Vehicle Description
1955 Messerschmitt KR200 Bubble Top
A microcar is defined as those with an engine size of 700cc or less
and while there are dozens of makes and models of microcars, known
may be as well known as the Messerschmitt. Designed by an aircraft
engineer and manufactured in an aircraft factory, (when the
production of airplanes was disallowed for 10 years following World
War II), the Messerschmitt was not necessarily seen as a novelty at
the time of production but as a sort of enclosed scooter for
efficient travel. In fact, they were known as "cabin scooters" and
were inspired by a carriage designed for transporting disabled
people.
For consignment, a 1955 Messerschmitt KR200. The KR200 replaced its
predecessor, the KR175 but did so with some improvements. Our
consigned KR200 is in good condition and though 12,000 were
produced, they don't come up for sale often. We're thrilled to
represent this unique vehicle and know that microcars are known for
putting smiles on faces; visitors to the mall...and the eventual
new owner...can expect an enjoyable experience simply being in the
presence of this novel remnant of 50's ingenuity.
Exterior
The sheet metal of our dainty driver is white and has a blue
acrylic "bubble" top. The two headlights are close together just
below the windshield giving the car a distinct "bugeye" look, (as
if the car needs more distinction). Marker lights sit on the
fenders, reminiscent of VW Beetle's configuration and shape. In
lieu of a rear-view mirror on the windshield, two side mirrors are
provided. Two front wheels create a wider yet streamlined front
that tapers down to a narrow rear and one wheel. Vents appear on
both sides of the rear body panels for engine heat dissipation and
two protruding tail lights do nothing to diminish the "personality"
of the car. 8-inch wheels are wrapped in tires that are about four
inches wide. A rear fender hoods the rear wheel and is adjacent to
the single tailpipe.
Interior
Pop open the bubble top, (the front windshield goes with it), and
the car suddenly looks like a bobsled with wheels! Blue vinyl seats
for two, (and �), driver and passenger, (and perhaps small child),
are simple, metal-framed units. The split rear can be folded up to
allow for luggage. Blue vinyl walls include a storage pouch and the
shifter and that's about it. The floor is flat and the steering
wheel is not a wheel at all but a downturned bar, the design of
which accommodates the small movements needed to turn the car as
the column is almost vertical in its orientation to the front axle.
The Messerschmitt aircraft logo appears on the steering bar as well
as on the nose of the car. Some controls such as the choke are on
the left hand side of the dash, along with a clock which was added
for the KR200 model. A simple speedometer is on the right, along
with indicator lights and the ignition. The bare bones footwell has
all three pedals along with wiring lining the crudely finished
interior panels.
Drivetrain
The engine is a Fichtel and Sachs air-cooled, two-stroke 191cc
1-cylinder powerplant. They were rated at 9.9 horsepower. It's a
four speed in forward...and a four speed in reverse as the engine
needs to be stopped and restarted to change the spinning direction
in order to go backwards. Mechanical drum brakes exist on front and
rear and suspension is independent and torsilastic, (rubber),
suspension.
Undercarriage
A flat-bottomed panel, (think Porsche!), covers most of the bottom
and aside from some surface rust, it seems to be in good condition.
The rest is driver quality with some grease and road grime caked
around the axle where it joins the front wheels.
Drivability
After a lesson or two on how to start and shift the car, we were
off on our adventurous jaunt. It's unlike anything we've driven, of
course, and is reminiscent of a ride at Disney. It sounds not
unlike a small motorbike with the 2-stroke and scoots along like a
go-kart. That steering bar is indeed touchy, and it doesn't take
much to change the direction of the Messerschmitt. Once settled in,
it becomes a rather enjoyable experience and while you may be
lulled into thinking this is just a toy, it is in fact, a unique
and serious vehicle for collectors.
Microcars enjoy an enthusiastic following and support network so
you won't be out on a limb when getting into them. They don't
require a lot of space to store them, they're easy to drive or
transport, and they are unwavering in their ability to elicit
smiles and interest from adults and children alike. As mentioned,
there are not a lot of them out there and rarely come up for
sale...and this one is in fine driver condition ready for instant
enjoyment.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!