Description
MESSERSCHMITT KR200: A Rare German Three-Wheeler with Timeless Appeal
This 1960 Messerschmitt KR200 tells an uncommon story. Purchased new in Switzerland by the vendor's father, it has remained in the same family since its origin. After serving as a family car until 1973, it spent nearly 25 years sitting idle in a garage before being restored in the late 1990s. It now presents in excellent overall condition and is accompanied by particularly interesting period documentation.
Specifications
First registered: 30 August 1960
Mileage: 56, 457 km on the clock (total mileage not guaranteed)
Vehicle type: Tricar
Body: Saloon / Closed
Seating: 2 in tandem
Engine: Single-cylinder Sachs 2-stroke
Displacement: 191 cc
Power: 9. 7 bhp DIN at 5, 250 rpm
Cooling: Air-cooled
Fuel system: Inverted Bing carburettor
Drive: Rear wheel
Gearbox: Manual 4-speed sequential
Reverse: Motor rotation reversal
Braking: Drums on all 3 wheels
Curb weight: 235 kg
Payload: 185 kg
Gross weight: 420 kg
Steering position: Centre
Exterior colour: Red
Interior: Leather
Last inspection: August 2022
Status: Veteran
History and Restoration
The vehicle was used as a family car until 1973, when an engine problem left it immobilised. It then remained stored for approximately 25 years before undergoing restoration in the late 1990s.
Engine restoration and general supervision of the work were entrusted to Auto Antique, Jean-David Favez.
Bodywork was carried out by Carrosserie St Roch SA, Préverenges, whilst the interior and upholstery were handled by André Juriens, upholsterer.
Overall Condition
The bodywork and paintwork are in excellent overall condition.
The chassis is in very good condition.
The interior and upholstery are also in excellent condition.
The glazing and tyres are in very good condition.
Mechanics
The vehicle is equipped with its original single-cylinder 2-stroke Sachs engine of 191 cc, producing 9. 7 bhp DIN.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a four-speed sequential gearbox. Reverse is achieved by reversing the engine's direction of rotation, a characteristic feature of the KR200.
The current mechanical condition is considered very good.
Documentation
The vehicle is accompanied by particularly interesting period documentation:
Ersatzteile-Liste, ref. 364. 6
Reparatur-Anweisung Sachs 200 LD/ LRD, Ausgabe 1956
Handbuch Sachs 200
French owner's and maintenance manual
Swiss customs clearance certificate dated 26 July 1960
Copy of a Swiss registration document issued in Lausanne on 26 March 1964
More recent Swiss registration document
Two period tool kits
The vehicle can be viewed by appointment in Switzerland, Vevey-Montreux region
