Messerschmitt was a German aircraft manufacturer that, while not primarily into aircraft manufacturing, was mainly known for building aircraft in the mid-20th century. However, because the company was forbidden from making more aircraft immediately following World War II, they turned to automobile production. The first one to follow was Messerschmitt KR200. This vehicle was conceived in 1953 and sent to America two years later for the price of $1,073. It had two seats and three wheels, and while it was an odd design in its own time, it has achieved a cult following among collectors who like to restore the old vehicles.

Read on to find out more about the beginning and the fall of the Messerschmitt KR200.

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Conceived in 1953

Red Messerschmitt KR200 parked outdoors
via Wikipedia

Although the Messerschmitt KR200 didn't arrive in the United States until 1955, it was actually designed and plotted two years earlier. Messerschmitt produced the KR2oo for about a decade from the mid-1950s to 1960s, beginning with the idea Fritz Fend had for the KR200 in 1953. The design was a cabin scooter-like design known as the “Kabinenroller.”

When Fend finished the idea, he worked with Messerschmitt in order to mass-produce the vehicle. The Frank Sennes Motor Corporation, located in Glendale, CA would be in charge of distributing the vehicle across America. Consequently, California experienced the highest KR200 sales of any state.

The design for the KR200 was as Fend intended, with the exception of the 175 cc two-stroke engine's enlargement to 191cc. Further, a reverse gear was installed into the American version of the KR200. The German version did not feature this particular ability, but thanks to running the two-stroke engine in reverse, the American version actually featured four reverse gears.

The other features that were scooter-inspired, such as handlebar steering and a fore-and-aft passenger seating arrangement, would remain consistent between both models. Passengers would enter and exit via the KR200's bubble top, though later versions of the KR200 would replace the bubble top with a standard vinyl convertible top. Torsilastic springs, similar to torsion bars, would give the KR200 suspension, and lightweight tube bumpers were a $50 option.

A defining weird quirk of the KR200 was its sole wheel in the back, compared with two in the front. The front wheels controlled steering, while the rear wheel was driven by a 10 horsepower rear-mounted engine. Fuel economy had a wide range of 60-100 MPG, with a top speed of 65 MPH. The car was described as “ a fighter plane cockpit on wheels,” and it featured a one-cylinder two-cycle engine.

No Aircraft? No Problem!

Messerschmitt KR200; side view
via Mecum

The whole car endeavor came into being when Messerschmitt was forbidden to make more aircrafts once World War II ended. Messerschmitt’s factory then moved into automobile production, and it was also the site of KR200 construction.

The main appeal of KR200 was for motorcyclists seeking weatherproof transportation that was more affordable than a Volkswagen would be at the time. The “Augsburg eagle” symbol would be prominently featured on the nose of the vehicle, and Fend was the one who opted for the automobile route while seeking alternatives to aircraft production. 12,000 units were sold upon its debut, which would be considered an immediate success.

Its dual-mode ignition, low center of gravity, low weight, tandem seating, narrow body, low frontal area, and centralized mass of the vehicle all made for ideal handling and riding. It was also largely reminiscent of its aircraft roots. The KR200 was also quite responsive, reacting to even the tiniest movement.

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Collector Appeal

Red Messerschmitt KR200 on display in museum
via Ideal Classic Cars

The Messerschmitt KR200 has a bit of a cult following, with people restoring ones they may find. Enthusiasts enjoy both the small size of the car, as well as its import status. Enthusiasts note that it's not always the easiest to drive on modern streets, given how most other cars are much larger and it can be distracting for other drivers on the road.

Further, for those with the older bubble edition, the bubble has to be kept open quite often in order to keep ventilation flowing and the temperature down. The KR200 also takes a lot of time and effort order to achieve an ideal restoration, including replacing parts and replacing any chrome work and upholstering.

Fading Into History

Red Messerschmitt KR200, front and side view
via Mecum

Around 1964, Messerschmitt fell into obscurity. Although they were known for being low-budget transportation back in Germany, their main appeal in the United States was the novelty of their appearance.

However, Messerschmitt faced massive competition in the mini-car department, most notably from BMW, and at their core, they were still an aircraft company. As a result, the car operation division was turned over to Fend around 1964 so Messerschmitt could once more return to aircraft production, seeing how their 10-year ban had finally expired.

Four years later, in 1968, Messerschmitt merged with another company, which resulted in their disappearance. Deutsche Aerospace, now part of Airbus, purchased this new, merged company.

Sources: hagerty.com, lanemotormuseum.org, audrainautomuseum.org, topspeed.com, oldcarsweekly.com,

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