Superb, fully restored KR 200 from the firm’s transitional period.

SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Fahrzeug und Maschinenbau Regensburg

Origin: Regensburg, Germany

Production: 30,286

Motor: Fichtel & Sachs 1-cyl., 2-stroke

Displacement: 191 cc

Power: 9.7 hp

Length: 9 ft. 3 in.

Identification No. 67327

Like much of German industry, Messerschmitt, a builder of airplanes and aeronautical equipment, emerged from World War II into uncertain times. Prohibited from building war material, the company had to search for consumer products to manufacture in order to stay in business. In Messerschmitt’s case, this proved to be a tiny car designed by an aeronautical engineer.

Fritz Fend had designed a hand-propelled vehicle in 1946, a three-wheel, single-seat machine using bicycle wheels. He began manufacturing them in 1948, adding a 38-cubic centimeter Victoria engine to make it self-propelled. A 98-cubic centimeter Sachs engine shortly became available, and smaller, scooter-size wheels made the vehicle more car-like. A tandem-seat version was launched in 1953.

However, Fend’s company, Fend Kraftfahrzeug GmbH, lacked production capacity. He approached Messerschmitt, with whom he had professional connections. The collaboration was a good fit for both parties, and Fend worked with Messerschmitt engineers to refine his design. Messerschmitt took up manufacture with the KR 175 Kabinenroller (enclosed scooter). The larger engine KR 200, with additional refinements, such as a reverse capability, followed in 1955.

An early-1958 model, this Kabinenroller has the Messerschmitt “bird” emblem and dashboard with radio cutout, although neither the radio nor the optional clock is fitted. It has had a recent, high-quality restoration, and it is painted red, with a black vinyl cockpit and seating. The interior is accented with white piping and side contour décor. It has a metric speedometer that is nicely detailed and a white steering bar.

The paint and brightwork are both of very high quality, and the Shinko double whitewall tires are virtually new. The Fichtel & Sachs two-stroke engine is clean and well detailed, as is the rest of the drivetrain. A superb example of the transitional KR 200, with the early style trim and dashboard, this car lacks nothing and is ready to be enjoyed.