The Crittenden Automotive Library

A Rare Opportunity - The Messerschmitt KR200

Topics: Messerschmitt KR200

A Rare Opportunity - The Messerschmitt KR200

Geoff Maxted
DriveWrite
November 13, 2013

There’s a tradition about wedding cars – they are stately, elegant, luxurious, frequently grand and graceful… and then there’s the Messerschmitt KR200.

One of the more unusual consignments at the forthcoming auction on November 30th by Surrey-based Historics at Brooklands is this 1955 example of the three-wheeled classic. With its distinctive ‘line astern’ seating arrangement, it served as a bridal carriage with a difference during its 58-year lifespan since leaving the German factory.

Designed by aircraft engineer and inventor, Fritz Fend, and powered by a 191cc air-cooled single cylinder two-stroke engine, the KR200 was in production for a nine-year period from 1955. Significantly, this well-kept example is believed to be the third-oldest in the world.

Rescued from a field after it was abandoned over 30 years ago, 462 NPU was restored and, as evidenced by the history file that accompanies the car, it was driven extensively across Europe before the present vendor decided it was time for someone new to enjoy its charm and unique appeal, and consigned it to Historics’ forthcoming sale.

With an estimate of £17,000-£20,000, this Messerschmitt KR200 represents a rare opportunity to acquire a very early example of this most unusual of classics, and is offered with a V5 registration document and a CD comprehensively documenting its interesting life since restoration. It will be auctioned alongside 117 other fine classic motor cars and a fascinating array of automobilia at Historics at Brooklands’ winter auction venue, Mercedes-Benz World, near Weybridge, Surrey on Saturday, 30th November, from 10.00am, with viewing on the previous day.

Thanks to Historics at Brooklands