Wankel was born in Lahr, Germany, in the upper Rhine Valley. Since his mother was widowed in World War I, Wankel received no university education or even an apprenticeship. However he was able to teach himself technical subjects and conceived the idea of the Wankel engine in 1924. In the 1930s, he had a disagreement with Adolf Hitler, and was imprisoned by the ***** for some months. During World War II, he developed seals and rotary valves for German air force aircraft and navy torpedoes. After the war, he was imprisoned by the Allies for some months, his laboratory was closed, his work confiscated, and he was prohibited from doing more work. In 1951, he began development of the engine at NSU, leading to the first running prototype in 1957. His Wankel engine design was first licensed by Curtiss Wright in New Jersey. Mazda in Japan solved the chatter marks problem. The engine has been successfully used by Mazda in several generations of their RX-series of coupés.

In later years, Wankel was granted an honorary Doctorate of Engineering (Dr.-Ing.). He was known for his championing of animal rights and opposition to the use of animals in testing. Felix Wankel died in Heidelberg, having never been issued a driver's license.


Felix Heinrich Wankel August 13, 1902–October 9, 1988

 

Thanks felix

 

Bow your heads, you dogs!!!!!!!!

 

Happy birthday felix, and thanks for these beutiful, awesome and unique cars and engines uve come up with

 

Happy birthday!

 

Happy birthday... We owe you..

 

I sure hope he was a christian. Cause if I don't get to shake his hand in heven I'm going to be pissed...