Messerschmitt cabin scooter KR 200 very rare and in great condition (1956)

Vehicle description

When the aircraft engineer Fritz Fend thought about what the ideal solution to the transport problems of the post-war period should look like after the Second World War, he first developed an egg-shaped vehicle with bicycle wheels and drive by foot or hand levers. Over time, however, Fend realized that motorizing his vehicles was more practical. At the beginning of the 1950s he worked together with Willy Messerschmitt and under the name Messerschmitt small cars with the designation cabin scooters were built. With 3 wheels, 2 seats arranged one behind the other and a rustic appearance, these small cars became a success, over time ever newer models came onto the market, ultimately the cabin scooter shaped the economic miracle period.

In this auction, a Messerschmitt KR 200 from the year of construction 1956 can now be purchased. The KR 200 was the further development of the KR 175 presented in 1953. This KR 200 is a vehicle, which was registered for the first time on 30.01.1956 and to this day has only about 2-3 owners according to the seller. From 2001, the car with the chassis number 58688 was owned by only a pensioner. The history of this cabin scooter can be traced via various documents, in addition, 2 vehicle keys are included. The last completed TÜV is valid until January 2024, the Messerschmitt is already in possession of an H-approval. Worth mentioning is an existing report on this small car.

In terms of construction, each cabin scooter consisted of a tubular frame with floor pan and welded-on sheet steel body. Visually, of course, in addition to the red color of this cabin scooter, the Plexiglas pulpit stands out, which can be opened laterally. After consultation with the current holder, he states that the Messerschmitt has minor inconspicuous defects, but is in good shape according to the age due to the overall condition of the exterior. In places, this small car has already been repainted. Modifications deviating from the original condition are not noticeable on this KR 200. The seller excludes an accident in its holding period.

Equipped with original tyres (Vredestein brand) and original rims, the Messerschmitt gives a positive overall impression. The condition of the tires can be described by the seller as factory-new, the condition of the brakes is stated as ok.

After you have opened the Plexiglas pulpit laterally, you can enter the interior of the small car: Here is not a steering wheel, but a kind of motorcycle-like handlebar, which acts directly on the steering knuckles without steering gear via 2 tie rods. Pedals for throttle, brake and clutch can be found in the footwell. Beige faux leather in the interior provides a harmonious contrast to the red exterior color. Although a few signs of wear and tear are visible inside the KR 200, there is no damage according to the seller. Worth mentioning is an existing fabric roof as well as an existing tarpaulin, which the current vehicle owner of course gives.

Behind the handlebars there are 2 instruments in the sheet metal: a clock and a speedometer with integrated distance counter. 48,340 kilometres can be read on it – the history of this KR 200 can be traced almost through various documents. All instruments and displays in the interior have a problem-free function.

As the model designation "KR 200" already reveals, a single-cylinder two-stroke engine with almost 200 cc from Fichtel & Sachs works in the rear, which provides an output of 10 hp and brings the KR 200 to almost 90 km / h top speed. The gears are engaged via a manual transmission. In January 2022, according to the seller's statements, a final service took place, according to this there are no defects in the technology.

On the underside, the KR 200 is said to be in a very good condition. The cabin scooters shaped the time of the economic miracle and thus the history of Germany. What is a primitive machine on 3 wheels for some is a popular collector's item for others – not only for small car collectors. "The streets are getting fuller and fuller – drive Messerschmitt cabin scooters" was the advertising slogan of the time in the 50s, which seems more relevant today than ever.

Behind the handlebars there are 2 instruments in the sheet metal: a clock and a speedometer with integrated distance counter. 48,340 kilometres can be read on it – the history of this KR 200 can be traced almost through various documents. All instruments and displays in the interior have a problem-free function.

Vehicle videos

Why Kickdown? The NDR summed it up well!