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1955 Messerschmitt KR-200

In January 1954 Norbert Riedel of Imme motorcycle fame showed his quiet new 12 hp two-cylinder motor, and Messerschmitt was interested in it for their new Kabinenroller, but it didn't work out, and the Sachs 200 was settled upon.

Work began on a new bubble top around this time as well.

Drawings for the new car were on Prof. Messerschmitt's desk on Sept.27,1954, and the car was introduced in March 1954. Completely redesigned, it was superior to the 175 in every respect. Reverse was now selected by restarting the motor backwards.

"Standard" models did not have interiors and came in ivory, red or grey.
"Export" models were more fully outfitted and came in grey/blue, red/black and ivory/maroon.

The early cars are easily recognized by the slots in the top of the tail. Some early fenders were made of three pieces welded together.

The ivory/red combination seen on this low mileage example was the most popular colour scheme, and the one most often associated with the Kabinenroller.

Manufacturer: Regensburger Stahl- und Maschinenbau, Regensburg, Germany

Model: KR-200

Motor: Fichtel & Sachs, 2-stroke Body: Monocoque
Years Built: Feb. 1955 – Dec. 1956 No. Cylinders: 1 Chassis: None
No. Produced: 30,286 Displacement: 191cc Suspension Front: Rubber
No. Surviving: Horsepower: 10.2 Suspension Rear: Rubber
Length: 2 820 mm Gearbox: 4 + rev Steering: Direct
Width: 1 220 mm Starter: Dynastart Brakes: Cable
Weight: 230 kg Electrics: 12 v 3 Wheels: 4.00 x 8"
Interior: 2 seats tandem Ignition: Coil Top Speed: 100 kph

© 2002