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What's it like to drive a microcar Messerschmitt on a hot summer day? We find out in this episode of 'Driving with Justin' at Classic Auto Mall.
1955 Messerschmitt KR200 Bubble Top Microcar - # 6128
A microcar is defined as those with an engine size of 700cc or less and while there are dozens of makes and models of microcars, known may be as well known as the Messerschmitt. Designed by an aircraft engineer and manufactured in an aircraft factory, (when the production of airplanes was disallowed for 10 years following World War II), the Messerschmitt was not necessarily seen as a novelty at the time of production but as a sort of enclosed scooter for efficient travel. In fact, they were known as “cabin scooters” and were inspired by a carriage designed for transporting disabled people.
The KR200 replaced its predecessor, the KR175 but did so with some improvements. Our consigned KR200 is in good condition and though 12,000 were produced, they don't come up for sale often. We're thrilled to represent this unique vehicle and know that microcars are known for putting smiles on faces; visitors to the mall…and the eventual new owner…can expect an enjoyable experience simply being in the presence of this novel remnant of 50's ingenuity.
Exterior
The sheet metal of our dainty driver is white and has a blue acrylic “bubble” top. The two headlights are close together just below the windshield giving the car a distinct “bugeye” look, (as if the car needs more distinction). Marker lights sit on the fenders, reminiscent of VW Beetle's configuration and shape. In lieu of a rear-view mirror on the windshield, two side mirrors are provided. Two front wheels create a wider yet streamlined front that tapers down to a narrow rear and one wheel. Vents appear on both sides of the rear body panels for engine heat dissipation and two protruding tail lights do nothing to diminish the “personality” of the car. 8-inch wheels are wrapped in tires that are about four inches wide. A rear fender hoods the rear wheel and is adjacent to the single tailpipe.
Interior
Pop open the bubble top, (the front windshield goes with it), and the car suddenly looks like a bobsled with wheels! Blue vinyl seats for two, (and ½), driver and passenger, (and perhaps small child), are simple, metal-framed units. The split rear can be folded up to allow for luggage. Blue vinyl walls include a storage pouch and the shifter and that's about it. The floor is flat and the steering wheel is not a wheel at all but a downturned bar, the design of which accommodates the small movements needed to turn the car as the column is almost vertical in its orientation to the front axle. The Messerschmitt aircraft logo appears on the steering bar as well as on the nose of the car. Some controls such as the choke are on the left hand side of the dash, along with a clock which was added for the KR200 model. A simple speedometer is on the right, along with indicator lights and the ignition. The bare bones footwell has all three pedals along with wiring lining the crudely finished interior panels.
Drivetrain
The engine is a Fichtel and Sachs air-cooled, two-stroke 191cc 1-cylinder powerplant. They were rated at 9.9 horsepower. It's a four speed in forward...and a four speed in reverse as the engine needs to be stopped and restarted to change the spinning direction in order to go backwards.
Undercarriage
A flat-bottomed panel, (think Porsche!), covers most of the bottom and aside from some surface rust, it seems to be in good condition. The rest is driver quality with some grease and road grime caked around the axle where it joins the front wheels.
Drivability
After a lesson or two on how to start and shift the car, we were off on our adventurous jaunt. It's unlike anything we've driven, of course, and is reminiscent of a ride at Disney. It sounds not unlike a small motorbike with the 2-stroke and scoots along like a go-kart. That steering bar is indeed touchy, and it doesn't take much to change the direction of the Messerschmitt. Once settled in, it becomes a rather enjoyable experience and while you may be lulled into thinking this is just a toy, it is in fact, a unique and serious vehicle for collectors.
Our HUGE inventory is in an awesome 8 acre climate controlled building one hour west of Philadelphia, right off the Morgantown exit of the PA Turnpike. We can sell your classic or collectible vehicle worldwide!
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