Messerschmitt · 1955–1964

Messerschmitt KR200

The Messerschmitt KR200, or Kabinenroller (Cabin Scooter), is a three-wheeled bubble car designed by the aircraft engineer Fritz Fend and produced in the factory of the West German aircraft manufacturer Messerschmitt from 1955 until 1964.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Messerschmitt KR175

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History

Messerschmitt, temporarily not allowed to manufacture aircraft, had turned its resources to making other products. In 1952, Fend approached Messerschmitt with the idea of manufacturing small motor vehicles. These were based on his Fend Flitzer invalid carriage. The first of Fend's vehicles to enter production at Messerschmitt's Regensburg factory was the KR175. The title Kabinenroller means "scooter with cabin". While the Messerschmitt name and insignia were used on the car, a separate company, incorporated as Regensburger Stahl- und Metallbau GmbH, was created to manufacture and market the vehicle. The KR200 replaced the KR175 in 1955. While using the same basic frame as the KR175, the KR200 was otherwise an almost total redesign, with changes to the bodywork (notably including wheel cutouts in the front fenders), and an improved canopy design, while the rear suspension and engine mounting were reworked, and hydraulic shock absorbers were installed at all three wheels. Tire sizes were enlarged to 4.00×8. Retailing for around DM 2,500, the KR200 was considered an instant success with almost 12,000 built during its first year, which was the highest annual production for Kabinenroller models. A maximum speed in excess of 90 km/h (56 mph) despite a claimed power output of only 10 PS (7.4 kW; 9.9 hp), 1 more PS than the 175 cc engine from the KR175, reflected the vehicle's light weight and low aerodynamic drag. The KR200, however, was 23 kg heavier than the KR175 it replaced but had a 10 km/h (6 mph) higher top speed. An "Export" package included a two-tone paint scheme, painted hubcaps, a fully trimmed interior, a heater, a clock, and a sunshade for the canopy. In 1956, around a year after West Germany joined NATO, Messerschmitt was allowed to manufacture aircraft again an

Features

The KR200 incorporated several features unique to the KR line and its four-wheeled derivative, the FMR Tg500. Externally, the narrow body, the transparent acrylic bubble canopy and low stance were among the more obvious features. Tandem seating. The narrow body, and corresponding low frontal area, was achieved with tandem seating, which also allowed the body to taper like an aircraft fuselage, within a practical length. 10 PS (7.4 kW; 9.9 hp) propelled the KR200 to around 105 km/h (65 mph). The claimed fuel consumption of the car was 3.2 L/100 km (87 mpg‑imp). The tandem seating also centralized the mass of the car along the longitudinal axis which, combined with the low center of gravity, low weight, and wheel placement at the vehicle's extremes, gave the KR200 good handling characteristics A more minor advantage of tandem seating was that it made an export version to countries that drive on the left unnecessary. An "Export" model was built, but this denoted a more luxurious trim level. Bubble canopy. Entry to most KR models except the KR201 Sport Roadster and a corresponding Tg500 version was through a canopy door hinged on the right side of the vehicle. The door included all the windows (windshield, window frames on all but the Roadster models, folding top on Roadster and Kabrio models, and acrylic bubble on other versions) and the frame in which it was set, extending from the right side of the monocoque tub to the left. On Sport Roadster models, the canopy was fixed and there was neither a top nor any windows at all, only a tonneau cover. The bubble top on the KR200 was simplified over that of the KR175 by the use of a larger curved glass windshield that formed A-pillars with the side window frames. This allowed the bubble to be simpler and more compact than the KR

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Messerschmitt KR200
Manufacturer: Messerschmitt
aka: Kabinenroller, Karo
Production: 1955–1964, approximately 41,190 built
Assembly: Germany: Regensburg
Predecessor: Messerschmitt KR175
Class: Microcar
Body style: 1-door coupé, 1-door convertible, 1-door roadster
Layout: Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Platform: Messerschmitt Kabinenroller
Engine: 191 cc 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: 202.9 cm
Length: 281.9 cm
Width: 121.9 cm
Height: 119.9 cm
Kerb weight: 230 kg (curb)
Related: Messerschmitt KR175, Messerschmitt KR201 (roadster), FMR Tg500
Designer: Fritz Fend
sp: us
Top speed: 80 km/h