Property of a deceased's estate
1960 Messerschmitt KR200 Super Replica
Registration no. VWV 76
Chassis no. 74682

Prohibited from manufacturing aircraft by the victorious Allies, Messerschmitt turned other commercial enterprises in the aftermath of WW2. Introduced in 1953 as the Fend, after its co-designer Fritz Fend, the Messerschmitt Kabinenroller (cabin scooter) microcar was soon being marketed under the parent company's name, the change coinciding with a switch from the original's 148cc Fichtel & Sachs engine to a 174cc unit. Sited at the rear, the single-cylinder two-stroke motor produced a modest 9bhp, enough nevertheless to propel the lightweight and aerodynamic KR175 to around 55mph. Tandem seating and handlebar controls were retained for the 191cc KR200 of 1955, which featured revised bodywork and floor-mounted accelerator and clutch. By reversing the electric starter the KR200's engine could be made to run backwards, thus providing four reverse gears and the hair-raising possibility of 60mph going backwards!

Aware that many were sceptical about the durability of such a fragile looking vehicle, Messerschmitt set out to break the 24-hour speed record for vehicles under 250cc using a specially prepared Kabinenroller: the KR200 Super. The running gear was left virtually standard, but for the record attempt a special single-seat low-drag body was fitted and the engine tuned for increased power. Run at the high-speed Hockenheim circuit in Germany, the attempt delivered 22 international speed records for Messerschmitt, including a new 24-hour mark, which was set at 103km/h (64mph).

This replica of the record-breaking KR200 Super was purchased from one Russell Church in 1993; the late owner paid £11,500 for 'VWV 76', which was described at that time as in 'immaculate' condition. We are advised that the car would run if fitted with an exhaust system. Offered in need of re-commissioning, it comes with an old-style logbook and V5 registration document.