1959 Messerschmitt KR200

The Messerschmitt KR200 is a three-wheeled bubble car created by aircraft engineer Fritz Fend and built by Messerschmitt from 1955 to 1964.

With the company temporarily barred from producing aircraft, Fend proposed using its resources to manufacture small motor vehicles.

The first result was the KR175, named Kabinenroller—literally “scooter with a cabin.” Its narrow fuselage-like shape came from tandem seating, which kept the frontal area small and the body tapered like an aircraft.

Fuel economy was exceptional at around 87mpg, and the KR200 could reach 65mph for those bold enough to try. Sales gradually declined, leading to reduced production in 1962 and its eventual end in 1964.

Power came from a 191cc Fichtel & Sachs air-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke engine mounted ahead of the rear wheel. With two sets of contact points, the engine could be reversed simply by shutting it off and restarting it in the opposite direction.

This beautifully presented KR200 features the iconic bubble canopy and has received a sympathetic restoration.

Finished in Fire Engine Red with a striking interior trimmed in black leather and snakeskin with red piping, it comes with an owner’s manual and a charming period photograph showing WOU 177 alongside two other consecutively registered KR200s, likely taken at the UK distributor in 1959. A luggage rack completes the period look, making this a standout example of the model.

The car is offered with a V5C registration document and a history file containing numerous article clippings, photographs from shortly after its restoration, and a handbook. Few classic vehicles draw a crowd quite like these 1950s three-wheelers, and this one is ready to delight its next owner. Consigned by Will Penrose.