1957 Messerschmitt KR201

The KR175 Kabinenroller (a scooter with cabin) was introduced in 1953 and marketed under the Messerschmitt name. It had a narrow body and low frontal area with tandem seating and handlebar controls - in a similar fashion to an aircraft fuselage. Power was from a two-stroke 148cc Fichtel & Sachs engine that offered 9 horsepower, and fuel consumption was reported to be 87 mpg with a top speed of 55 mph. An improved KR200 was introduced in 1955 with a larger 191cc engine, revised bodywork, floor-mounted accelerator and clutch, and an improved turning circle.

The tandem seating allowed centralized weight distribution irrespective of occupants and handling characteristics that outclassed its contemporaries. By the time production ceased in 1964, approximately 40,000 KR200s were built.

The KR201 Roadster was introduced in 1957 and had a folding cloth top, removable side curtains, and a windscreen. A Sport Roadster later followed with no top and with the canopy fixed into place. These were specifically for warmer climate customers where they had issues with the heat-buildup inside the Plexiglas dome. For those with the dome, an accessory for protection from the sun included a suction-cup tinted panel for the inside, an adjustable exterior visor, and a white linen sunshade.

Along with the demountable convertible top, the Roadster was given numerous equipment upgrades. The interior was in black, the first time that color was used, and accented in a faux-snakeskin pattern. Inside, the side panels had twin polished aluminum trim strips. The shift lever had a white knob, and the leather belt was in white. The clock was removed and replaced with a cream ashtray. The re-arranged switchgear incorporated a new light switch. There were new curved-arm Kontakt mirrors exclusive to this model.

The Roadster had a set of roll-up, clear, soft, vinyl side screens. These attached by press-snaps. A new color exclusive to this model was called Signal Red. This was the only color offered in a few of the markets, like England. In the home market, the model could also be purchased in white.

Production of the KR 201 Roadsters last two years.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2019