1957 Messerschmitt KR200 Kabinenroller Cabriolet, Original Condition 8,595 miles

1957 Other Makes Messerschmitt KR200 Description

1957 MESSERSCHMITT KR200kabinenroller (cabin scooter). Cabriolet (convertible top). This car is located in Southern Maine (despite my location on my Account information)
Designed by Fritz Fend, built in Regensburg in a building rented from the Messerschmitt aircraft factory, hence the name. Contrary to popular legend, the vehicle was NOT made from a pod or cockpit from the Me109 airplane, but was a stand-alone vehicle from the beginning. The nickname in German isSchneewittchen Sarg, or "Snow White's Coffin."Entire roof folds to the right side, enabling entrance and exit. Designed for a driver in fully adjustable front seat and passenger with child in the back. Rear seat folds for extra luggage space. Front seat rises manually for entrance, and sits on floor for driving. Steering yoke operates by pushing slightly on either side, rather than turning like an aircraft yoke. Drivers describe "thinking" around a turn. Speed is said to be up to 65 mph, but current owner lives in a village with a 25 mph speed limit. 45 mph may be more realistic.
Bought from Les Klinge in 1981, the well-known New Jersey Messerschmitt dealer and collector of these vehicles. Owned subsequently by two brothers since 1981, one in Pennsylvania (title available), the later one in Maine since 1999 (no titles given to antique vehicles in that state, ownership affidavit supplied).
Fichtel-Sachs motorcycle engine 200 LDR (original), 10.2 hp, 191 cc.Chain drive on rear wheel.2 Stroke engine (mix oil with gas). One cylinder. 60+ mpg (estimated).3 wheels, two in front.Speedo: 8,595 miles.Parking brake.4 forward gears. To reverse, engine must be stopped, reversed, potential 4 gears back - Be careful.12 volts, new battery 2016.Lights, windshield wipers and horn. All work.Knockoff hubs on two front wheels.Red interior, red and white exterior. Black top. Original.Hydraulic shock absorbers. One may be exhausted.Fabric top very tight and waterproof.Complete owner's Manual (in English), multiple drawings and technical details.Brooklands Messerschmitt book included. Multiple articles.Original Les Klinge tow bar included.Spare tire located under engine hood, included.Plexiglass bubble top included (original).
Note: "Dent" in underside of gas tank is purposely designed to accommodate rear wheel fender. Car is in mostly original condition. (Bumper bars front and rear installed by Les Klinge. Not original but very useful. Ditto Plexi top removed and fabric top installed.) Runs and drives well. Video available.
Some obvious signs of age such as light rust on painted dash. Very slight surface rust on outside in various places. Paint substantially good. No holes in body or floor.Undercarriage is solid, no holes only minor surface rust.Original upholstery is good throughout, although showing age. Car is 59 years old. Owner prefers original to completely "restored" vehicles. Could use a paint job and new rubber floor mats. Rubber gaskets could also be replaced around cockpit.
Mechanical clock does not work. Speedo does work. Neutral lever (supplied) needs to be replaced on cable, but is not necessary for driving.
Car is driven every summer. Always garaged. Aging owner. Car needs to be driven and loved more than he has time for. Very fun vehicle. Sold As Is, and Where Is (Maine)...nowarranty expressed or implied.