Yes, indeed, as the owner says, these German-made Messerschmitt KR175 Kabinenroller microcars are indeed very rare–only 15,000 were built. But it’s the later 200 model (1955 to 1964) that’s a more valuable example of the breed, and the cream of the crop is the Tg500, or “Tiger,” built from 1958 to 1961 by FMR, which took over from Messerschmitt. That one got a sprightly two-stroke, two-cylinder engine. Thanks for the tip, Zappenduster!
The Tg500 was a four-wheeler, unlike the three-wheelers that came before, and it was fast, at least for a microcar. It made it to 60 mph in 28 seconds, which sounds incredibly slow today, but the contemporary Austin-Healey Sprite took 21 seconds.
This 1953 or 1954 KR175 (the owner doesn’t seem definite on which it is) can be obtained from Facebook Marketplace in Hudson, Massachusetts, for $18,000. It’s rusty and needs a complete restoration, but the original single-cylinder, two-stroke engine, gearbox, accessories, and trim are still with it. The iconic plexiglass canopy is clearly long gone, though fragments remain.
We’re told the Messerschmitt is in “remarkable original condition except for a single repaint in the original color….The engine is free and turns and has good compression. I believe it will fire up quite easily.” The vendor claims these early KR175s were only offered for one year, adding to their rarity.
The Kabinenroller looks like a World War II fighter plane cockpit because, well, that’s what Messerschmitt made in those years—the V-12-powered Bf 109. Frankly, the Kabinenroller looks very cool when restored with shiny paint and trim. The KR175 was actually produced from 1953 to 1955, so not only one model year.
The KR175 had a monocoque structure, tandem seating for two, and, most often, the bubble canopy that should be on this car. There was also a limited-production “Sportster” roadster. The able designer was Fritz Fend. His lines were largely retained for the four-wheel Tiger, which is seen in a Wikipedia image below.
The good points of this car include the fact that it’s all in one piece, and the body panels don’t look too bad–though there’s a big dent in the nose. Although there’s no interior photo to show just how bad they are, the floorboards are said to need replacing. These cars are tiny, but restoration can get expensive. Buyers may want to consider a fully revitalized example instead. A restored Kabinenroller KR175 is worth $32,768 (and trending down), says Classic.com, so not a whole lot of room here for avoiding the dreaded upside-down position. But any Messerschmitt microcar is a find, and they aren’t seen in barn find condition often, so there’s that to consider. It’s a bird in hand…
Es ist sehr gutt!
Ja! Das automobile is sehr cool! Gehen Deutschland!
I have said it before . They made better airplanes. Nein danke.
While the Messerschmitt looks like it would be an adorable thing to have (and probably a nightmare to find parts for), I want the yellow van sitting next to it!
…which is actually a Goggomobil ( either TL 250, TL 300 or TL 400 )
Most of them were sold to German ” Post ” ( mail )
…and I’d like the Velosolexes behind it!
I think that reproduction canopies are available these days, although they weren’t for a long time.
I am the seller of this Messerschmitt KR175. I have owned more than fifty Messerschmitts in my lifetime, and I still own 13 of these wonderful microcars, which is why I am parting with this particular KR175 model.
Contrary to some of the comments, parts for the Messerschmitt Kabinenrollers (“Enclosed Scooters”) are readily available from club sources in Germany and in England, although some parts for the KR175 model do require a bit more digging, but are still available.
Fortunately, this particular example is remarkably complete right down to the original engine, gearbox, all engine accessories including SIBA dynastart, voltage regulator, and the BING carburetor. It even has the origial KNECHT air cleaner assembly, which is incredibly rare and difficult to source, as well as the original spare tire/wheel and jack. The engine turns freely and has good compression and should fire up quite easily.
There are a couple of great sources for reproduction acrylic domes for the cabin, and they are availabel at a reasonable price, but must be shipped from Germany or England, unless you can find one here in the states. I MAY have a perfect reproduction dome available here in the states for the buyer if they are interested.
Although the asking price is quite reasonable for a KR175 model in this condition, I am receptive to REASONABLE offers if someone wishes to discuss a lesser amount.
I can tell you from experience that these Messerschmitts are extremely well built and quite reliable, even bulletproof. The SACHS single cylinder, 175cc, two stroke engine revs effortlessly and the tiny cars are quite fast and agile in the driving experience. They are a blast to drive and they command attention at any car show or Cars & Coffee event! I can give the buyer a ride in one of my other Messerschmitts to give you a flavor of what it is like to drive one of these tiny Kabinenrollers.
Yes, the yellow van in the background is a 1959 Glas Goggomobil TL300 Transporter van. Less than 300 were made and most were sold to the German Poste. Less than 70 are believed to survive today and we have four of them! I will consider selling one of the vans as well, but these are much more valuable than the Messerschmitts.
The gaggle of French Velosolex Moped/scooters in the background are also for sale, and these are considerably less expensive with prices ranging from $500 to & $1,200.
I have been collecting unusual European microcars for over fifty years now and I am thinning a collection of over 150 cars and bikes, so I have a lot of other unusual microcars available for sale as well.
I also want to say “Happy New Year” to Jim Motovalli! I have not seen you in decades. I hope that you are doing well.
Thank you. Charles
Hi Charles, why don’t you start sending them in so we can feature them and help you get them sold!
Posted 18 weeks ago.
I had a 1955 Radex Express motorcycle with the Sachs 175cc engine. Same in the Messer, just different cases. I rebuilt the engine after seizing the crank. It was challenging to get parts. But I made great friends in Norway who were very familiar with the engines and make aftermarket parts. One of the guys (a shipping engineer) did a reed valve conversion and porting, and increased the output to 15hp on his 1954 Tempo. When I visited Norway, I got to ride it. What a hoot! Point is, you can get more juice out of these things than you might think.