Messerschmitt KR200

Messerschmitt
Company type	Company
Industry	Automotive, Aircraft manufacturing
Fate	Sold Regensburg plant to Fend, resumed aircraft production
Successor	Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH Regensburg (FMR) (for KR200 production)
Headquarters	Regensburg, West Germany
Area served	Europe
Key people	Fritz Fend (engineer)
Products	Microcars (KR175, KR200), aircraft (before and after microcar production)

Template:Infobox automobile

File:Messerschmitt KR200 (8757326643).jpg

KR200 captured in Lisbon, Portugal, 2013

The Messerschmitt KR200, also known as the Kabinenroller (meaning Cabin Scooter), is a three-wheeled bubble car engineered by aircraft designer Fritz Fend and manufactured by the West German aircraft company Messerschmitt between 1955 and 1964.

History

Following restrictions that temporarily barred Messerschmitt from producing aircraft, the company diversified into other product lines. In 1952, Fend proposed to Messerschmitt the concept of small motor vehicles.^[1] His designs were based on the earlier Fend Flitzer invalid carriage.^[2]

The initial vehicle from Fend to be produced at Messerschmitt's Regensburg facility was the Messerschmitt KR175.^[3] The term Kabinenroller translates to "scooter with cabin".^[4] Although the car bore the Messerschmitt brand and emblem, a distinct entity named Regensburger Stahl- und Metallbau GmbH was established to manufacture and market this vehicle.^[3]

In 1955, the KR200 succeeded the KR175.^[3] While it retained the fundamental chassis of its predecessor,^[5] the KR200 underwent extensive redesigns including modifications to the bodywork—such as front fender wheel cutouts—and enhancements to the canopy design.^[6] Additionally, updates were made to the rear suspension and engine mounting system, and hydraulic shock absorbers were added on all three wheels. The tire dimensions increased to 4.00×8.^[5]

Priced at approximately DM 2,500, the KR200 achieved immediate popularity with nearly 12,000 units manufactured within its debut year,^[5]^[7] marking the highest yearly output among Kabinenroller models.^[5] Despite an officially stated power output of just 10 metric horsepower (7.4 kW),^[7] which was only one PS more than the KR175's 175 cc engine,^[8] the vehicle could reach speeds exceeding 90 kilometres per hour (56 mph) due to its lightweight construction and streamlined aerodynamics.^[9] While it weighed 23 kg more than its predecessor, it offered a top speed roughly 10 km/h higher.^[8] An optional "Export" package included features such as two-tone paintwork, painted hubcaps, a fully upholstered interior, heater, clock, and a canopy sunshade.^[5]

After West Germany joined NATO in 1955, Messerschmitt regained permission to resume aircraft production and consequently lost interest in microcar manufacturing. The company sold its Regensburg plant to Fend who partnered with brake and hub supplier Valentin Knott [de] to create Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH Regensburg (FMR), continuing production of the KR200 and other vehicles.^[10]^[11] In 1957, FMR introduced the KR201 Roadster which remained in limited production until 1964. This model featured a frameless windshield without window frames, an optional folding fabric roof, and removable transparent plastic side curtains. In February 1958,^[12] the KR200 Kabrio Limousine variant was launched, equipped with a cloth convertible roof and fixed framed side windows. Later on, a Sport edition was made available featuring a lowered plexiglass windshield without a roof and fixed side panels that required drivers to enter from above the car.^[10] Production numbers for the Sport model were extremely low; aside from the later KR200 'Super' version (discussed below), it remains one of the rarest KR200 variants.

Manufacturing of the KR200 sharply declined beginning in 1962 and ended entirely by 1964.^[11] Sales had been decreasing over several years as demand for economical transportation waned amid Germany's postwar economic boom.^[13] Similar trends occurred across Europe—including in its largest export market, the United Kingdom—where sales suffered due to competition from increasingly popular vehicles like the Mini. A total of 30,286 KR200 units were produced.^[8]

24-hour endurance record

File:FMR Messerschmitt KR 200 'Super' pic2.JPG

Messerschmitt record vehicle

In 1955, to demonstrate the KR200's reliability, Messerschmitt outfitted a KR200 specifically to attempt the 24-hour speed endurance record for three-wheeled vehicles with engines under 250 cc (15.3 cu in). This record-setting machine featured a specialized single-seat, aerodynamic body and an extensively enhanced engine, while retaining the original suspension, steering, and braking systems. Additionally, throttle, brake, and clutch cables were duplicated for reliability. The car was driven continuously over 24 hours on August 29–30, 1955 at the Hockenheimring, shattering 22 international speed records in its category. Among these was the 24-hour average speed record, established at 103 km/h (64 mph).

Messerschmitt Service Car

Both Messerschmitt and later FMR produced factory-modified Service Cars tailored for use in the automotive repair sector. Sharing a similar concept with the Harley-Davidson Servi-Car and the Indian Dispatch Tow, this vehicle was equipped with a detachable tow bar and clamp system. Its front suspension was redesigned to accommodate the tow bar during operation, and an internal storage solution was integrated to house the tow bar when not in use. The service technician would use this vehicle to reach a customer's car; if the customer's vehicle was operable, the tow bar would be attached to the Service Car's front and clamped to the customer's bumper, allowing the technician to tow it back to the workshop. Upon completion of repairs, the technician would reverse the process—driving the repaired car back to its owner while towing the Service Car—then detach it and return to base. Approximately a dozen units were produced, with only one known survivor today.

Distinctive characteristics

The KR200 incorporated several distinctive elements that were also present in its four-wheeled successor, the FMR Tg500. Visually prominent features included its slim profile, clear acrylic bubble canopy, and low overall height.

Tandem seating arrangement

The slim body design and reduced frontal area were achieved through tandem seating, which also enabled the body shape to narrow like an aircraft fuselage within a practical length. Powered by 10 PS (7.4 kW; 9.9 hp), the KR200 could reach speeds of approximately 105 km/h (65 mph). Its fuel efficiency was reported at around 3.2 L/100 km (87 mpg_‑imp).

This seating layout also concentrated the vehicle’s mass along its longitudinal axis; combined with a low center of gravity, light weight, and wheel placement at each end of the chassis, this contributed to favorable handling dynamics. An additional minor benefit of tandem seating was that it eliminated the need for a left-hand-drive export model for countries driving on the left side of the road. Although an "Export" variant existed, this designation referred solely to a higher trim level rather than driving configuration.

Bubble canopy

File:Yılmaz Onay Erol Keskin'le 1968.jpg

Messerschmitt Kabinenroller with Yılmaz Onay and Erol Keskin in Turkey, 1968

Access to nearly all KR variants, except for the KR201 Sport Roadster and its corresponding Tg500 model, was gained via a canopy door hinged on the vehicle's right side. This door incorporated all the glazing elements—windshield, window frames on all models except the Roadster, a folding roof on the Roadster and Kabrio versions, and an acrylic bubble top on other editions—along with the surrounding frame extending from the monocoque tub’s right side to the left. In contrast, Sport Roadster models featured a fixed canopy without any windows or roof, only equipped with a tonneau cover.^[10]

File:Messerschmitt Kabinenroller Microcar.jpg

KR200 Kabrio; this model features a folding roof instead of a bubble canopy.

Compared to the KR175, the KR200’s bubble top was streamlined by incorporating a larger curved glass windshield that created A-pillars together with the side window frames. This design resulted in a more compact and simpler bubble than that of the KR175, making production less complex and more cost-effective. Additionally, while the KR175 had a manual windshield wiper, the KR200 upgraded to an electric wiper system.^[5]

Engine and transmission

The KR200 was powered by a 191 cc (11.7 cu in) Fichtel & Sachs forced-air-cooled^[14] single-cylinder two-stroke engine mounted ahead of the rear wheel,^[5] located just behind the passenger seat.^[2] The engine featured dual contact breaker points and utilized a unique reversing method: stopping the engine and then restarting it in reverse by pushing the ignition key further than usual. This design enabled the sequential positive-stop gearbox to offer four gear ratios both forwards and backwards.^[5]

Controls

File:Messerschmitt Geneva 762 controls closeup.JPG

Instruments and controls of a KR201 Roadster

Besides its dual-mode ignition system, the KR200 employed a steering bar similar to those found in aircraft.^[3]^[15] Instead of turning like a traditional steering wheel, the driver rotated this bar around its horizontal axis from a straight-ahead position.Template:Fix/category^{[citation needed]} The steering mechanism connected directly to the front wheels’ track rods, delivering highly responsive handling optimized for small steering inputs,^[3]^[15] unlike conventional systems that rely on gear reduction. The gearshift lever included an auxiliary lever which, when engaged, placed the transmission into neutral regardless of its prior gear; however, shifting back into first gear was necessary before initiating movement from rest.

Differing from the KR175, the KR200 was equipped with a full pedal set comprising clutch, brake, and accelerator. The brake pedal operated mechanical brakes via cable linkages.^[5]

External links

Template:Messerschmitt Kabinenroller

de:Messerschmitt Kabinenroller es:Messerschmitt KR175 fi:Messerschmitt KR

[1] "Ist das nicht ein Kabinenroller?" p.163

[Istdas164_5-2] 2.0 ^2.1 "Ist das nicht ein Kabinenroller?" p.164-165

[Istdas167-3] 3.0 ^3.1 ^3.2 ^3.3 ^3.4 "Ist das nicht ein Kabinenroller?" p.167

[Istdas162-4] "Ist das nicht ein Kabinenroller?" p.162

[Istdas168-5] 5.0 ^5.1 ^5.2 ^5.3 ^5.4 ^5.5 ^5.6 ^5.7 ^5.8 "Ist das nicht ein Kabinenroller?" p.168

[6] Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum: 1955 Messerschmitt KR200

[AutoMotoruSport1976-7] 7.0 ^7.1 "Erinnern Sie sich? Messerschmitt KR 200: Menschen in Aspik", pp. 74 – 76

[:0-8] 8.0 ^8.1 ^8.2 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).

[Mechanics-9] Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Mechanics

[Istdas169-10] 10.0 ^10.1 ^10.2 "Ist das nicht ein Kabinenroller?" p.169

[Cawthon-11] 11.0 ^11.1 Cawthon, B. "Fritz Fend's Marvelous Micro-cars"

[12] FMR KaroExtrapost February 1958

[Microcar_Museum-13] Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).

[Newnes_Data-14] Motor Cycle Data Book 1960, p.107 Brief specifications of three-wheeled light cars George Newnes Ltd., London. Accessed and added 2014-09-20

[Cleared46-15] 15.0 ^15.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Cleared46

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]