c. 1960 Messerschmitt KR200 Kabinenroller               Cha...

Estimate

£12,000 - £14,000

c. 1960 Messerschmitt KR200 Kabinenroller              

Chassis Number: TBA
Registration Number: TBA
Recorded Mileage: TBA

- Highly collectible UK-delivered example
- Rarely available project for the enthusiast

The Messerschmitt KR200, or Kabinenroller (Cabin Scooter), is a three-wheeled bubble car designed by the aircraft engineer Fritz Fend and produced in the factory of the German aircraft manufacturer Messerschmitt. Temporarily not allowed to manufacture aircraft, the firm had turned its resources to making other products. In 1952, Fend approached Messerschmitt with the idea of manufacturing small motor vehicles. These were based on his Fend Flitzer invalid carriage. The first of Fend's vehicles to enter production at Messerschmitt's Regensburg factory was the KR175. The KR200 replaced the KR175 in 1955. The KR200 was an almost total redesign - the rear suspension and engine mounting were reworked, and hydraulic shock absorbers were installed at all three wheels. The KR200 shows its aeronautical heritage with its hinged cockpit opening roof. There was a 4-speed gearbox but no reverse gear, however the factory designed a counter-rotating ignition system so by turning the engine off and pushing the key in whilst starting, this fires the engine in reverse so you effectively have 4 gears going backwards!

This rare UK-delivered KR200 is said to be almost complete; we are informed the engine has run a little while ago, the main body tub has been largely repaired with the exception of the wings. Parts are available to fit a canvas roof (a perspex dome is available by separate negotiation), and we understand the interior is also included. Our vendor, the owner of a small collection of Microcars, has decided that the time is right to thin out his collection and pass the baton to a new enthusiast.

In recent years Messerschmitts have become highly sought after in the collectors car market, and we are sure this example will prove to be a straightforward and extremely worthwhile project for the next custodian.