The Messerschmitt KR200, or Kabinenroller, was a three-wheeled microcar designed by the aircraft engineer Fritz Fend and produced in the factory of the German aircraft manufacturer Messerschmitt in the 1950s and early 1960s. Messerschmitt, temporarily not allowed to manufacture aircraft, had turned its sights toward the production of vehicles, much like its cousin company BMW.

The KR200 replaced the KR175 and was a mostly a total redesign whilst retaining the original concept.

The most noticeable thing about a KR200 is its distinctive bubble canopy. These were usually transparent acrylic ("Plexiglas" or "Perspex"), though reproductions are car-safe polymethyl methacrylate. Three-wheeled, low to the ground, and sporting two perfectly round headlights, these cars were unusual, even by the standards of micro-cars. The KR200 ran on a one cylinder two-stroke air-cooled motorscooter engine, which was in front of the rear wheel, just behind the passenger's seat. It had very simple controls, including an airplane-reminiscent steering bar.

The KR200 was small, fuel efficient, and inexpensive. In a country in the throes of the after-effects of war but with an extensive system of motorways, it was the perfect automobile. While the Volkswagen would eventually become the German symbol of the People's car, the Messerschmitt was an interesting footnote that will not be soon forgotten.

There are car clubs in Europe, the US, and elsewhere that still value these cars, usually for their quirky character rather than their actual monetary value. Nonetheless, some collectors will pay over 10,000 euros for a well-maintained Schmitt. There is even a reproduction Schmitt kit available on the market, for the thrifty or cash-strapped collector.

Having the second seat behind, rather than beside the driver and only a single rear wheel not only reduces frontal area but allows the body to taper like an airplane fuselage, within a practical length. Ten horsepower (7 kW) propelled it at around 65 mph (105 km/h). The consumption of the car was 87 mpg (3.2 litres per 100 km).

Kabinenroller means " cabin scooter ". There were also an earlier Fend Flitzer and KR175 and a later, and faster, four wheeled TG500.

Production of the KR200 ceased in 1964 as sales had been dropping for a few years. The demand for basic economy transport in Germany had diminished as the German economy boomed. A similar situation developed in other parts of Europe such as in the Company's biggest export destination, the UK.

See also

• Corbin Sparrow

Use in popular culture

• The car featured in an episode of the Japanese Anime OAV Giant Robo when the young Daisaku Kusama loads a functioning Shizuma Drive canister in one to speed up toward a climatic confrontation. The name 'Messerschmitt' is clearly emblazoned in black over the vehicle's white side.

External links

• British club
• German club

Microcars | Mid-engined vehicles | Three-wheeled motor vehicles

Messerschmitt Kabinenroller