Messerschmitt for sale
Messerschmidt classics for sale are German microcars, or “bubble cars.” These cars were popular in Europe after the war and when the Suez Oil Crisis forced consumers to demand cheap personal transportation. With just three wheels, they could be licensed as motorcycles and qualified for a reduced tax rate.Fritz Fend was an aircraft engineer who had designed the Fend Flitzer invalid carriage. He was interested in manufacturing small motor vehicles based on this model. He convinced Messerschmidt, an aircraft manufacturer prohibited at the time from manufacturing aircraft, to produce the classics for sale at the Regensburg factory.
The first of these classics for sale was the KR175. The KR stood for “Kabineroller,” which translates to scooter with a cabin. In 1955, the KR200 was introduced. Using the same frame as the initial product, the body work was improved with cutouts for wheels in front and an improved canopy design. The ear suspension and engine mounting were also reconfigured. Hydraulic shock absorbers were installed by all three wheels, and tire size was enlarged. The single-cylinder two-stroke air-cooled engine was placed right in front of the rear wheel, and right behind the passenger seat. The engine had to be stopped and restarted to go in reverse. It used a bar for steering rather than a wheel. The KR200 was successful in its first year, with about 12,000 units produced. It was not a powerful vehicle, with only about 10 horsepower, but it could reach up to 90 miles per hour due to its light weight.
When the Messerschmidt company as once again allowed to manufacture aircraft, in 1956, they truned away from the microcars and sold the company to Fend. He went on to form the Fahrzeug-und Maschinenbau GmbH Regensburg (FMR) company and continue producing the classics for sale.
The KR200 Kabrio, in 1957, had a cloth convertible top and side window frames. The KR201 Roadster had a folding cloth top and removable side curtains. Drivers entered the cars through a canopy door on the right side of the vehicle.
Demand slowed into the 1960s and production slowed. The last of these classics for sale were produced in 1964. As the German economy rebounded, consumers were no longer interested in these cheap vehicles. It has been said, however, that the MINI was influenced by these German bubble cars – the British were inspired to show the world what a real microcar should look like. Some even blame the MINI for the demise of the bubble car.
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