1960 Messerschmitt KR200 Deluxe
In the region of £35,000 spent on a comprehensive restoration

Registration No: CNM 759C
Chassis No: 5707
MOT: Exempt

• Upgraded to KR201 Roadster specification
• UK-supplied example, sold via agents 'Humming Bird Motorcycles' of St Albans
• Full mechanical and cosmetic restoration

Few post-war vehicles capture the spirit of ingenuity and austerity-era innovation quite like Messerschmitt’s iconic Kabinenroller. Instantly recognisable and eternally evocative, the diminutive bubble car stands today as one of the most celebrated microcars ever produced. Denied the manufacture of aircraft in the aftermath of the Second World War, Messerschmitt redirected its formidable engineering expertise toward compact personal transport. Introduced in 1953 as the ‘Fend’—named after co-designer Fritz Fend—the model soon adopted the Messerschmitt name, coinciding with the adoption of a more potent 174cc Fichtel & Sachs single-cylinder two-stroke engine in place of the earlier 148cc unit. Mounted at the rear, the 9bhp motor endowed the lightweight and aerodynamically efficient KR175 with performance of up to 55mph - remarkable for its class.

The defining feature, of course, is the aircraft-inspired Plexiglas canopy, hinged laterally to allow entry for its two occupants seated in tandem formation - an unmistakable nod to the company’s aviation heritage. By 1955 the evolved KR200 arrived, retaining the charismatic tandem seating and handlebar controls while benefiting from enlarged 191cc capacity, revised bodywork, improved manoeuvrability, and conventional floor-mounted accelerator and clutch pedals. Ingeniously, reversing the electric starter allowed the engine to run backwards, thus providing four reverse ratios - and the astonishing theoretical capability of 60mph in reverse. Cabriolet and roadster derivatives followed, and later examples bore the diamond-shaped FMR badge of Fahrzeug-und Maschinenbau GmbH Regensburg. Production concluded in 1964, cementing the Kabinenroller’s place in motoring folklore.

This KR200 was first registered in December 1960 to Humming Bird Motorcycles Ltd of St Albans, as confirmed by its accompanying copy buff logbook. Following acquisition by the current vendor, the car became the subject of a meticulous, long-term restoration and sympathetic upgrade to KR201 specification. The rebuild was executed using exclusively original or club-supplied components, reflecting a commitment to authenticity and marque correctness throughout. The tub/chassis has been comprehensively renewed with new tubes and panels, while the remainder of the body retains its original steel construction. Finished in a period-appropriate silver, the presentation is elevated by tasteful electric blue ‘Deluxe’ two-tone flashes and additional alloy trim accents. The interior has been fully retrimmed to original pattern and specification, complemented by a new hood and frame supplied by a respected marque specialist. The engine and gearbox have been professionally rebuilt by a recognised expert, and the car has been assembled using high-quality components and fittings, many in stainless steel for longevity. Most of the electrical system has been renewed and is reported to function correctly. Riding on new wheels and tyres, the vendor advises that the car drives very well; however, as the mechanical components are freshly rebuilt, the running-in process is still being completed, hence a slightly increased oil mixture in the fuel in accordance with best practice. Accompanying documentation includes a copy of the vehicle import record and period folding logbook, together with a selection of invoices for parts and consumables. Today the car is described as "virtually indistinguishable from an original KR201" and presents in near as-new condition - ready for concours display, microcar rallies, or simply to delight wherever it appears.

For more information, please contact:
Adam Sykes
adam.sykes@handh.co.uk
07429 600332