Most of the better known microcars came about in postwar Europe where devastated-but-regrowing economies needed cheap transportation. These were often relatively cheap versus small cars and often were considered motorcycles for licensing and tax purposes. The Messerschmitt KR200 is no exception to the rule and was made by the famous German aircraft manufacturer, who, not coincidentally, was not allowed to produce aircraft in the postwar years. The canopy and yoke scream aircraft heritage!
One or two years ago, relatively few of us in the auto enthusiast world knew or cared much about microcars. Sure, many who served in Europe in the postwar period remembered them buzzing around and a very few saw them here in the US at the time; but these represented a quirky, affordable side of auto enthusiasm and collecting.
Over the last several years, prices have climbed somewhat gradually and interest has risen, but the auctioning off of the world-famous Bruce Weiner collection earlier this year has taken prices to new heights. Two Messerchmitts broke $100K at that sale.
The upside is that these engineering marvels are getting attention and are coming out of the woodwork. The downside is that they are no longer cheap. The question remains: is this is a fad or prices will stay up?
This ad doesn’t provide much info, but claims the car is restored. It certainly looks good in the images. Someone with more free time than me should fly to Paraguay, buy it and drive it to the US. Why not?
Click for eBay ad
Asuncion, Paraguay
08/08/2013 update: Ended at $21,000 with 30 bids and reserve not met. Might Paraguay not be the best market for this?
9/02/2013 update: Relisted and ended at $24,100 with 19 bids and reserve NOT met.
I could help with international shipping required for performing any place in the world
The shipping costs will be paid by Buyer
I can EXPORT WORLDWIDE
Any additional information do not hesitate to ask
Only serious buyers
I am do not wants to waste timeThanks for looking
Thanks for the interest
| Manufacturer | Regensburger Stahl- u. Maschinenbau, Regensburg, Germany |
|---|---|
| Also called | Kabinenroller, Karo |
| Production | 1956–1964 approximately 40,000 |
| Predecessor | Messerschmitt KR175 |
| Successor | None |
| Class | Microcar |
| Body style | bubble-top coupé, convertible, or roadster; two seats in tandem. |
| Layout | RMR layout |
| Platform | Messerschmitt Kabinenroller |
| Engine | Fichtel & Sachs two-stroke single cylinder, operable in both directions of crankshaft rotation |
| Transmission | Four speeds forward or reverse (depending on engine rotation), sequential, unsynchronized. |
| Wheelbase | 79.9 in (202.9 cm) [1] |
| Length | 111.0 in (281.9 cm) [1] |
| Width | 48.0 in (121.9 cm)[1] |
| Height | 47.2 in (119.9 cm)[1] |
| Curb weight | 506 lb (229.5 kg) (curb)[1] |
| Related | Messerschmitt KR175 Messerschmitt KR201 (roadster) FMR Tg500 |
| Designer(s) | Fritz Fend |
Comments
2 responses to “Fly in/Drive home: Messerschmitt KR200”
Too bad Messerschmitt didn't make REAL cars using their aviation prowess…
What's your definition of a real car? I am interested to know. I think for it's age this vehicle show innovative design and uses a lot of ideals from aircraft design. It's very light and can carry two at 70mph, not bad for such an old car. My late father owned one of these and said it handled really well and other motorists were often shocked by it's speed and agility. Pretty amazing for 200cc engine. I think modern cars will go back to lotus principle of 'adding lightness' to comply with emission regulations and the introduction of modern technologies. Maybe this car wouldn't fair so well in the US but is ideal for European city living where space is at a premium. Much more of a car in terms of innovation than many vehicles carrying the epithet of car from Detroit methinks…