There are a few left-field cars that have developed a cult following in the classic market, and the 1957 Messerschmitt KR200 falls into that category. It is hard not to fall in love with its quirky styling and radical cabin layout, both of which are defining features. Our feature car presents beautifully, but the upgraded engine and a few other modifications have transformed it into a pint-sized pocket rocket. Its only need is a new home, with the seller listing the KR200 here on Facebook Marketplace in Seattle, Washington. The seller’s price of $40,000 is consistent with market expectations.
Europe was a very different place following World War II, and companies like Messerschmitt had to diversify to survive. Its bread and butter had been aircraft design and manufacturing, both of which were forbidden by the Allies. Therefore, the company turned its hand to motor vehicle production, building the Fritz Fend-designed KR200 from 1955 until 1964. Designed to mobilize the masses and stimulate the economy, these cars were small, cheap, and could seat two adults and a child while offering weather protection not available with alternatives like a motorcycle and sidecar. They fell out of favor as economic circumstances improved but are now highly sought by collectors. The seller describes this KR200 as a recent bare metal restoration, and its presentation is first-rate. The panels are straight, the White paint shines beautifully, and there is no rust to cause the buyer sleepless nights. The list of new parts includes an acrylic canopy, a glass windshield and side windows, and a range of trim items. It is clean and tidy, but there is an ace up its sleeve.
One of the most common criticisms of the KR200 is that despite its bubble top giving it a distinctive appearance and excellent visibility in all directions, it was also excellent at admitting unfiltered sunlight into these classics. Fresh air ventilation was poor, meaning that occupants often felt fairly roasted after more than a few minutes inside one of these cars on a sunny day. The seller has addressed this problem by modifying the Messerschmitt so its top can be removed, and a small windshield drops into place to offer driver protection. It is an inspired move that will undoubtedly increase the enjoyment provided by this classic.
The distinctive approach to vehicle design continued inside the KR200. The driver controlled the vehicle via a steering yoke, rather than a traditional wheel. It allowed seating for up to two adults and a small child, with the passenger seat located behind the driver’s in a tandem fashion. Rather disturbingly, the company’s sales literature suggested that the rear parcel shelf offered ideal accommodation for an infant or a baby. I can’t see any safety concerns with that idea! This car’s refurbishment included a retrim in traditional Red vinyl with White piping. It looks flawless, as do the carpet and painted surfaces. The build included a new wiring harness, but the seller states that the speedometer doesn’t currently work. That and the lack of a traditional shifter near the driver’s right knee are the first signs that this KR200 might be anything but mechanically original.
Messerschmitt released the KR200 powered by a two-stroke 191cc Fichtel & Sachs single-cylinder air-cooled engine, producing 10hp and 11 ft/lbs of torque. A four-speed manual transmission handled shifting duties, but with no reverse gear, Messerschmitt devised an ingenious system where the driver shut down the engine and refired it in the opposite direction to access what were effectively four reverse gears. Therefore, a KR200 could theoretically travel as fast backward as it could forward. I’ve never heard of anybody trying this, and I would probably stand back at a safe distance if an owner chose to do so. The interior’s lack of a shifter and inoperative speedometer are due to this KR200 being a bit of a hybrid hot rod. The original engine has made way for a 244cc Honda four-stroke powerplant that started life in a CH250 scooter. I suspect that the seller also utilized that motorcycle’s V-Matic automatic transmission, making the Messerschmitt more user-friendly. It should also be faster, with power booster from 10hp to 19hp. Purists won’t welcome the changes, but original parts to reverse the modifications are readily available if they wish to return this classic to its factory form. Although they don’t provide specific information, the seller gives the impression that this KR200 is a turnkey proposition that can be enjoyed immediately.
This 1957 Messerschmitt KR200 is an undeniably cool classic with an engine that should provide improved performance. The ability to remove the bubble top will undoubtedly appeal to potential buyers in sunny locations because they won’t find themselves slowly roasting on warm days. However, purists should have little trouble sourcing the correct mechanical components to return this KR200 to its factory form. Would you do that, or would you leave it as-is to enjoy the extra power and a genuine wind-in-the-hair motoring experience it offers?
Hey dad, ( if he was alive) come take a ride with me in my new Messerschmitt,,oh boy, I bet Messerschmitts buzzed over his head, bombs reigning terror it was the best Germany had. Trust me, he let us know that. It gave P-51 pilots plenty to worry about. It had an impressive array of guns.
After the war? Well, I doubt you’d see many WW2 vets driving one, but that was war, and you have to have some remorse. I mean, we devastated Germany, and at least they tried to regain some pride. Germans are known for that, you know. While Messerschmitt himself was tried for Nazi war crimes in 1948, the company went on to make pre-fab housing and sewing machines. I read, they were forbidden to make planes for 10 years, and resumed airplane production in 1958, but no more cars. A fascinating story. The car? Meh,,,dad would not approve,,,
In a somewhat related story, American Pickers featured one of these that this Mike went ape over. On a ride, the late Frank Fritz was seen riding in the back, he did not seem amused. That was one of Franks gripes, is that Mike always got to drive the odd stuff. RIP, Frankie,,,
Cool, posted 12 weeks ago.
I can imagine someone in Seattle driving in the notoriously cloudy damp weather having a choice of the the entire bubble top fogged up or removing it and holding an umbrella while sitting motionless on the 405.
Talk about niche market!
I would sooner (or later) get an Elio. Half a light year ahead in technology, and half a light year behind in production.
Cousin ITT on The ADDAMS FAMILY drove one.
Is the a reverse feature somehow incorporated in it?
Read the write-up again. It’s clearly called out.
Cheers
“I suspect that the seller also utilized that motorcycle’s V-Matic automatic transmission, making the Messerschmitt more user-friendly. ” So, it’s not clearly called out here at all, since the engine swap may or may not incorporate the OE gearbox. The author doesn’t know.
Ah, from the FB Marketplace ad, click – see more… “It does not have a reverse gear. “
With the original Sachs 2 stroke engine, yes. With the Honda 4 stroke engine, no.
the company’s sales literature suggested that the rear parcel shelf offered ideal accommodation for an infant or a baby. HAHAHA I’m still laughing at that! Back when “men were men” Ahhh the good ol’ days!
Put an LS in it.
(sorry…………)
Put a 500 cid Cadillac engine in it.
Punch the gas and watch the counter torque flip it over.
Not sorry.
Disclaimer:
My comments are based on my decades of experience with restoration of Messerschmitt’s to factory correct condition, you may not agree with some of what is said below.
Interesting build. Although to the lay person it looks like it would be easy to return this example back to an original looking KR200 it would be quite a bit of work. Obviously the mechanical end would mean locating all the original pieces from the fire wall back, for those who think these parts are readily available, they are not. As for the body and interior, this example has so much that may look correct but in reality the car is far from correct.
The rubber seals on most of the canopy are incorrect and installed incorrectly, the aluminum trim on most of the body is in the wrong place and or incorrect for this model year. Now understand my comments are if the owner would like to return the car to stock condition, if you are looking for a car that looks good to most all un knowledgeable car show spectators this may be for you. These cars will draw a crowd no matter where you take it, sometimes the will draw criticism from certain high dollar Italian car owners because these little cars steal their thunder.
I guess that would all depend if someone would want it as a cool driver or a trailer queen show winner.
After graduating from college in 1963, I had $1k in hand and decided to tour Europe starting in Switzerland where my family originated. Since I was alone, I decided on a M. I could buy one for $100. However my Uncle Joseph recommended again it as they were known in Switzerland as a “roller”. My parents, thankfully arrived and they bought a VW Varient in which we toured most of Europe.
Sure would like to drive one though, at its top speed of 70 mph.
Cheers,
Trailerman
I used to see one of these in the mid sixties, parked in Kent Street, Sydney, near Caltex House.
Not sure if it was left- and/or right-hand drive!
Left hand drive… right hand drive? That would depend on whether you are driving forward or reverse.