New Exhibit: The Wankel Rotary Engine: Innovation That Never Went Mainstream
- Candace Watkins
- Sep 17, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 1, 2025
Opening January 10, 2026 and running until April 30, 2026, the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum will debut its newest exhibit, The Wankel Rotary Engine: Innovation That Never Went Mainstream. We’re excited to share a preview of what’s ahead.
The exhibit will showcase a remarkable lineup of rotary-powered vehicles, including the NSU Spider, NSU Ro80, Mazda Cosmo Series II, Citroën GS Birotor, and two motorcycles, the Norton Commander and the Hercules W2000. These rare machines highlight both the promise and the challenges of one of automotive history’s most daring inventions.
Felix Wankel: The Inventor
Behind the rotary engine was Felix Wankel (1902–1988), a German engineer with an unshakable curiosity about mechanics. In the 1950s, he introduced a revolutionary design: instead of pistons moving up and down, his engine used a rotating triangular rotor inside an oval-shaped chamber.
The design was compact, efficient, and smooth, with fewer moving parts than a traditional piston engine. Its advantages, higher power output, reduced vibration, and lighter weight, caught the attention of manufacturers eager to push the boundaries of performance.
Promise vs. Reality
For a time, it seemed the rotary engine could reshape the automotive world. Companies like NSU, Mazda, Citroën, and several motorcycle makers experimented with it, hoping to capture its unique benefits. Yet challenges with fuel economy, emissions, and long-term durability prevented it from becoming the industry standard. By the late 20th century, most manufacturers had stepped back, leaving Mazda as its most famous champion with models like the RX series.
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Even if it never went mainstream, the rotary engine remains a symbol of bold innovation. Its distinct sound, smooth feel, and unconventional design continue to capture the imagination of enthusiasts and engineers alike.
Our upcoming exhibit will bring together some of the most important rotary-powered vehicles ever built, giving visitors an up-close look at this fascinating chapter of automotive history.
Hands-On Rotary Engine Workshop
As part of the exhibit, the museum will also host a special Hands-On Rotary Engine Restoration Workshop on March 14 and 15, 2026, led by rotary expert Matthew Orth. This immersive, full-day workshop is designed for enthusiasts who want real-world instruction in disassembly, inspection, and reliable rotary engine rebuilding techniques. With professional builders becoming increasingly scarce, this is a rare chance to learn the skills needed to keep rotary-powered vehicles on the road. Learn more: https://www.tbauto.org/post/rotary-engine-workshop
Mark your calendars. From January 10 through April 30, 2026, explore the story of “The Wankel Rotary Engine: Innovation That Never Went Mainstream.”