In the ’50s the German company Messerschmitt was temporarily forbidden from manufacturing aircraft so the engineer Fritz Fend recommended manufacturing small motor vehicles in the interim. The result was the Kabinenroller or cabin scooter. When the cars were offered in the United States they began manufacturing the cars in Glendale, California. It’s fun to imagine these little bubble vehicles scooting around Hollywood. During the car’s production years, about 30,000 vehicles were made. The adorable example at hand is for sale on eBay for $34,750. Thanks to Driven by Faith Restorations for the tip!
The exterior is finished in a light blue with grey accents. The paint appears to be in terrific condition. The car is equipped with a glass canopy hinged-door, teeny 8-inch wheels, and a rear-mounted luggage carrier. The car’s 3 wheels are all in great condition. It is easy to imagine this little bubble car headed to a picnic or cruising to the corner store.
The interior is finished in a light blue with great floral print accents. The interior is in great condition. The steering wheel has a small crack in it but aside from that there are no apparent blemishes or damage. The car has an analog clock. I am particularly fond of the seat configuration. It would be incredibly charming to see a single person driving the front of the car with two small people or one larger person in the back.
A 191cc engine sends just under 10 horsepower to the 3 wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. Despite its tiny horsepower, the car is said to have a top speed of 56 mph which is much quicker than someone might expect based on its appearance. This charming and unique vehicle is in incredible condition overall. It may not be the speediest of vehicles but it certainly is an attention grabber. Its unique design is perfectly mid-century with a hint of airplane inspiration. If you are interested in calling this 1960 Messerschmitt KR200 yours contact the dealer on eBay.
I must say I have never heard that Messerschmitts were built in Glendale. Everything I have read and heard indicates all were built in Regensberg, Germany.
Someone has had fun with this one, “personalizing” the paint and upholstery, and — at least to my eyes — lowering the car a bit. The air horn wasn’t a factory fitment either. All that makes me a bit suspicious of the quality of any work done to engine or chassis.
These are fun little machines, capable to toting two adults efficiently, if not quickly. The driving experience is a bit unsettling at first, but one adapts.
A lot of smiles available here! The price is steep, but that seems typical for the seller.
I am a lover of cars (along with countless other distractions)…including pretty much all vintage autos. And that would include these little ‘schmitt’s. I also was unaware that some were assembled in the States, perhaps partial assembly to accommodate shipping?
I’ve not looked recently, and by no stretch am I an authority on these scooter cars, but this seems like a steep price range for this little fella, as it is not exactly pristine.
But like anything, it will be worth whatever someone is willing to pay, and the market will determine where this Messerschmitt will land (alas, there is a pun.)
As an aside, when parked, would this not make a great tiny greenhouse?
It is. Very steep. Even internet photos can show this car is not a “3”…which is a “ten-footer” e.g. only starts to look like it needs work as you get close to it (e.g. within 10 feet.) For reference, most cars you see at shows are a “2”, and most classic cars used as daily drivers are a “4.”
Beverlyhillscarclub. Case closed!!
With 10 back-against-the-seat horsepower, I’m sure by the time the car reached 56 mph, you’d almost be at your destination. And, the asking price is about what you’d pony up for a new Can-Am Spyder RT, in the same tricycle configuration, decked out with every accessory you could possibly want (or not want for that matter). And it could get out of its own way. But the cool factor of this Messerschmitt is off the charts, even more so than the Kei cars that command the same high price!
Needs an LS
Lol 😂
Had to be one 🤣
BHCC has a reputation. This example is mediocre at best. The rear suspension has totally failed and will break the rear shock mount off the swing arm if not addressed. These little cars are fun but need a knowledgeable person to care for them. I have been an KR owner for decades.
They were better at making planes.
@Lance- Based on the final score, some would say the Allies were better at building motorized vehicles and aeroplanes
Actually, the Germans had plenty of aircraft. They had a (literally) a captive work force.
The problem was they ran out of petroleum to power them, and veteran pilots to fly them.
Actually these little cars were constructed very well. All steel and some aluminum, no plastic, the workmanship was extremely nice as was the engineering. I have restored a number of these cars from bare metal to perfectly factory correct condition and am still amazed at the quality of the initial construction. This offering may look rough but with enough work and cash it could be a nice example. As with any vehicle rust is the biggest enemy, luckily there are sources for replacement panels that are very high quality and when installed correctly are almost indistinguishable from the factory part. (Installed correctly is the key word!)
@KabinenRoller,
I agree with your assessment that micro-cars require knowledgeable owners. This example surely has hidden suspension issues as seen in the photo where part of the exhaust system is literally millimeters off the deck. I have a 1962 Goggomobil Coupe’. Upon purchase from abroad it appeared almost pristine. However, once I got into the internals, all was not as presented. Luckily, I was able to connect with a very knowledgeable expert in Bavaria, who speaks multiple languages. I instantly became an obsessed student and managed to fix all that was wrong. I have a collection of interesting vehicles, but the world of micro-cars is both unique and fascinating…Continue to Innovate not Duplicate…
Good catch on the exhaust so close to the ground! How serious that is re: repair wouldn’t be known until close inspection. It’s a cute vehicle but a death trap being driven anywhere but in a gated community.
The exhaust system is not the problem. The rear suspension consists of two rubber “donuts” that act as a torsion spring, after a period of time the rubber deteriorates from oil, fuel, etc. and the rear of the car collapses. Replacing them is somewhat labor intensive because the swing arm must be removed, the old parts cut off and the new parts pressed in place. This car may also have the upper shock absorber mount broken off the swing arm which means it must be welded by a qualified person. The swing arm is an aluminum casting. Replacement parts for this project will be in the $500 range.
3-wheel drive? I doubt it.
So the boys are out on the town in the ‘schmitt having enjoyed a full evening of Pilsner and Bratwurst at the Rathskeller. Someone develops a case of, shall we say, “indigestion” and fouls the cabin air. Is there a “panic button” to activate the hatch opening, or did they just have to tough it out until they reached their destination?
A huge WOW smile.my daughters i Germany have seen these,
It has Sachs appeal!?!!
There’s something up with the rear suspension, I think. It sits too low.
Engine transplants impossible unless you can work out how to rig a reverse gear… or three..