Messerschmitt Kabinenroller

Messerschmitt Kabinenroller

Industry	Automotive
Founded	1953 (1953)
Founder	Fritz Fend (designer)
Defunct	1964 (1964)
Fate	Production ended
Headquarters	Regensburg , Germany
Key people	Fritz Fend (designer)
Products	Microcars (KR175, KR200, KR201, Tg500)
Owner	RSM Messerschmitt (1953–1956), Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH Regensburg (FMR) (1956–1964)
Parent	Messerschmitt AG (initially)

The Messerschmitt Kabinenroller—translated as Messerschmitt Cabin Scooter—refers to a collection of microcar models produced initially by RSM Messerschmitt between 1953 and 1956, then by Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH, Regensburg (FMR) from 1956 through 1964. Each vehicle manufactured by Messerschmitt and later FMR incorporated the distinctive Kabinenroller monocoque chassis design, characterized by tandem seating arrangements and commonly equipped with a bubble-style canopy.

This platform underpinned four distinct microcars: the three-wheeled Messerschmitt KR175 (produced from 1953 to 1955), the Messerschmitt KR200 (manufactured between 1955 and 1964), the Messerschmitt KR201, and the four-wheeled FMR Tg500 (available from 1957 to 1961). All these models were conceptualized and engineered by designer Fritz Fend.

History

Fritz Fend created the Kabinenroller while working with Messerschmitt AG. Prior to this, Fend had developed a series of both unpowered and motorized invalid carriages, culminating in the Fend Flitzer. He observed that individuals without disabilities were purchasing Flitzers for personal mobility. This observation convinced him that a mass-produced, two-seat variant of the Flitzer would attract significant consumer interest. Seeking a manufacturer to bring this concept to market, Fend partnered with Messerschmitt, who commissioned him to advance the design for production at their Regensburg facility.

The development of the Kabinenroller for manufacturing took place during 1952 and 1953. Production of the initial model, the KR175, commenced in February 1953. By June of the same year, approximately seventy design alterations had been implemented.

File:FMR Messerschmitt KR 200 'Super' pic3.JPG

Record-setting vehicle based on the Messerschmitt KR200 at Technik Museum Speyer

In 1955, the KR200 was introduced as an evolution of the Kabinenroller platform, succeeding the KR175. Retaining the original frame and an updated suspension system, the KR200 incorporated numerous detailed refinements. On August 29–30, 1955, a specially modified KR200 featuring an enhanced engine, adjusted gear ratios, duplicated control cables, a unique streamlined body, and standard suspension, damping, steering, and braking components was tested at the Hockenheimring over a continuous twenty-four-hour period. During this endurance run, it established twenty-two closed-circuit speed records for three-wheeled vehicles with engine capacities up to 250 cc. These included a 50-mile (80 km) speed record at 107 km/h (66.5 mph) and a twenty-four-hour average speed record of 103 km/h (64 mph).

Frame

The Kabinenroller’s structure was centered around a monocoque tub constructed from pressed steel sheet combined with tubular steel elements. The earlier KR175 featured a triangular steel-reinforced floor design. The monocoque tub narrowed upward from front to rear and included a rear bulkhead that served as both structural support and a firewall. This bulkhead carried a tubular steel subframe which held the engine and rear suspension components. The engine cover was attached via hinges to the monocoque assembly. Positioned atop this cover was the fuel tank, which supplied fuel to the carburettor through gravity feed.

The passenger compartment was formed by the monocoque tub with its rear bulkhead, front nose section, and an overhead access hatch system. This cabin accommodated two occupants seated in tandem formation. The base plate for the hatch was riveted along the right side of both the monocoque tub and nose section. The hatch itself consisted of a steel sheet base supporting a glass windshield, a plexiglas bubble canopy, and framed sliding windows on each side of the canopy. In Germany, this distinctive plexiglas canopy earned the Kabinenroller the nickname "Schneewittchensarg" (Snow White's coffin).

Arranging seating in tandem allowed for an elongated yet narrow body profile with minimal frontal area. This configuration also enabled an aerodynamic tapering similar to that of an aircraft fuselage within practical length constraints.

Suspension

The front suspension of the Kr 200 Kabinenroller (distinct from the Kr175, which utilized rubber cones) featured a transverse lower arm supported by a three-element torsional rubber spring located at the inner end. The travel of the front suspension was restricted by rubber bump stops. At the rear, suspension was managed by a trailing arm resembling a single-sided motorcycle swingarm, which also housed the chain drive to the rear wheel. This trailing arm was cushioned by an additional torsional rubber spring. With the launch of the KR200 in 1955, hydraulic shock absorbers were incorporated into the setup, and the front track width was increased.

Steering

File:Messerschmitt KR 200, Bj. 1955 (2015-07-04 D) Cockpit.JPG

Steering control for Messerschmitt KR200

The steering control shaft connected directly to the track rods operating the front wheels, resulting in roughly one-third of a full rotation from left lock to right lock. The steering mechanism resembled a handlebar and was maneuvered through slight, precise movements by pivoting the bar around its horizontal axis from the straight-ahead position, rather than twisting it like a traditional steering wheel.

Tg500 sports car

Main article: FMR Tg500

File:2011-08-13 185 FMR TG 500, Sachs-Motor.JPG

Rear subassembly of a Tg500 showing the engine and parts of the suspension, including an upper spring mount on the subframe

Inspired by the performance achievements of the record-setting vehicle, Fend developed a sports car based on the Kabinenroller chassis. Debuting in 1958, two years after Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH, Regensburg (FMR) assumed production responsibilities from Messerschmitt, the Tg500 retained the Kabinenroller's unit body, front body panels, front suspension system, and steering components while featuring entirely redesigned rear bodywork and subframe.

A defining characteristic of the Tg500 compared to other Kabinenroller models is its dual rear wheels. These were powered via halfshafts equipped with universal joints at both ends and sliding splines to accommodate changes in camber angle. Rear suspension utilized control arms paired with coil springs and concentric hydraulic shock absorbers. The rear track measured 41.1 inches.

The tubular subframe supporting the rear suspension also contained the drivetrain assembly, which comprised a transversely mounted FMR 500 L straight-twin two-stroke engine coupled with an unsynchronized four-speed transaxle including a reverse gear.

The Tg500's front track widened to 43.7 inches, an increase over the KR200's 42.5 inches. Additionally, it employed larger tires sized 4.40 x 10 compared to the KR200's 4.40 x 8 and featured hydraulic brakes on all four wheels.

Revival

In 2014, German engineer Achim Adlfinger introduced a pedal-driven Kabinenroller prototype called the 'Veloschmitt' at the Special Human Powered Vehicle Show held in Germersheim. The overwhelmingly favorable response from both the public and media encouraged Adlfinger to initiate production of the 'Veloschmitt' in Ljubljana, Slovenia. However, the endeavor was eventually discontinued due to monetary constraints.

By 2019, with ongoing public enthusiasm for the concept, Adlfinger decided to self-fund the project. This phase saw the development of petrol-powered and electric variants with 125cc engines alongside the pedal-powered model. The updated Kabinenroller, designated as the KR202, incorporated a fibreglass exterior affixed to a steel and aluminium honeycomb frame. Its drivetrain was sourced from either a petrol or electric scooter, depending on the configuration. Manufacturing began in Spain in 2021, with customer orders being accepted later that year.

External links

• Category related to Messerschmitt Kabinenroller on Commons