1956 KR200  |
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1955 Messerschmitt KR200 news, pictures, and information | ||
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One of several post-WWII minicars, the Messerschmitt is associated with the famous aircraft works. But its design came from Fritz Fend, an aeronautical engineer who had established a company producing scooters for invalids in 1946.
Around 1950, Fend began thinking about a design for a tiny, inexpensive car, but lacked the means to implement production, and approached Messerschmitt with his idea in 1951. The company was limited by a post-war ban on aircraft enterprises at the time, and its management was receptive.
Messerschmitt's engineering staff worked with Fend to develop the concept, and in the spring of 1953 the little three-wheeler went on sale. Classified as a 'kabinenroller,' German for 'cabin scooter' or 'bubble car,' the original KR175 was driven by a 171cc Fichtel & Sachs single-cylinder air-cooled 2-stroke engine sending 9 horsepower to the rear-wheel by a 4-speed manual gearbox and chain drive.
Introduced in 1955, the KR200 had a bigger engine - 191cc - generating 10 horsepower. A foot throttle replaced the previous twist-grip, and backing up was achieved by reversing the engine's rotation, a little-known 2-storke trait. Just 111 inches long and 48 inches wide, the flip-top kabinenroller seated two in tandem. It weighed less than 400 pounds, and was reportedly capable of 62 mph and 100 mpg.
This example was acquired by his father in 1959 as a basket case project. Re-assembled, it became the son's first driving experience, at age 11. The car was passed to his son in 1999, and in 2003 conducted a comprehensive restoration.
 |  | Coupe Chassis Num: 56265 |
| Sold for $25,155 at 2011 Bonhams. | ||
The KR-200 was an evolution of the KR-175. It had a wider track, redesigned rubber-in-torsion suspension, and a larger 191cc Sachs motor. Reverse was still tricky - requiring the driver to shut off the motor and restart it spinning backwards - but this could now be done electronically. Luxury was taken to a new level with the addition of ivory-colored handlebars in place of the old chrome pieces.
This example has had only two owners since new. It was originally purchased by a very tall individual in New York and used as a daily driver. It eventually passed from his estate to the current owner, who had the car restored in 2003. The bubble-top canopy was removed and replaced with a cabrio top (which was introduced in 1959).
In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge presented by Bonhams auction. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $25,155 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011
During World War II, the Messerschmitt Company produced German fighter planes such as the popular ME109 fighter. The company came into existence in 1923 and founded by Professor Willy Messerschmitt. When WWII came to a close, the company switched to manufacturing automobile parts, as well as other industries such as sewing machine production.
Designs for the Messerschmitt automobiles began as early as 1953 by Fritz Fend. The Messerschmitt three-wheeled KR175 Kabinenroller (cabin scooter) was the original Messerschmitt. Power was from a one-cylinder, two-stroke, engine that displaced 175cc and produced 9.5 horsepower. The rear mounted engine powered the single rear wheel and mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. The cars were suspended by a rubber torsilastic suspension and braking was handled by four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Steering was by a handlebar-type system. The interior cockpit had room for two, though seating was in tandem with the passenger sitting behind the driver.
In total, around 10,000 examples were sold.
The KR200 was introduced a short time later and powered by a large, two-stroke engine that displaced 191cc. Horsepower rose to 10. There was a tilt-over, cockpit-style bubble canopy top formed from plexiglas. The KR200 had a reverse gear (the engine could be spun the opposite way to go backwards) and a self-starter. The KR175 did not have reverse and had to be pick-up or pushed in order to go backwards.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
For more information and related vehicles, click hereDesigns for the Messerschmitt automobiles began as early as 1953 by Fritz Fend. The Messerschmitt three-wheeled KR175 Kabinenroller (cabin scooter) was the original Messerschmitt. Power was from a one-cylinder, two-stroke, engine that displaced 175cc and produced 9.5 horsepower. The rear mounted engine powered the single rear wheel and mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. The cars were suspended by a rubber torsilastic suspension and braking was handled by four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Steering was by a handlebar-type system. The interior cockpit had room for two, though seating was in tandem with the passenger sitting behind the driver.
In total, around 10,000 examples were sold.
The KR200 was introduced a short time later and powered by a large, two-stroke engine that displaced 191cc. Horsepower rose to 10. There was a tilt-over, cockpit-style bubble canopy top formed from plexiglas. The KR200 had a reverse gear (the engine could be spun the opposite way to go backwards) and a self-starter. The KR175 did not have reverse and had to be pick-up or pushed in order to go backwards.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
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| KR200 |
| 1956 KR200 |
