The NSU Trapeze is a 1973 concept car designed by Marcello Gandini during his tenure at Bertone, inspired by patents held by Jean Celle.

Two years later, at the Paris Motorshow in October 1973,[1] Gandini showed a concept car called the Trapeze designed for NSU but inspired by the Stratos, whose influence was visible in many of the styling features of that model: very compact volumes, an enormous wrap-around windshield and side windows that did not continue to the rear.

First, Bertone wanted to further improve its relationship with Audi in its competition with Ital Design, who had just produced the Asso di Picche coupé for the German marque.

[4] Also, Bertone wanted to show its innovative power by creating a small and elegant sporty car that would still meet the American DOT safety standards that were introduced around that time.

Thanks to the compact dimensions of the engine and the fact that it was positioned lengthwise rather than transversly,[3] Gandini had space available to squeeze in two small back seats, making the Trapeze the first mid-engined sports car with room for four.