1953 Messerschmitt KR200 Kabinenroller 'bubble top version.' (Picture from: DW)
Yes, the microcar known as the Messerschmitt KR200 Kabinenroller (KR stands for 'Kabinenroller' in German, means 'scooter with cabin'). It's a unique three-wheeled microcar that clearly shows that its manufacturer has ever built the aircraft. But after the end of the 2nd World War, the Messerschmitt stopped temporarily in producing aeroplanes.
The Messerschmitt KR200 were built based on the 1950 Fend Flitzer 101 (pictured) made by an aircraft designer named Fritz Fend. (Picture from: DW)
Everything starts in 1952, an aircraft designer named Fritz Fend approached Messerschmitt with the idea of making small motorized vehicles. These were based on his-designed vehicle called Fend Flitzer 101.
The production version which was later made by Regensburger Stahl- und Metallbau GmbH. was a KR175 variant. In line with the brevity of the collaboration, so the production of KR200 which is a continuation of the previous variant was carried out by Fend through his new factory.
The Messerschmitt KR175 'bubble top,' known as the first variant made by Messerschmitt Regensburger Stahl- und Metallbau GmbH. (Picture from: CarAndClassics)
It was happen in 1956, when Messerschmitt returned to producing the aircrafts and was not interested in continuing to build these microcars, so Fend established his own factory called Fahrzeug und Maschinenbau GmbH Regensburg (FMR). Those cars were produced in the span of 1955 to 1964 with 40,000 units ever been produced.
Inside the cabin of Messerschmitt KR200 there's no steering wheel instead a handlebar like that used in a motorcycle. (Picture from: CarFromUK)
Messerschmitt KR200 microcar relied on the Fichel & Sachs two-stroke single cylinder engine with a capacity of 191cc to burst power of 10 horsepower so that able to make it run up to the top speed of 95 kph.
1960 FMR Tg500 'Tiger' is a four-wheeled version of Messerschmitt KR200. (Picture from: Deseeft)
And inside its cabin there's no steering wheel instead a handlebar like that used in a motorcycle. This microcar capable to accommodate with two passengers in a tandem formation like a motorcycle too. So does it qualify to categorize as a car? Instead more deserved to call as a motorcycle? What do you think?
The KR200 combines several unique features on the KR line and its four-wheeled derivative, the FMR Tg500 'Tiger.' Externally, the narrow body, transparent acrylic bubble canopy, and low stance are some of the more obvious features.
In line with the improving economic conditions in Germany and Europe in general in the 1960s, making the KR200 sales figure were declined in the automarket. Because the automotive market demand at the time wanted a better vehicle products. And finally the microcar production are ceased in 1964. *** [EKA [02102019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | DESEEFT | DW ]
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The production version which was later made by Regensburger Stahl- und Metallbau GmbH. was a KR175 variant. In line with the brevity of the collaboration, so the production of KR200 which is a continuation of the previous variant was carried out by Fend through his new factory.
In line with the improving economic conditions in Germany and Europe in general in the 1960s, making the KR200 sales figure were declined in the automarket. Because the automotive market demand at the time wanted a better vehicle products. And finally the microcar production are ceased in 1964. *** [EKA [02102019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | DESEEFT | DW ]
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