nm, while being smoother, lighter and nearly as economic as the '57 4.0L V8.
1958 - 2nd January
Nolden Cruiser Saloon III
Right with the beginning of the new year, Nolden released the third generation of the Cruiser Saloon. The E-Segment Mid-size luxury car will come in 3 specs. The '52 I4 1.2, the '56 I6 1.8 and the '57 V8 3.0.
The car is now a little better to driver, but much more comfy. With a little higher costs Nolden realised more prestige and safety combined with better mileage.
1958 - 15th April
Nolden Cruiser III Hatchback
Just a few month after the Saloon, Nolden presented the Cruiser III in it´s hatcback version. Instead of the V8, the engine line up will be completed by the tiny 0.8L inline 4. The car will become more driveable and cheaper.
The Nolden engines weren´t changed.
1959 - 21th August
Nolden Espuro I
In summer 1959 Nolden presented it´s first Grand Tourer and the sixth model: The Espuro. The car is the most sporty car in the companys history, but of course a very expensive one. Nolden regained it´s economic strength and is now able to build again such high class cars. Costumers can reach over 220 km/h, while the car is the first with automatic locker to erase wheel spin.
While the V8 3.0 and the I6 1.8 stayed the same, Nolden developed a new V8 4.0 for the Espuro.
1959 V8 4.0 223 HP / 339 Nm
The engine is the successor to the 1951 V8 4.0 and is now at modern standards. The flatplane block got forged steel and a 4 barrel single carburettor. In this spec, the engine can build up to 339 Nm of torque and 223 horsepower, while still beeing reliable and economic to get a mileage of about 14 lt/100km.
1959 - 15th September
Nolden Concept NX2 - 0259
A month later, Nolden finished another project. The new concept car NX2 0259 together with it´s NEC I6 4.0 engine. Both will be just to show, what´s possible, so money wasn´t a question this time. The car is driveable, sporty, extremly comfy and safe and will also come with prestige. At the same time the car is the most reliable from Nolden and with about 12 lt/100km also economic, regarding to the 310 horsepower.
Because of the high service costs, the engine will never be available to th public, but Nolden thinks about an motorsports entry. The body of the car will be seen in the second Espuro, but this will take some years. Parts of the design of itself will be seen in the near future on the next Nolden cars.
Nolden build a huge 4.0L I6 engine as a concept. As said, the engine is to expensive to build it for the public, but maybe it´s will be fielded otherwise.
1959 NEC I6 4.0 310 HP / 442 Nm
The engine is not only powerful, it is a smooth engine with a good mileage and reliability. 310 hp, 442 NM and just 463 g/kWh are the main keys.
1960 - 13th February
Nolden Nabot II
In 1960 Nolden showed the second generation of the subcompact car Nabot. The Car is now way more driveable, lost some weight, got an automatic gearbox and lowered the mileage to under 6 lt/100km. Also Nolden was able to reduce the costs by $700.
For a first time, the Nabot got 2 specs, the 0.7L and the 0.8L. With the new I4 0.8 the car behaves a little better, while having a manual gearbox, but stays again under 6 lt/100km.
Nolden revised the old 0.7L and developed the new 0.8L inline-4 for the new Nabot
1955 I4 0.7 Evo 1960 46 HP / 62 Nm
The I4 0.7 gained 1 HP and 3 Nm, but is now smoother and more reliable than before. Also the economy and the service costs has been revised.
1960 I4 0.8 55 HP / 70 Nm
The 0.8 is the next generation of the 0.7 and is now more responsive and nearly as economic, while producing nearly 10 hp and Nm more.
1960 - 14th April
Nolden Terpeno I RS
Two month later, Nolden revised the compact car Terpeno and presented the Terpeno I RS to the public. The car became a powerful version of the Terpeno I, while having now 3 engine options: The I4 0.8, the I4 1.8 and the I6 2.6.
The first street legal sports compact car by Nolden will feature the new 2.6L inline-6 engine, which produces up to 145 hp and is a sporty, comfy and economic facelift of the old Terpeno I.
While the 1.8L and the 0.8L are the same from before, the I6 2.6 is brand new.
1960 I6 2.6 145 HP / 279 Nm
The engine will give it´s owner at the same time power and smoothness combined with a good economy. For that reason the engine is quite expensive, but with a good reliability it´s worth every penny. Fans of the Terpeno will say, only the 2.6L engine is the right spec for the RS.
1961 - 1st March
Nolden Terpeno II
After the Terpeno I RS was loved by the costumers, Nolden quikly produced the second generation of the car. The Terpeno II now will be only available in a hatchback version, but is more driveable and way more cheaper than before.
Nolden was able to lower the fuel consumption and gave the car more reliability at the same time. But the 2.6L engine from the RS won´t return for now.
The most powerful engine will now be a new 1.2L inline-4, which produces just half of the power of the 2.6. But the engine is cheaper, more economic and shows, that the RS will be a one off for now.
1959 V8 4.0 70 HP / 107 Nm
The I4 1.2 is a new evolution of the old '53 1.2. It is a modern engine and no revision. It is now more powerful, while still having the advantages of the old one. Only the reliabilty will be revised in the future.
1961 - 6th May
Nolden Excelsior III
In May '61 Nolden showed the third generation of the Excelsior. The Full-size luxury car trumps again with comfort, prestige and safety. But this time, there will be an US spec, an EU spec and one spec for both markets.
The US Spec is powered by a 4.0L V8 engine and a 2 gears automativ drivetrain.
The EU Spec uses the I6 4.0 engine from the NEC concept, but offers a 4 gear manual shifter.
For both markets a V8 3.0L engine is available, but again only with 4 gears manual drivetrain.
While the NEc I6 4.0 stays the same, both V8s are revised.
1959 V8 4.0 Evo 1961 233 HP / 356 Nm
The 4.0L engine produces now 10 more hp and 17 more Nm, but is smoother, more reliable and more economic than the old version.
1957 V8 3.0 Evo 1961 197 HP / 272 Nm
At the 3.0L engine Nolden choose a different way. The engine lost 24 Nm and 13 hp, but is now much cheaper to build while keeping the rest of it´s ‘DNA’.
1961 - 24th August
Nolden Cruiser IV Saloon
The fourth generation of the Cruiser is a slight update. The car is now more driveable and now available with an automatic 2 gears drivetrain. Also Nolden gained safety features of the car, while offering the car for $4.000 less.
While the car will be available in Europe with the 1.2L inline-4 and the 2.6 inline-6, the US spec gets the 3.0 V8 engine and automatic drivetrain only.
1962 - 15th June
Nolden Rocco I
In 1962 a new Nolden model came on the market, the Rocco. It is a compact MPV offroad skills of 25.6. Also it is an easy driveable car with good reliability and economy at low prices.
The Rocco comes with the 1960 I4 0.8 and the 1961 I4 1.2 engine, while offering 1099L cargo volume and 2410L passenger volume.
Also Nolden changed it´s standard colors. Light blue will be all ‘normal’ street cars. Yellow will be the ‘Power cars’, red the concept cars and shiny white the race cars.
1963 - 30th March
Nolden Espuro II Convertible
The second generation of the Espuro is now available as a convertible. With the big V8 4.0 engine the car is made for the US market, but will be sold also in europe.
The car is now more comfy, prestigous and reliable, while improving the mileage a little bit and reducing the costs about $800. But the old V8 from 1959 is now the revised version from 1961.
Still the car is 3 seconds slower from 0-60 mph as a Jaguar E-Type.
1963 - 27th September
Nolden Cruiser IV Hatchback
It took Nolden 2 years to build the Hatchback version of the Cruiser. The car is now available with a I4 1.2 and a brand new I6 1.8 engine.
The new Hatchback gains comfy and safety standards and is a little bit cheaper than the Saloon.
Nolden build a new I6 1.8 for this car.
1963 I6 1.8 91 HP / 151 Nm
Compared with the old engine, the new got 23 hp and 29 Nm less, but is smoother, more reliable and nearly as economic as the old one.
1964 - 1st July
Nolden Vectura I
In '64 Nolden presented the new Vectura to the world. After the Rocco became a success, Nolden build a cargo van based on the comments of the Rocco customers.
The car got a 1.2 inline-4 and the 1.8 inline-6 engine with a new 3 gears automatic shifter or a 5 gear manual drivetrain. It´s best data is the cargo volume with nearly 7000L.
1965 - 21th May
Nolden Rennsport AG RX I
In 1965 Nolden founded the Nolden Rennsport AG and showed it first race car. The Le Mans race ‘RX I’ uses a new NEC RXI I6 3.0 engine is very sporty, while economic at the same time.
With a sprint from 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds and 260 km/h max, the car was quick, but not the fastest. Also Nolden had some problems with the reliability and had to retire.
The car ran in eight position behind the Ferraris and the Porsches, but after 198 laps, the car was just rolling and finally stopped on track. The only entry from the team was classified in 24th position.
The engine was a new 3.0L inline-6 in race trim.
1965 I6 3.0 276 HP / 343 Nm
It produced nearly 280 hp and over 340 Nm, but also was very responsive for an engine by Nolden. But it wasn´t reliable and forced the team to retire.
1965 - 18th July
Nolden Cruiser V Saloon
The new and fifth generation of the Cruiser comes with 4 trims. Starting with a I4 1.2 engine, up to an I6 1.8 and I6 2.6, while the US market also gets the new V8 302cu.
The car gains driveability, while the V8 is the most sporty Cruiser in it´s history. Also the car got better comfort, prestige and safety than before.
While the three inline engines stayed unchanged, Nolden showed a new V8 to the US public.
1965 V8 302 311 HP / 461 Nm
The new Flatplane V8 got 302 cu and produces massive 311 hp and 461 Nm, while being reliable. The economy is good, but not as good as Nolden normally shows.
1966 - 28th September
Nolden Terpeno III Hatchback
After the Terpeno II was not as good to sell, like the Terpeno I RS, Nolden revised the car strongly. The car is now sporty and comfy, while being the most driveable of all Nolden cars. Also it´s economic, reliable and the 0.8 inline-4 engine version is available for under $10.000.
After the old I4 1.2 was started to be developed in 1961, Nolden decided to build a completely new one for 1966.
1966 I4 1.2 81 HP / 109 Nm
Nolden gained 11 HP and 2 Nm on the engine, while its a bit more smoother and economic.
1967 - 5th April
Nolden Excelsior IV
The fourth generation of the flag ship of the Nolden company, the Excelsior, came out in 1967. The car is now way more driveable than the third generation and gains also comfort, prestige and safety. Also the Excelsior IV is now more economic.
For europe the '65 I6 2.6 will be in the car, for the US market the V8 302 take in place.
1967 - 12th October
Nolden Nabot III
In Fall '67 Nolden showed the new Nabot. The car is exactly 1000 kg heavy, but now with it´s I4 0.8 engine more comfy, safe and $600 cheaper than before.
The I4 0.8 got a slight update, to produce a little bit more power and better economy.
1960 I4 0.8 Evo 1967 56 HP / 72 Nm
Nolden changed the settings on the engine, to get now 56 hp, 72 Nm and 540 g/kWh.
1968 - 9th June
Nolden Rocco II
The second generation of the Rocco was build in '68. The car more comfy and safe, while it´s also available as a pick up truck. Nolden also increased the offroad skills to 34.5.
To reduce costs, Nolden used the old I4 1.2 from 1961 and revised it.
1961 I4 1.2 Evo 1968 70 HP / 105 Nm
The engine got now a little bit more power, while running smoother and giving the car more torque.
1968 - 27th August
Nolden Espuro III Rennsport RX II
In '68 Nolden build an entry for the Trans-Am Championship with the Rennsport Version RX II of the new Espuro III. Nolden revised it´s V8 302 engine for it and was able to build a quick Trans-Am Racer with 337 hp and under 1.500 kg.
After the RX I wasn´t very reliable, Nolden was now able to build a car, that could finish the races. Also the car is just 0.5 seconds slower from 0-60 MPH than the Ford Mustang Boss 302, while needing 7 seconds for that sprint.
Because Nolden took part in all of the 13 events, the manufacturer could reach the third place by one point over American Motors and behind Ford and Chevrolet.
The RX version of the V8 302 is a powerful, but reliable engine.
1965 V8 302 1968 RX 337 HP / 491 Nm
Nolden changed the intake, the headers and the mufflers to reach an extra of 26 hp and 30 Nm in the engines race trim, while not loosing it´s reliability.
1969 - 1st March
Nolden Terpeno III Hatchback Facelift
In 1969 Nolden facelifted the Terpeno III Hatchback. The car is as driveable like before, but gets two new engines. An I4 1.5 and an I4 1.6, to be competitive to the Volkswagen 1600 Typ 3. But because of better safety standards, the Terpeno III is a little bit more expensive.
The Terpeno III Facelift is now also a bit more comfy, while Nolden again lowered the costs for the car and reaching nearly the same mileage with the bigger engines.
Nolden reduced the costs for the engine, while using the same block for both, the 1.5L and the 1.6L engine.
1969 I4 1.5 76 HP / 123 Nm
The smaller 1.5L is cheaper, smoother and of course more economic than the bigger one.
1969 I4 1.6 84 HP / 139 Nm
The 1.6L I4 engine has 8 hp and 16 Nm gained, while also is more responsive than the 1.5L engine.
1970 - 25th January
Nolden Terpeno III Hatchback RS
Nolden Terpeno III Hatchback RS
In early 1970 presented the RS and the RX version of the Terpeno III, to get back the customers of the Terpeno I RS.
The RS is way more sporty, than the normal Terpeno III, gained safety standards and is more reliable. Also it´s still quite economic.
The RX is the Rally version of the Terpeno III. It´s even more sporty, than the RS and again safety features are raised. The RX is very reliable, but now wants 12 lt/100km and is nearly as double expensive, than the normal Terpeno III. But for racers, it is a good and quite cheap choice.
Both cars will get an own engine:
1963 I6 1.8 Evo 1970 125 HP / 180 Nm
Nolden revised the 1963 I6 1.8 for the RS. The engine got now 35 hp and 29 Nm gained, and is still economic, light and reliable.
1970 I6 2.6 213 HP / 272 Nm
For the new RXIII Nolden also developed a new 2.6 inline-6 engine. This one got over 200 hp, while being lighter than the 1.8L engine. It´s also more responsive and reliable, to offer good performance and no braking down.
1970 - 3rd February
1970 Alfa Romeo 33TT3 N-Spec 413 HP / 359 Nm
Also in 1970 Nolden showed a new project. The manufacturer worked together with Alfa Romeo to build a new engine for the Alfa Romeo 33TT3. The V8 produces massive 413 hp and 359 Nm, while being reliable and quite economic.
Alfa Romeo had good races with that engine, but was beaten by the 5L engines from Porsche and Ferrari. But the team could win some races in it´s class.
McLaren also used a revised version of the engine in Formula 1. But despite a few finishes outside the points, the team wasn´t able to qualify with this engine and mostly used the Cosworth in this season.
It is said, that McLaren was able to produce 446 hp at 10.400 RPM with that engine. But no one knows exactly, because even Nolden wasn´t involved in tuning and McLaren never told the correct data to the public.
But Nolden will go on to update the 33TT3 engine, to make Alfa Romeo a winning team again.
1970 - 19th July
Nolden Vectura II
Also in 1970 Nolden Automobil GmbH showed the second generation of the Vectura. The MPV is now available with 9 seats, while the cargo volume is 160L smaller than before at 6840L.
The car will be powered with the 1970 I4 1.8 and the I4 1.2 engine, like the first generation. The car is now more driveable and gains 10 to 35 HP. Also Nolden was able to better the mileage on the car.
1971 - 12th May
Nolden Rennsport AG RX I / II
One month before the 24h of Le Mans the Nolden Rennsport AG showed the new RX I / II. The team used the engine, they developed for Alfa Romeo, but sorted some things out to be more reliable.
As a result, the engine lost 48 hp, but was still 365 hp strong and way more reliable. Also the RX I body was updated and became an automatic locker, 2 Piston solid brake discs in the front and back and Gas Mono-Tube Dampers. But the car still had nearly 20% of wheel spin and was hard to handle. But with good feeling for the throttle, a driver was able to squeeze 0-60 MPH in 5.1 seconds out of the car, while reaching nearly 175 MPH / 280 km/h.
At Le Mans, the car was good, but there was no chance to keep it up to the 5.0L V12 cars. The RX I / II battled with the Porsche 911S and the new Ligier JS3. But with a better mileage than the Cosworth 3.0L V8 of the Ligier and more Power than a Porsche, the team was able to get ahead of them. In the middle of the night a little part of the exhaust broke down and Nolden had to fix it. It costs the team several laps and the Ferrari 365, a Porsche 911S and a Porsche 907 could pass them. But the team recovered and at least they could pass the two Porsche, to finish the race after 313 Laps in sixth position.
The team was very happy to finish the race, even they lost the Top5 position by a reliability problem. But the team will come back with a better package to finish in an even better position.
Nolden revised the Alfa Romeo 33TT3 engine for the RX I / II, to make it reliable enough for 24 hours.
1971 Alfa Romeo 33TT3 N-Spec RX 365 HP / 337 Nm
Nolden chose to change the intake of the car. Of course they lost a lot of power, but as a result the engine was way more reliable. But even that was enough, because the exhaust was made for such a long durance and finally broke down.
1972 - 10th April
Nolden Cruiser VI Saloon
The sixth generation of the Cruiser is now able to drop the fuel consumption over 1 lt/100 km compared to the best trim of the fifth generation. Even the biggest engine is just 1.19 lt/100 km less economic, than the most economic before.
Nolden Automobil GmbH used 3 engines on the new Cruiser, that weren´t used before on the car. The I4 1.5 and I4 1.6 from 1969, but revised, and a new I4 2.0i with a mechanical injection fuel system.
All three specs are more driveable and comfy than the generation 5 was, but some safety aspects are lost. Also the new engines are not as reliable, as the manufacturer wished they where. But at least Nolden could keep the old price of the car.
Two engines were revised, the I4 2.0i was a whole new development.
1972 I4 1.5 72 HP / 124 Nm
Nolden lost 4 hp and 1 Nm on the 1.5L engine, but reduced the weight, increased the smoothness and the economy.
1972 I4 1.6 78 HP / 132 Nm
Also on the 1.6L inline-4 engine Nolden used better materials and a different setting and again lost 6 hp and 7 Nm to increase smoothness, weight, reliability and economy. It´s the most efficent engine of all three on the Cruiser VI.
1972 I4 2.0i 96 HP / 169 Nm
The 2.0L inline-4 engine is the first street legal engine with a mechanical fuel injection system to better the economy. This technology was tested before at the RX I/II. The aluminium block is even lighter, than the I4 1.6, while being also more reliable. The smooth and responsive engine is able to produce 96 hp and 169 Nm. BMWs 2.0L inline-4 engine produces nearly 25 hp more, but 9 Nm less than this one.
1972 - 29th November
Nolden Excelsior V
In late '72 Nolden presented the fifth generation of the full-size luxury car: The Excelsior V. For the first time, the car was available as a station wagon. For europe only the I4 2.0i engine was in the car, at the US market the customers could choose between the 302cu and the new 370cu V8.
All three specs are very different to each other. The I4 2.0i is the most comfy, reliable and economic of all, but the most expensive and only buyable for the higher class.
The V8 302 is the most driveable with the best safety package, but also it´s the heaviest and least economic.
The V8 370 is the powerful sporty and presigous car, but nearly as expensive as the euro-version. But with 1/4 better fuel consumption.
All specs are not very cheap, but still the Excelsior is Noldens top dog and will always be bought by the wealthy costumers.
The 370cu V8 is a new engine by Nolden Automobil GmbH.
1972 I4 1.5 72 HP / 124 Nm
The big 6L V8 engine tops the power of the V8 302 (5L) by only 24 hp, but the real talent is the phenomenal torque of 570 Nm. That are 109 Nm more, than the 302 got. Also it´s more responsive, quiter, smoother, lighter and economic. But of course this big engine has it´s price.
1973 - 24th February
Nolden Concept NX3 03/73
While the oil crisis began, Nolden showed a new concept car. The NX3 03/73 is a car, that will never be build, but shows, whats possible. Together with a new 5.0L V8 the car can reach over 250 km/h (155 mph) and is still able to be below the american regulation of 10,5 lt/100 km. The sporty car is also very comfy, driveable and the most reliable Nolden ever showed to the public. At the same time, the car is up to the best safety standards of the company.
The V8 5.0 is also just a concept and won´t be seen in that version in any car. Nolden thinks to use it for future race cars, but even this isn´t for sure.
1973 NEC V8 5.0 223 HP / 480 Nm
With the best technology available by Nolden, this engine is not the most powerful, but it provides 480 Nm at 1500 RPM! Also its very smooth and reliable, combined with a good fuel consumption.
Because of the oil crisis, all Nolden cars will have to be within some regulation till the end of '79. No street legal car is allowed to use over 10.5 lt/100 km of 91 RON fuel. Also Nolden will have keep a reliability from above 65, while the costs stay below $13.500.
1974 - 5th June
Nolden Nabot IV
The first car for the new regulations is the fourth generation of the subcompact car Nabot. Nolden tried to show, that a cheap, reliable and economic car doesn´t has to look like one. Three specs are available for the car.
The I4 1.0i is a really good driveable car with a little bit more comfort than, the generation III Nabot. Also its more reliable, lighter and got the best fuel consumption of all specs with just 6.93 lt/100 km.
The I4 1.2i is also a new engine, to make the car a little mit more sporty, while beeing still reliable and economic. Both versions cost under $8000 and are available for $14.450 (1.0L) and $14.950 (1.2L).
The third spec is equipped with the 2.0i from '72. It´s the most sporty and reliable of all, while it´s mileage is still under 8 lt/100 km. But in this trim the car will cost much more and is available for $25.525 at your local dealer. But that much money, you´ll get the fastest Nabot of all times. It can reach up to 166 km/ and sprints from 0-60 mph in 12.2 seconds.
To lower the fuel consumption, Nolden developed two new engines.
1972 I4 1.0i 51 HP / 83 Nm
The 1.0L is the smallest engine for the new generations. It is quite smooth, but reliable and economic.
1972 I4 1.2i 73 HP / 102 Nm
The 1.2L engine performs a bit better, but all other datas are nearly the same. Of course it´s a bit more expensive and will be the new standard engine for all cars except the compact class.
1974 - 19th August
Nolden Chiara I
At the end of the summer '74 Nolden produced it´s eight model: The Chiara. An economic and cheap mini SUV. The Chiara is the little brother of the Rocco and available in two trims: The I4 1.2i and the '72 I4 1.6.
Both versions are good offroader (43+) and comfy. Also both are light and reliable, while they can carry over 2000L of cargo.
The I4 1.2i will be purchasable for $15.500. With it´s injection engine, it is nearly as powerful, als the 1.6L trim, but the fuel consumption is higher.
The bigger I4 1.6 got much more torque and also has a better mileage. It is the better choice in hard terrain and will cost $18.625.
1975 - 3rd March
Nolden Terpeno IV
In early '75 Nolden showed again a small an cheap car. The fourth generation of the best-seller Terpeno was born. It´s available in 4 trims:
The I4 1.0i from '74 is the lightest of all and will cost $13.950.
The I4 1.2i is also from '74, got the worst fuel consumption of 7,5 lt/100 km, but is also nearly the fastest despite it got 0.4L less than the biggest engine. You can have one for $14.250.
The I4 1.5 '72 is the only automatic driveshift option. It´s the best driveable and comfy and will cost $16.250.
The I4 1.6 '72 is the biggest and strongest engine. This trim sets also the best safety standards and economy and is available for just $14.900.
All four version are easy to drive, than the gen III, while the I4 1.2i is even more sporty. Also the cars are nearly as comfy and safe, while all are mor economic, cheaper and way more handy than before. Nolden hopes to be successful like with the Terpeno III and promises again a RS and a RX in the next years.
1975 - 25th April
Nolden Espuro IV
After Nolden first showed just small cars under the new company regulations, the manufacturer presented the fourth generation of the Espuro. “The easy sports car” was the slogan for the GT. It´s nearly as easy to handle, like the Nabot or Terpeno, but also the most sporty street legal car Nolden produced till now.
The big V8 5.0 from the '73 concept was revised, to be more economic and also the safety standards are now better. While the Espuro IV is just 14 kg heavier than the Espuro II, the car is nearly as reliable and lowers the fuel consumption from 13 to 9 lt/ 100 km. Also the costs are now down by $5.000, to make the car available for just $25.999.
The Espuro sprints from 0-60 mph in 9.9 seconds and has a top speed of 140 mph / 230 km/h, while the roll angle is just at 1.2° and the back has over 60 kg of downforce at 200 km/h. With it´s solid brake discs in the front and back, the car coms to an stop from 60-0 mph after 38 m.
Also a RX version is planned, to race in the Le Mans GT class.
The engine is the same, as used in the '73 NEC concept. But Nolden changed some materials and the setting, to make it cheaper and more economic.
1973 NEC V8 5.0 Evo 1975 222 HP / 429 Nm
Compared to the NEC, the revised version lost 1 hp and 51 Nm of torque, but Nolden was able to increase the economy to keep the car below the magical 10.5 lt/100 km and could even drop it to under 9 lt/100 km, while it just runs with 91 RON. Also the costs decrease by over 75%!
1975 - 1st June
Nolden Espuro IV Rennsport RX II/II
In June Nolden finished the RX II/II for the GT class of the 24h of Le Mans. While the oil crisis also reached Le Mans and the cars had to manage 20 laps without refueling, Nolden couldn´t just ‘pump up’ the V8 5.0 from the street Espuro IV. Together with Alfa, the manufacturer developed it´s first turbo engine and was able to squeeze more power out of a V8 2.0 engine.
The car is harder to drive and even got wheel spin with it´s viscous LSD. But the car is made for racing and in order to that, Nolden was able to loose 85 kg of weight and make an even more reliable car. The mileage is good enough to manage 20 laps with max. 35 lt on board. Nolden will also sell the car from '76 on to costumers for $60.000.
While the sprint from 0-60 mph needs 8.6 seconds, the car can stop within 31 meters. The topspeed will be at about 280 km/h (175 mph) with the spoilers set to 0 for Le Mans.
At Le Mans '75, the team was not quick enough, to keep it up with the Porsche 911 RSR, but the car was reliable enough to finish the race without any problems. After 296 laps, the team finished in 6th in front of the first of two 911 RS and the Ferrari 365 GTB/4. But Nolden will come back in this class, to finish on the podium.
The first of two engines developed with Alfa is the 2.0L Turbo spec.
1975 Alfetta GTV V8 2.0 RX 262 HP / 279 Nm
For the first time Nolden produced a turbo engine. From just 2.0L the engine will produce over 260 hp and is still economic enough, to fit in the new Le Mans regulations. But it is not perfect and Nolden has a lack of about 40 hp to the Porsche 3.0L inline-6 engines.
1975 - 1st June
Nolden Rennsport RX I/III
On the same day, Nolden revealed the New RX I/III. Again they worked together with Alfa Romeo, but this time on a 3.0L turbo engine.
The car got now 10 hp more and vented brake discs in the front and back. It is driveable like before, but more sporty and faster, while also being 50 kg lighter. Nolden managed to keep the fuel consumption as before and is able to go 21 laps without refueling. But the costs are much higher than before, so that Nolden will sell this car also from the end of the season on.
The RX I/III needs 5.8 seconds from 0-60 mph and can reach a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).
Nolden was able to be quite competitive to the Ford Cosworth powered cars. But the Mirage and the Ligier where 30 hp stronger and a bit faster on the straights. Without reliability problems Nolden could atleast beat the Porsche to finish fourth in the S3.0 class and overall, after 332 laps.
The second turbo is also an Alfetta GTV V8, but this time in the 3.0L spec.
1975 Alfetta GTV V8 3.0 RX 375 HP / 376 Nm
The engine was nearly to big, to fit in the car. The turbo had to be quite small and Nolden decided to run with a little less power, instead of changing the old body to a new one. But the time is now finally over for the RX I body, after 10 years.
1976 - 14th March
Nolden Rocco III
In '76 the new Rocco was born. In three specs is the car now heavier and more reliable than before. All three can carry cargo of 2700L.
The smallest engine is the I4 1.2i with 73 hp. It´s most comfy version and with 1040 kg the lightest. But it´s not the most reliable and economic, while being the best offroad of all (43). It´s available for $16.500.
A little bit stronger is the I4 1.6i version with 75 hp. The car has the best safety features, but is at the same time the heaviest and most economic with 8.25 lt/100 km. You can get one of your own for $25.500.
The biggest engine is the I4 2.0i. 96 hp will bring you everywhere! The car is the most reliable of all three, but also got the worst fuel consumption at 10 lt/100 km. Also it´s the most expensive with it´s $26.300.
The I4 1.6 engine from 1969 has been revised.
1969 I4 1.6i Evo 1976 75 HP / 131 Nm
The 1.6L engine is now also fitted with a mechanical fuel injection, to be more economic, reliable and still powerful. Of course the engine lost 10 hp and 8 Nm, but it´s more responsive and, as said, way more reliable.
1976 - 21th June
Nolden Carica I
In '76 the ninth model of Nolden Automobil is born: The Carica. This entry-level luxury car is a tough competitor to the BMW E21. A I4 1.6i and 2.0i are available, but also the big V8 370 is revised for this car.
The I4 1.6i is the beginner version. It´s fuel consumption is .8 lt/ 100 km less than the BMW, but is 4 seconds slower from 0-60 mph with a total of 18.7 seconds. Also it´s price of $21.000 is about $2.000 more than BMW wants for the same power.
In the I4 2.0i the car has 97 hp and is comparable to the BMW 318. With 13,5 seconds from 0-60 the Carica is just 1,6 seconds slower, but this time the BMW uses also 0.1 lt/100 km less. But Nolden has a better reliability and wants $22.500 for this safety package. The BMW is $3.000 cheaper.
The sportiest version is the V8 370. BMW got now comparable car, because their strongest car only delivers 143 hp, while the carica has 249. But now the Nolden Carica shows it´s real character. With 8.3 seconds from 0 to 60 mph the Carica is 1.3 seconds faster and also got 30 km/h more topspeed. The fuel consumption is at it´s limit of 10.5 lt/100 km, but only .9 lt/100 km worse than the BMW. Also the price of $24.650 is just $1.500 more expensive than the BMW. Most customers, which have the money for a BMW 323i, will choose the Carica V8. You have to spend just a little more money and will get much more car!
The V8 370 has to be revised, to be cheaper and more economic.
1972 V8 370 Evo 1976 249 HP / 488 Nm
Nolden changed some of the materials and the whole setting. The power nearly dropped by 100 hp and Nm, but now this engine is cheap enough, to fit in the “$13.500 overall cost”-regulation and economic enough, to keep a car under 10.5 lt/100 km.
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