Cars - Messerschmitt KR200

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	Cars - Messerschmitt KR200

The Messerschmitt KR200, or Kabinenroller, was a three-wheeled microcar designed by the aircraft engineer Fritz Fend and produced in the factory of the German aircraft manufacturer Messerschmitt in the 1950s and early 1960s. Messerschmitt, temporarily not allowed to manufacture aircraft, had turned its sights toward the production of vehicles, much like its cousin company BMW.

The most noticeable thing about a KR200 is its distinctive bubble canopy. These were usually transparent acrylic ("Plexiglas" or "Perspex"), though reproductions are car-safe Polycarbonate. Three-wheeled, low to the ground, and sporting two perfectly round headlights, these cars were unusual, even by the standards of micro-cars. The KR200 ran on a one cylinder two-stroke air-cooled motorscooter engine; they had very simple controls, including an airplane-reminiscent steering bar.

The KR200 was small, fuel efficient, and inexpensive. In a country in the throes of the after-effects of war but with an extensive system of motorways, it was the perfect automobile. While the Volkswagen would eventually become the German symbol of the People's car, the Messerschmitt was an interesting footnote that will not be soon forgotten. Photos show that the engine was in front of the rear wheel, just behind the passenger's seat.

There are many car clubs in Europe, the US, and abroad that still value these cars, usually for their queer nature rather than their actual monetary value. Nonetheless, some collectors will pay over 10,000 euros for a well-maintained Schmitt. There is even a reproduction Schmitt kit available on the market, for the thrifty or cash-strapped collector.

Having the second seat behind, rather than beside the driver and only a single rear wheel not only reduces frontal area but allows the body to taper like an airplane fuselage, within a practical length. This aerodynamically very efficient arrangement may re-gain popularity as petroleum supplies dwindle and concern about global warming increases. Ten horsepower (7 kW) propelled it at around 60 mph (100 km/h).

Kabinenroller means "cabin scooter". There were also an earlier Fend Flitzer and KR175 and a later, and faster, four wheeled TG500.

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Cars - Messerschmitt KR200

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