Dr. Felix Heinrich Wankel (August 13, 1902–October 9, 1988) was the German inventor of the Wankel engine.
Wankel was born in Lahr, Germany. 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 rotary engine in 1924. In 1951, Wankel began development of the engine at NSU, leading to the first running prototype in 1957.
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.
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