Description
1960 FMR Tg500 'Tiger' Cabriolet Microcar
Registration no. STM 982
Chassis no. 21065
Engine no. 2829
• Raced in period by Eduard Ernst
• -Offered with a very rare Sport Top
• Retains its original engine
• A supremely desirable and important example
Introduced in 1953 as the 'Fend', after its co-designer Fritz Fend, the Messerschmitt Kabinenroller microcar was soon being marketed under its manufacturer's name, the change coinciding with a switch from the original's 148cc Fichtel & Sachs engine to a 174cc unit. Located at the rear, the single-cylinder two-stroke produced a modest 9bhp, enough nevertheless to propel the lightweight and aerodynamic KR175 to around 55mph. The Plexiglas canopy, so reminiscent of those of Messerschmitt's wartime aircraft, hinged sideways to enable access for the two occupants who sat one behind the other, tandem style.
The KR175 was superseded in 1955 by the KR200. Later models carried the diamond-shaped FMR badge, standing for Fahrzeug und Maschienenbau GmbH Regensburg. Derivatives included the KR201 Roadster and Cabriolet soft-tops and the fearsome four-wheeled Tg500 sports model, known unofficially as the 'Tiger'.
Whilst the "Tiger" was superficially similar to the KR200 very little, especially "under the skin" was identical. In place of the KR200's 191cc single cylinder engine, as its nomenclature suggests, the Tg500 was powered by a 500cc engine: a twin-cylinder air-cooled two-stroke designed by the firm of Fichtel & Sachs. This was accompanied by larger wheels & brakes (hydraulic rather than cable), improved suspension & most obviously, 4 wheels. This enabled contemporary sports car performance to be offered & with nimble handling the Tiger proved an effective competition vehicle in the right hands. Production years were 1958 to 1961 with only about 300 units produced.
This particular car was built in 1960 for competition use by FMR especially for, & under the direction of, FMR employee & competition driver Eduard Ernst. It encompassed his own ideas and modifications to enhance competitiveness. These included a Front aerodynamic spoiler; enhanced rear air scoops to aid cooling; deletion of externally mounted spare wheel & numberplate holder; modifications to the front suspension & gearchange; and numerous under bonnet modifications. A Sport Top was included as an option to a conventional cabrio top. Importantly, this rare Sport Top remains with the car. Whilst modern replicas exist, few factory-built Sport Tops are known to survive.
This example was painted in a unique combination of metallic red and silver and was first registered in Germany under "R CC 143". The car was then used competitively by Ernst, with period photographs on file. The car then passed through the hands of a further five owners in Germany, before being brought over to the UK by an enthusiast in the very early 1990s.
The car was UK registered initially as HSK 211 and then soon after under STM 982 (itself an interesting number as it started life on a competition Berkeley sports car). The car was comprehensively refurbished and reverted to the original metallic red and silver colour scheme. Extensive use thereafter included many overseas tours and rallies, most notably as an entrant in the 2008 Historic Liege – Brescia – Liege Rally, where it was part of a team of 3 Tigers that won the Team Prize. In addition, the car was exhibited at the The Cartier Style et Luxe Concourse d'Elegance in 1999.
In 2012, the car was acquired by the present owner. The vehicle was last MoT'd in August 2019 at 25, 997 miles, with the mileage showing a little over 26, 000 miles today. The car has recently been taken out of storage, started and run with the benefit of fresh fuel and a new battery.
Very well-known and fully recorded in the enthusiast maintained & definitive Tiger Register, this example has featured in 'Messerschmitt Kabinenroller' by Jens Kron and 'More Bubble Cars & Micro Cars' by Andrea and David Sparrow. An example worthy of closest inspection and a worthy addition to any car collection.
