1960 Messerschmitt KR200 D/L

The Zoute Sale|11 October 2026, 14:00 CEST|Knokke-Heist, Le Zoute

1960 Messerschmitt KR200 D/L
Chassis no. 73593

• Iconic German microcar
• Delivered new in the UK
• Dutch registration documents
• Continuation logbook on file (1972)

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 (96km/h) 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 after some 30,000 KR200s had been made.

Identified as a 1960 KR200 D/L, bearing chassis number '73593', this example left the Regensburg factory on 16th December 1959 finished in Monza Red livery, and was first registered (in the UK) as '557 JKJ' on 1st January 1960. The car is offered with an old-style UK continuation logbook issued in 1972 and current Dutch registration documents.

Its distinctive design and ingenious engineering make Messerschmitt's Kabinenroller a fascinating representative of Germany's post-war microcar movement and a worthy inclusion in any private collection.

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