53 years ago today, German mechanical engineer Felix Wankel gave the world the Wankel rotary engine. Fired off at the R&D department of German manufacturer NSU Motorenwerke AG, history was made as Wankel turned the key on what would eventually become one of the most hotly debated engine designs in history.

On paper, the rotary engine looks to be a masterpiece in simplicity, efficiency and reliability. In reality, the rotary mill is a complex, inefficient and unreliable piece of shit. Of course, the latter claim is only the harsh opinion of an armchair engineer left stranded one too many times by that god-damned rattle-trap 1980 Mazda RX-7…

Personal opinions aside, the Wankel has powered some of the most beautiful automobiles to hit the road or track, and they've taken home more than a few checkered flags. No matter which side of the rotary debate you're on, let's just agree that Mr. Wankel's forward thinking and challenging of the status quo is the kind of stuff our failing and ailing auto industry could use right now. So Mr. Rotary Engine Designer, we salute you!