1961 Messerschmitt KR200 Kabinenroller Microcar

• Iconic German microcar
• Same family ownership from 1975-2020
• Known ownership history
• Copy original logbook available

Messerschmitt's iconic Kabinenroller microcar is one of the best remembered and most readily recognised cars ever produced. Temporarily forbidden to manufacture aircraft after WW2, Messerschmitt had turned its resources to making other products, including microcars. Introduced in 1953 as the 'Fend', after its co-designer Fritz Fend, Messerschmitt's micro-car was soon being marketed under its manufacturer's name, the change coinciding with a switch from the original's 148cc Fichtel & Sachs engine to a 174cc unit. Sited at the rear, the single-cylinder two-stroke motor produced a modest 9bhp, which nevertheless was sufficient to propel the lightweight and aerodynamic KR175 to a maximum speed of around 55mph. The Plexiglas canopy, so reminiscent of those of Messerschmitt's wartime fighter aircraft, hinged sideways to enable access for the two occupants, who sat one behind the other, tandem style.

Tandem seating and handlebar controls were retained for the 191cc KR200 of 1955, which featured revised bodywork, an improved turning circle, and a floor-mounted accelerator and clutch. By reversing the electric starter the KR200's engine could be made to run backwards, thus providing four reverse gears and the hair-raising possibility of 60mph going backwards! KR200 cabriolet and KR201 roadster versions followed, while later models carried the diamond-shaped FMR badge, standing for Fahrzeug und Maschienenbau GmbH Regensburg. Production ceased in 1964.

This KR200 comes with a copy old-style buff logbook showing that it was first registered in March 1961 to Two Strokes Ltd , Middlesex. The car seems to have passed to a Mr Philips in 1962. Three further keepers are recorded on the aforementioned logbook before the car appears to pass to a Mr Denny in Hertfordshire in 1975. The Messerschmitt was sold to the current vendors Father from Mr Denny in 2020 for £25,000. It is now offered for sale by his estate. Accompanying paperwork includes various copy handbooks and parts lists; a variety of events programs up to 2021; copies of Karbinews; expired MoTs; a V5C registration document; and numerous invoices (it appears that the clutch was replaced in 2017).