1955 MESSERSCHMITT KABINENROLLER KR200
Designer: Fritz Fend

Estimate: $45,000 ­ - $55,000

Chassis Number: 55544
Decoded: 55=1955; 544=Chassis Unit Sequence
Engine: 191 cc Fitchel & Sachs 2-Stroke
1-barrel Carburetor / 9.7 bhp
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Mileage: 1,215

● More Powerful and Desired Model
● Appears to be North American Import from New
● Historic Post-War Model

The Model: During WWII, some of the most fearsome combat fighters in the air were produced by Messerschmitt. However after the war, this industrious company turned to other products including kits for prefab housing. In 1952, aviation engineer Fritz Fend approached Messerschmitt with plans for an economical little cycle-car. Fend had designed a smaller example for invalids but found many of his customers were able-bodied and just wanted cheap transportation. The KR175 went into production for 1953 and in 1955, a new improved model was released. Lightweight, yet sturdy, able to seat two comfortably, thousands of these Kabinenrollers or “enclosed scooter” were sold in Germany as well as to overseas markets. Technically these little cars were produced by the firm of Regensburg, Stahl und Metallbau, but done at a Messerschmitt facility and used that name. Produced up to 1964, these little cars helped pace the road for recovery in post-war Germany.

The Car: This is one of the earliest examples of the KR200 Kabinenroller. It has been treated to a full restoration starting with a sound and complete body. The Plexiglass canopy is clean and clear with no discolorations, cracks, crazing or fogging up noticed. The engine was given a rebuild and found to be in lightly used condition so all factory parts were used. This example appears to have been a factory import to North American in that the speedometer is calibrated in miles rather than kilometers. Finished in Polar White with Red vinyl tandem seats. The engine comes to life rather easily and once the trick to shifting gears has been mastered, it runs down the road with not issues. All the lights are in working condition and even the horn. One of just nearly 30,300 produced, these little Messerschmitts are a tribute to German engineering and manufacturing skills.