Details
1954 MESSERSCHMITT KR-175 CABIN SCOOTER
Chassis No. tba
Red with tan interior.
Engine: Fichtel & Sachs one cylinder, 174cc; Gearbox: four speed manual, no reverse; Brakes: three wheel cable; Suspension; rubber torsion. Direct handlebar steering.
Red with tan interior
The Messerschmitt is probably the best known of all microcars; produced by the German aircraft company of the same name, the little machines combined the features of small car, motor scooter and aeroplane and were the brainchild of Fritz Feud, former technical officer to the aircraft company.
The KR-175 'Kabinenroller', or cabin-scooter, was introduced in 1953; standing just 47 inches high, its uniqueness lay in the frame structure that was of welded steel construction with the body slung within. Without a chassis, weight saving was enormous. Suspension was through independent rubber torsion without hydraulic shock absorbers whilst steering was of motorcycle influence with handlebars linked to the front wheels. A twist grip throttle and conventional foot-pedal braking completed the cockpit, whilst the wheels were housed under aircraft-style wings. The single cylinder engine developed about 9hp, driven through a trigger-type lever operating the four forward speed transmission. To reverse, you had to step out and push!
This example, acquired for the collection from a German enthusiast, has its original paintwork and, more importantly perhaps, original plexiglass bubble dome which is unmarked. In addition, the cabin-scooter has its original upholstery, including the rubber mat! Some of the instruments have been replaced and, although running when purchased, has not been run since.
It is sold with older German registration documents. A sound and rare survivor of the representative 'Schmitt', the Kabinenroller would be an ideal first microcar for a new collector.
Chassis No. tba
Red with tan interior.
Engine: Fichtel & Sachs one cylinder, 174cc; Gearbox: four speed manual, no reverse; Brakes: three wheel cable; Suspension; rubber torsion. Direct handlebar steering.
Red with tan interior
The Messerschmitt is probably the best known of all microcars; produced by the German aircraft company of the same name, the little machines combined the features of small car, motor scooter and aeroplane and were the brainchild of Fritz Feud, former technical officer to the aircraft company.
The KR-175 'Kabinenroller', or cabin-scooter, was introduced in 1953; standing just 47 inches high, its uniqueness lay in the frame structure that was of welded steel construction with the body slung within. Without a chassis, weight saving was enormous. Suspension was through independent rubber torsion without hydraulic shock absorbers whilst steering was of motorcycle influence with handlebars linked to the front wheels. A twist grip throttle and conventional foot-pedal braking completed the cockpit, whilst the wheels were housed under aircraft-style wings. The single cylinder engine developed about 9hp, driven through a trigger-type lever operating the four forward speed transmission. To reverse, you had to step out and push!
This example, acquired for the collection from a German enthusiast, has its original paintwork and, more importantly perhaps, original plexiglass bubble dome which is unmarked. In addition, the cabin-scooter has its original upholstery, including the rubber mat! Some of the instruments have been replaced and, although running when purchased, has not been run since.
It is sold with older German registration documents. A sound and rare survivor of the representative 'Schmitt', the Kabinenroller would be an ideal first microcar for a new collector.