Beskrivning
DESCRIPTION
Arguably the best known of all the microcars from the 1950s was the Messerschmitt, whose distinctive Kabinenroller (literally “scooter with a cabin”) models with their tandem seating position and domed ‘bubble tops’ gave rise to countless imitators and filled a gap in the marketplace in the period of austerity that followed the war in Europe. Introduced in 1954, Willy Messerschmitt’s new KR200 model was an almost completely new design, with little carried over from the outgoing Kabinenroller, the 175. Designed once more by Fritz Fend, the biggest change was the switch from an outdated and complex tubular frame to a modern monocoque body, within which a new Fichtel & Sachs single-cylinder motor was rubber-mounted into a simple sub-frame. The suspension came in for substantial revision, with hydraulic dampers acting on all three wheels and the signature domed-roof was much improved, with a wraparound screen. Despite the engine’s relatively puny 10hp output, the lightweight structure enabled the KR200 to reach a top speed in excess of 90 km/ h. With the ban on aircraft manufacture lifted in Germany in 1956, Messerschmitt lost interest in micro-car production and sold the Regensburg factory to Fend, who joined forces with a brake and hub supplier named Valentin Knott to form the new Fahrzeug-und Maschinenbau GmbH Regensburg (FMR) concern and production continued unabated until the early 1960s. Like all microcars, the Messerschmitts have become increasingly collectible in recent years and owning one of these quirky machines is not only fun but a sound investment as well.
HISTORY
- Hugely collectible German micro-car
- Offered from long-term ownership
- Previously on museum display
One of a small number of KR200s originally sold to Australia (one source quotes 216), this lovely little Messerschmitt was purchased by the late owner back in 1976 as a restoration project and restored back to operational condition over a number of years. A member of the Micro Car & Scooter Club and an avid Messerschmitt fan, he was able to rebuild the car to fully operational condition by 1998 with assistance from the Messerschmitt Owners Club in the UK. Kept on display at the Australian Motorlife Museum in Kembla Grange since the owner passed away, the KR200 is now being offered by his family, who would like to see it being used again. Lightly recommissioned prior to auction and now back in operational condition, this lovely little Messerschmitt is available on the open market for the first time in 45 years and is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most collectible micro cars ever made. Sold unregistered, the KR200 comes with a small quantity of spare parts, a history file and a large selection of marque literature, including manuals, a handbook and parts lists.
Note: Shannons advise that all potential buyers research and inspect motorcycles before purchase to authenticate originality and condition as a pre-purchase inspection report is not carried out on these vehicles.
