The Messerschmitt KR200, or
Kabinenroller (Cabin Scooter), was a three-wheeled bubble car designed by the aircraft engineer Fritz Fend and produced in the factory of the German aircraft manufacturer Messerschmitt from 1955 to 1964.
Messerschmitt,
temporarily not allowed to manufacture aircraft, had turned its
resources to producing other commodities. In 1952, Fend approached
Messerschmitt with the idea of manufacturing small motor vehicles.These were based on his Fend Flitzer invalid carriage.
The title
Kabinenroller means "scooter with cabin".
While the Messerschmitt name and insignia were used on the car, a
separate company, incorporated as Regensburger Stahl- und Metallbau
GmbH, was created to manufacture and market the vehicle.
The KR200 replaced the KR175 in 1955.
While using the same basic frame as the KR175 with changes to the
bodywork (notably including wheel cutouts in the front fenders) and an
improved canopy design,
the KR200 was otherwise an almost total redesign.
The rear suspension and engine mounting were reworked, and hydraulic
shock absorbers were installed at all three wheels. Tire sizes were
enlarged to 4.00×8.
Retailing for around DM 2,500, the KR200 was considered an instant success with almost 12,000 built during its first year.
A maximum speed in excess of 90 km/h (56 mph)
despite a claimed power output of only 10 PS (7.4 kW; 9.9 hp)
reflected the vehicle's light weight.
In 1956, Messerschmitt was allowed to manufacture aircraft again and
lost interest in Fend's microcars. Messerschmitt sold the Regenburg
works to Fend who, with brake and hub supplier Valentin Knott, formed
Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH Regensburg (FMR) to continue production
of the KR200 and his other vehicles.
In 1957, the KR200 Kabrio model was released, featuring a cloth
convertible top and fixed side window frames. This was followed by the
KR201 Roadster without window frames, using a folding cloth top, a
windscreen, and removable side curtains. A Sport Roadster was later
offered with no top and with the canopy fixed into place so that the
driver would have to climb in and out at the top of the car.
Production of the KR200 was heavily reduced in 1962 and ceased in 1964
as sales had been dropping for a few years. The demand for basic
economy transport in Germany had diminished as the German economy
boomed.
A similar situation developed in other parts of Europe such as in the
manufacturer's biggest export destination, the United Kingdom, where
sales were particularly affected by the increasing popularity of the Mini.