To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The
Petersen Automotive Museum Auction event, 8 December 2018.
Estimate:
$55,000 - $65,000
- The very last production example known to exist!
- Iconic microcar in desirable roadster body style
The microcar! How can it not make you smile?!
They are, after all, cute toy-like conveyances of almost comical
proportions. They have perhaps only seating for two or three, three
or four wheels, and tiny, less-than-700-cc engines. Yet, there is
nothing that attracts more attention on the road and is as
delightful to drive. Despite their current appeal, however, the
microcar was born of remarkably dire circumstances in the caldron
of post-war European life in the late 1940s, where war-torn,
poverty-stricken cities eagerly absorbed a new concept for
affordable, urban transportation built with limited resources.
Willy Messerschmitt was one such industrial genius who satisfied
this demand with his three-wheeled cars known as the
"Kabinenroller" (Cabinroller), which is undeniably the most
sought-after of the microcars with its iconic Plexiglas "hardtop"
bubble. A full convertible version was also available with folding
scissor-top bows. The KR201 Roadster, on the other hand, was a
limited-run special model which included upgraded black and
faux-snakeskin trim and such sporting features, but as the
Messerschmitt was intended to be a practical utility vehicle, very
few roadsters, devoid of the full cabriolet top, were in fact
sold.
This car is very significant in that it is the second-to-last
Messerschmitt ever produced and it is one of these very rare
original roadsters. The last car was in fact 80287, which came off
the line in August of 1964 and whose whereabouts are unknown today.
It is also significant in that it is a very original example of the
roadster body style, originally born without the KR 201 special
trim, as indicated by its "KR200" data tag. It remained in
extremely original and well-preserved condition and in recent years
was fully restored to every nut and bolt in the current shade of
red we see it in now, complemented by an upgrade to the KR201
snakeskin upholstery and with such accessories as the desirable
clock in place as well. It was previously owned by well-known
Messerschmitter Dr. Hans Dopjans, whose original German
registration is on file. Factory-original Messerschmitt roadsters
are among the most collectible of all microcars, and as the
second-to-last car to be produced, it maintains special standing
among all others.To view this car and others currently consigned to
this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ca18.
