Messerschmitt KR200

Messerschmitt, who was temporarily banned from producing aircraft, switched his resources to the production of consumer goods. In 1952, Fend turned to Messerschmitt with the idea of ​​producing small motor vehicles ^[1] . It was based on his Fend Flitzer wheelchair ^[2] .

The first Fend machine, which began to be produced at the Messerschmitt plant in Regensburg , was the KR175 ^[3] . The name Kabinenroller translates as " scooter with a cabin" ^[4] . While the name and emblem of Messerschmitt was used on the machine, a separate legal entity Regensburger Stahl- und Metallbau GmbH ^[3] was created for the production and sale of the vehicle.

The KR200 replaced the KR175 in 1955 ^[3] . Despite the fact that it used the same power frame as in the KR175, body parts were reworked (especially the wheel arches in the front wings) and the design of the roof was improved ^[5] . Overall, the design of the KR200 has been completely redone ^[6] . The rear suspension and engine mounts were modified, all three wheels received hydraulic shock absorbers. Wheel size has been increased to 4.00 × 8 ^[5] .

In the very first year, 12,000 KR200s were sold at a price of 2,500 marks, which was considered a quick success ^{[5] [7]} , and this was the largest sales volume among Kabinenroller models ^[5] . Despite the declared power of just 9.9 hp (7.4 kW) the maximum speed exceeded 90 km / h ^[7] , which was a consequence of low weight and low aerodynamic drag ^[8] . Export equipment included two-color painting, painted caps, full trim, heater, clock and sun visor ^[5] .

In 1956, Messerschmitt received permission to manufacture aircraft and lost interest in Fend cars. Messerschmitt sold the factory in Regensburg Fendu, who, together with Valentin Knott, the supplier of brakes and hubs, opened Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH Regensburg (FMR) in order to continue the production of KR200 and other vehicles ^{[9] [10]} .

In 1957, the KR200 Kabrio model with a folding fabric top and a fixed side window frame was released. Then the KR201 Roadster was released without frames, with a folding fabric top, a windshield and removable side curtains. Later, the Sport Roadster was offered without a top and with a non-folding body, so the driver had to climb into the car through the top.

The production of the KR200 was significantly reduced in 1962 and completely stopped in 1964 ^[10] after sales fell for several years. The demand for economy vehicles in Germany has declined due to the rapid growth of the German economy ^[11] . The situation developed similarly in other parts of Europe. For example, in the UK, the largest export destination, sales were severely affected by the increased popularity of the Mini .

Daily Record Mileage

In order to confirm the reliability of the KR200, in 1955 Messerschmitt prepared the car to overcome the daily mileage record for three-wheeled vehicles with an engine displacement of up to 250 cubic centimeters. The record car had a special single body with low aerodynamic drag and a significantly modified engine, however, the suspension, steering and brakes were serial. The throttle cables, brakes and clutches were duplicated. The arrival of the record car took place on August 29-30, 1955 at the Hockenheimring . It lasted 24 hours and broke 22 world speed records in its class, including a daily speed record of 104 km / h ^{[5] [12] [13]} .

Messerschmitt Technical Assistance Vehicle

Messerschmitt, and subsequently FMR , manufactured a factory modification of a technical assistance car for the auto service industry. In terms of concept, the technical assistance car was similar to Harley-Davidson Servi-Car and the Indian Dispatch Tow. The technical assistance machine was equipped with a removable towing device and a cable clip, modified by the front suspension in order to install the towing device during its use, as well as a device for its storage. A car mechanic could come to the client’s car and, if it was on the move, install a towing device in front of the car’s assistance, attach the other end to the bumper of the client’s car, and take the car to the garage. At the end of the service, he could come by car back to the customer, towing the technical assistance car, disconnect it from the customer’s car, and return to the garage. In total, about 12 cars were assembled, of which only one is preserved to date ^[14] .

The KR200 had several unique features for the KR lineup and its four-wheel-drive version of the FMR Tg500. Among the most obvious characteristics were the appearance, namely, a narrow body, a transparent acrylic upper door and a low landing.

Sequential landing

Sequential landing allowed to get a narrow body and, accordingly, a low front, as well as a tapered shape like an airplane fuselage, and at the same time the length was acceptable. 9.9 hp engine (7.4 kW) clocked the KR200 to 105 km / h. The claimed fuel consumption was 3.2 liters per 100 km.

Sequential landing also allowed the car to be centered relative to the longitudinal axis, which, together with a low center of gravity, low weight and wheels spaced along the edges of the car, gave the KR200 good handling ^[15] . Another small advantage of a consistent landing was that it was not necessary to produce a special export version for countries with left-hand traffic. The export version was released, however, it differed only in more expensive finishes ^[5] .

Overhead Door

Landing on most KR models except the KR201 Sport Roadster and the corresponding Tg500 version was carried out through a hinged door that was attached to a hinge on the right side of the car. The door included all the windows (windshield, window frames on all models except the Roadster, folding top on the Roadster and Kabrio models, acrylic cap on other models) and the frame on which it was all installed, stretched from the starboard side to the left. On the models of the Sport Roadster, the cabin was fixed, generally without a roof and windows, only with an awning ^[9] .

The cap on the KR200 was simplified compared to the KR175 due to the increased curved frontal glass that formed the front pillar and side window frame. This made it possible to make the cap more compact and simple and, as a result, it became simpler and cheaper to manufacture. The janitor on the KR175 was hand-operated, and on the KR200 it was electrically ^[5] .

Engine and Transmission

The KR200 worked on a Fichtel & Sachs air-cooled single - cylinder, two - cylinder engine with a volume of 191 cubic centimeters ^[16] located in front of the rear wheel ^[5] , immediately behind the passenger seat ^[2] . The motor had two breaker contact groups. In order to turn on the reverse, the engine had to be turned off and then restarted in the opposite direction. This is achieved by turning the ignition key further than usual, intentionally or accidentally. One consequence of this was that the KR200 sequential gearbox when reversing provided the same four gears as when moving forward ^[5] .

Office

In addition to the dual-mode ignition, the KR200 had a steering wheel that resembled an aircraft steering wheel ^{[3] [15]} . In order to control the KR200, the driver could deflect the control knob relative to its horizontal axis from the horizontal position (straight) instead of turning an ordinary steering wheel. The mechanism was attached directly to the steering wheels of the front wheels and was highly sensitive to small movements ^{[3] [15]} in contrast to other common steering mechanisms that are equipped with a steering gear. On the gearshift lever was an additional lever, which, when activated, allowed the neutral gear to be engaged regardless of which gear was engaged before. However, in order for the car to start off, it was necessary to re-engage the first gear.

Unlike the KR175, the KR200 had a full set of pedals: clutch, brake and gas. The brake pedal was mechanical and operated through cables ^[5] .

In Europe and the USA, there are autoclubs that still value these cars, primarily for their originality, and not for their monetary value. However, some collectors are willing to pay more than € 20,000 for "Schmitt" in good condition. Acquisition of spare parts for the KR200 is possible, including a cap that is made of safe organic glass .

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• Bobbitt, Malcolm (2003). Bubblecars and Microcars . Crowood Press. ISBN 1-86126-567-0.  
• Cawthon, Bill (2008-03-01). "Fritz Fend's Marvelous Micro-cars" . <g class = "gr_ gr_51 gr-alert gr_spell undefined ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id = "51" data-gr-id = "51"> Promotex </ g> Online . Cadabra. Archived from the original on 2004-04-15 . Retrieved 23 August 2008 .   External link in |work= (help)
• McKay, Malcolm (February 1996). "Cleared for take-off". Thoroughbred & Classic Cars (King's Reach Tower, Stamford Street, London SE19LS, UK: IPC Magazines) 23 (5): 42–46.  
• Vance, Bill (2003-04-19). "Canadian Driver: Messerschmitt, 1953-1962" . Autos.ca . Trader Corp. (formerly published by CanadianDriver Communications). Archived from the original on 2011-07-18 . Retrieved 19 May 2012 .  
• Wagner, Carl (Second Quarter 1973). "" Ist das <g class = "gr_ gr_52 gr-alert gr_spell undefined ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id = "52" data-gr-id = "52"> nicht </ g> <g class = "gr_ gr_53 gr -alert gr_spell undefined ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace "id =" 53 "data-gr-id =" 53 "> ein </ g> Kabinenroller?" "Ja! das ist <g class = "gr_ gr_54 gr-alert gr_spell undefined ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id = "54" data-gr-id = "54"> ein </ g> Kabinenroller! "Carl Wagner takes off from Messerschmitt" . Automobile Quarterly (40 East 49th Street, New York, NY 10017 USA: Automobile Quarterly) 11 (2): 162-171. LCCN 62004005 .   Check date values ​​in: |date= (help)
• Wagner, Carl (Second Quarter 1973). "Under the Bubble: A Short Flight in a Messerschmitt KR200". Automobile Quarterly (40 East 49th Street, New York, NY 10017 USA: Automobile Quarterly) 11 (2): 172-177. LCCN 62004005 .   Check date values ​​in: |date= (help)
• "Erinnern Sie sich? Messerschmitt KR 200: Menschen in <g class =" gr_ gr_55 gr-alert gr_spell undefined ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace "id =" 55 "data-gr-id =" 55 "> Aspik </ g>" . Auto Motor u. Sport . Heft 7 1976: Seite 74–76. 27 March 1976.  
• "Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum: 1955 Messerschmitt KR200" . The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum Inc. Retrieved August 22nd, 2008 .  
• "Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum: 1961 Messerschmitt Service Car" . The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum Inc. Retrieved 7 August 2009 .  
• "Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum: 1964 Messerschmitt KR200 Roadster . " The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum Inc. Retrieved August 22nd, 2008 .  

• KR200 driving video on a public road showing real cornering and several intersections
  
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