1963 Messerschmitt KR200 – Exterior and Interior – Auto Zürich Classic Car Show 2021

By 1963, the microcar boom was already fading, yet the Messerschmitt KR200 still offered a radically different approach to everyday transport. With its aircraft-style canopy and tandem seating, it blurred the line between road vehicle and cockpit. Few production cars of its era looked—or operated—so unconventionally.

Technical Details

The 1963 Messerschmitt KR200 was built by Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH Regensburg (FMR), the successor to the original vehicle division of Messerschmitt. The KR200 retained the distinctive three-wheel layout introduced in the mid-1950s: two wheels at the front for steering and a single driven wheel at the rear. Power came from a rear-mounted, air-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke engine supplied by Fichtel & Sachs. Displacement was 191 cc, and output was typically around 9–10 PS, depending on specification and tuning. The engine was paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. Due to the lightweight construction—generally around 230 kilograms—the KR200 achieved a top speed of approximately 85–90 km/h. A notable mechanical feature was the reversible engine rotation system. Instead of a conventional reverse gear, the engine could be started in the opposite direction, enabling the car to travel backward using the same gear ratios as forward. Braking was handled by drum brakes, and the chassis consisted of a tubular frame supporting steel and aluminum body panels. As with other two-stroke engines of the period, operation required a petrol-oil fuel mixture.

• Manufacturer: Messerschmitt (produced by FMR)
• Model Name: Messerschmitt KR200
• Year of Manufacturing: 1963

Design

The design of the KR200 remained consistent through its production run, and the 1963 model retained its defining bubble canopy. The transparent canopy, hinged to open, provided access to the tandem seating arrangement, with the driver seated in front and the passenger directly behind. The narrow body resembled a small aircraft fuselage, tapering toward the single rear wheel. The front wheels were positioned under small fenders, and the overall width was minimal, contributing to low aerodynamic drag. The absence of conventional doors emphasized the vehicle’s aircraft heritage. Inside, the cockpit-like layout featured handlebars instead of a steering wheel, reinforcing the impression of piloting rather than driving. Instrumentation was basic, typically including a speedometer and essential warning indicators. The compact interior space required close seating alignment but maximized efficiency within the limited dimensions.

Historical Significance

The Messerschmitt KR200 originated in a period when Germany faced restrictions on aircraft production after the Second World War. Engineer Fritz Fend developed small mobility vehicles that eventually evolved into the KR175 and later the improved KR200, introduced in 1955. By 1963, the KR200 was nearing the end of its production life. Economic growth in West Germany had shifted consumer preferences toward larger, more conventional small cars. Nevertheless, the KR200 continued to serve as an affordable alternative for buyers prioritizing economy and minimal operating costs. Production of the KR200 ended in 1964. In total, more than 30,000 examples were built across its lifespan. The model remains one of the most recognizable microcars of the postwar era and symbolizes the ingenuity applied to mobility solutions during a period of constrained resources.

Quirks and Pop Culture

The aircraft-style canopy and tandem seating have ensured the KR200’s lasting visual impact. Its unusual configuration often attracts attention at classic car gatherings, where it stands apart from four-wheeled contemporaries. The reversible engine feature remains one of the car’s most discussed technical curiosities. Drivers could effectively achieve nearly the same speed in reverse as forward, a characteristic that highlighted the simplicity of the drivetrain. In popular culture, the Messerschmitt KR200 frequently appears in discussions of postwar microcars alongside models such as the BMW Isetta and Heinkel Kabine. Its distinctive silhouette and aviation lineage make it a recognizable symbol of Europe’s microcar period.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Auto Zürich Classic Car Show in 2021. As part of the broader Auto Zürich Car Show, the Classic section has grown into a key attraction for lovers of historic vehicles in Switzerland. In 2021, the event took place at Messe Zürich and featured a dedicated hall showcasing a curated selection of vintage automobiles, spanning from pre-war icons to youngtimers. The atmosphere combined elegance with accessibility, allowing visitors to admire rare collector cars alongside enthusiast vehicles. Special displays highlighted Swiss automotive heritage and featured club presentations and dealer exhibits.

Conclusion

The 1963 Messerschmitt KR200 represents the final phase of a uniquely engineered microcar concept. With its 191 cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine, three-wheel layout, reversible drivetrain, and aircraft-inspired canopy, it offered a lightweight and economical mobility solution. Though overtaken by larger small cars as prosperity increased, the KR200 remains an enduring example of inventive engineering applied to the challenges of postwar transportation.