Beautiful older restoration. Full top and bows. Runs and drives great, not simply static garage art! Easy to master, fun to drive, and always a huge hit at shows. Big fun in a very small package!
Microcars are a red-hot segment of the collector car hobby, and this bright red 1956 Messerschmitt KR200 would be an ideal addition to any collection. About ten years ago, this one was treated to a very high-quality restoration to original specifications, so it delivers the authentic KR200 experience. The bright red paint seems to suit the car’s cheerful personality and it remains in excellent shape with few signs of use and a great shine throughout. Even the high-traffic area where the hatch secures to the bodywork is in good order. And just because it was designed to be affordable, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t full of wonderful details. Take a look at the wonderful chrome accents on the nose and flanks, the delicate little parking lights on top of the fenders, and the luggage rack out back. There are a lot of interesting features that you’ll spend a long time admiring. It’s little, but there’s a lot to see here.
The interior is obviously minimalist and you can see the aircraft inspiration in the big yoke-like steering wheel. The upholstery work is beautifully done, with white piping to add some contrast and enough padding to make the seats comfortable enough to stay put for at least a full tank of gas. And don’t worry if you’re tall, there’s plenty of space once you’re in there. The controls are simple and if you’ve driven a motorcycle, the 4-speed sequential gearbox will feel very familiar. The yoke/steering wheel works best with gentle pressure, not a hard turn, and you’ll find that the steering is light and responsive at speed. The shifter is to your right, and it is the familiar 1st gear back, 2-4 forward, with a trigger that automatically returns the gearbox to neutral for starting. For reverse, you shut off the engine, press the key deeper into its socket, and re-start the engine—which is now spinning in reverse, giving you FOUR gears—backwards! Accelerator, clutch, and brake are arrayed normally in the nose cone and the only gauge is a speedometer that reads to a rather optimistic 80 MPH (55 is probably the top end in a KR200). You’ll also note turn signals, headlights, and windshield wiper controls on the dash, although nothing is labeled so plan on some familiarization. There’s a little storage nook behind the back seat and a removable canvas top and bows seal it up reasonably well for inclement weather.
Power comes from a 191 cc Fichtel & Sachs two-stroke single cylinder engine rated at 9.9 horsepower. This one is nicely detailed with a polished aluminum cover, correct muffler, new wiring, and a rebuilt carburetor, all of which make it run like it should. The electric starter spins it to life without any real effort and it really does run well, with a neat little buzzsaw soundtrack from the upright muffler. Get the shifting right and it scoots right along, although it’s hardly a race car. The drive is a lot of fun with reasonably effective brakes and steering that’s almost telepathic, encouraging you to lean into the curves as the Messerschmitt scoots along. Simple disc wheels are adorned with removable hubcaps up front and those tiny 4x13-inch whitewall tires look great.
There’s also a custom aluminum transport trailer available with this Messerschmitt. Call for more details.
Everyone who sees this wonderful little machine falls in love with it, us included. You can’t help but feel happy when you see the little guy and the eagerness with which it goes about its business is endearing. More than just garage art, this is a functional car that really works like it should, and recent popularity strongly suggests that no major collection is complete without an iconic microcar like this. The fact that you can drive it as well as look at it is merely icing on the cake. Call now!
