1955 Messerschmitt KR-200
Provided by Hemmings

Sometimes when viewing an oddball vehicle such as this Messerschmitt KR-200, its visual impact is so strong and makes one wonder just what in the world inspired it that one forgets the context of the times from which it was spawned. A product of the Messerschmitt Company (remembered more for its fighter aircraft of WWII), the KR-200 was a successful transportation solution for the German people who were still recovering from the devastating effects of the war. Based upon the Fend Flitzer, a three-wheel two-seat scooter/cyclecar created by Fritz Fend in the late 1940s, these three-wheelers not only provided the German public with an affordable and economical means of transportation, they also gave the Messerschmitt factory a product with which to get back into business. (At the time, Messerschmitt was banned from manufacturing aircraft and its facilities and workers were idle with no real future prospects ahead.)

In 1952 Fend approached Willy Messerschmitt with his ideas of mass-producing his Flitzer at the company’s Regensburg factory. With no other avenues by which to get the plant back into full-scale operation, Messerschmitt accepted his plan. Though there were some refinements to Fend’s Flitzer, the first Messerschmitts, designated KR-175, (Kabinenroller meaning cabin scooter, and 175 being the displacement of the first engines used) began rolling out of the factory as 1953 models. The KR-200 model commenced production in 1955, after some 10,000 KR-175s had been built.

Featuring a larger 191cc Fichtel & Sachs engine, the 200 boasted a number of improvements over the 175. Although seating was still tandem with room only for two and very limited luggage space behind the rear seat, the suspension system was made more compliant with the addition of hydraulic shock absorbers. Instead of the 175’s hand cable-activated clutch, a foot pedal-activated clutch was added, as was a unique reversing mechanism in which the engine had to be shut off and the ignition switch turned to another position that enabled the engine to be started in the reverse direction of its normal rotation. Sounds complicated, but it beat getting out and pushing!

Though it looks like an ungainly, awkward handler, an increase in the front track width with the 200 series alleviated most fears about rolling the Messerschmitt when going around turns. Whereas the earlier version had a squarish Plexiglas top with hand-operated windshield wipers, the newer version boasted electric windshield wipers, a more rounded bubble top and a curved glass windshield.

Around 1956, the ban on aircraft manufacturing was lifted, and since it was obviously a much more lucrative venture than building three-wheeled microcars, Messerschmitt sold the Regensburg plant, with Fend reorganizing the company as FMR. The KR-200 spawned a number of variations on the three-wheeled theme, with cargo carriers and four other versions of the KR-200 being built before production ceased in 1962. By that time, some 40,000 KR-200s had been built.

A good number were imported into the United States, mostly as novelty items for collectors of unusual automobiles during the micro-car craze of the mid to late 1950s and early 1960s. Today, they are quite a desired little collectible, being relatively inexpensive to restore and maintain, and they make a fun and attention-getting addition to any collection. Who couldn’t take one look at that personalized, bug-eyed front end that just seems to be beaming with a slap-happy grin and not break out into a wondering smile?

Messerschmitt KR-200 Specifications
Engine: Air-cooled two-stroke 191cc single-cylinder,
Output: 10hp @5,250 rpm, 11 ft.-lbs. torque @ 3,800 rpm
Transmission: Four-speed hand-operated manual
Body/frame: Sheet metal panels with tubular steel unitized frame
Steering: Direct linkage, .75 turns lock-to-lock
Brakes: Cable activated drum
Suspension: Rubber torsion sprung with hydraulic shocks
Wheelbase: 79.9 inches
Length: 111 inches
Width: 48 inches
Height: 47.2 inches
Track front 42.5 inches: