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1959 MESSERSCHMITT KR-200
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At the end of the second World War, the Messerschmitt Airplane company factory had been mostly destroyed by bombing. Germany was no longer allowed to manufacture aircraft. In 1952 they decided to build cars instead of firing employees. Fritz Fend was an engineer by profession, but an inventor by genius; he created a car and gave it a look just like a cockpit on wheels. It was unique in its conception and plainly inspired by the airplanes they were building. Some say they used a lot of the left over parts from airplane cockpits in the first cars produced. The First models were called KR for Kabinenroller (OR CABIN SCOOTER) In 1954, the motor was increased to 200cc and equipped with an electric starter; the new models were called the KR 200. This version, the most well-known, was built up until 1964. Several models were available: the standard with a bubble top, the kabrio with side windows, the roadster with only a small windscreen. Although more than 2,000 were produced, only around 200 are still on the road, mostly in Europe. It seems the rather low price made people think they were disposable.
COMPETITION MODEL “THE KR200 SUPER-SPORT” BROKE THE 24-HOUR 1,000 MILE RECORD [AVERAGE SPEED 77.7 MPH] AND SET 21 NEW EDURANCE RECORDS, WHEN IT RACED IN WEST GERMANY IN 1955. THE PRINCIPAL FRAME MEMBER OF THE MESSERSCHMITT LOOKS A LOT LIKE THE CENTRAL PART OF A MODERN FORMULA ONE, WITH TUBULAR BRACE SUPPORTING THE SIDES AND A STAMPED SHEET METAL DECK TO INCREASE THE FRONT DRIVE, A TRANSVERSAL ARM SUPPORTING THE WHEELS AND THE STEERING MECHANISM; ON THE REAR IS THE DRIVE MECHANISM MOUNTED ON THE OSCILLATING ARM, AND THE TRANSMISSION RUNNING OFF OF A COVERED CHAIN DRIVE. THE DRIVERS SEAT IS MOUNTED IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT MOVES UP AND BACK SO THAT THE DRIVER CAN GET IN. A SMALL BENCH SEAT IS IN THE REAR FOR ONE ADULT AND A CHILD TO SEAT THEMSELVES. IT SHIFTS LIKE A MOTORCYCLE BY PUSHING THE SHIFTER AS FOR REVERSE…. YOU MUST STOP THE MOTOR, TURN THE KEY IN BACKWARDS AND THE MOTOR STARTS IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, WHICH IS POSSIBLE ON A TWO STROKE. IF YOU ARE BRAVE, YOU CAN GO THROUGH ALL FOUR GEARS IN REVERSE! THE BRAKES ARE ACTIVATED BY CABLE. WITH THE NARROWNESS OF THE BODY, IT’S POSSIBLE TO THREAD THROUGH CITY TRAFFIC WITH LOTS OF AGILITY AND DASH. BECAUSE OF ITS ENCLOSED DESIGN, IT CAN BE REGISTERED AS A CAR OR MOTORCYCLE. ROAD HANDLING IS FABULOUS AND IT IS ALMOST POSSIBLE TO TURN AT RIGHT ANGLES WITHOUT TIPPING, WITH JUST A LIGHT TOUCH ON THE HANDLEBARS IN THE DIRECTION DESIRED. TOP SPEED IS ABOUT 65 MPH-NOT BAD, GIVEN THE DISPLACEMENT.
ENGINE:
DIMENTIONS:
Air cooled single-cylinder
Wheelbase: 80 inches
Sachs two-stroke.
Length: 9’ 3 inches
Bore + stroke: 2.56 x 2.28”
Width: 45 inches
Displacement: 200 cc
Height: 47 inches
Maximum HP. 10.2 @ 5250 rpm
Track 42 inches
Compression: 6.6:1
Clearance 6 inches
Maximum HP. 10.2 @ 5250 rpm
Track 42 inches
Weight 463 lbs.
TRANSMISSION:
Four-speed, hand operated
Fuel Consumption: 98 m.p.g.
four-disc plate clutch.
Capacity: 3 gal.
Shifting operated by cable.
Top Speed: 65 m.p.h.
Reverse is achieved
Cruising: 53 m.p.h.
by starting motor in reverse.
Electrical: 12 volt
