1955 KR-200 2 SEAT OPENING TOP
The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.
The Messerschmitt KR-200 2 SEAT OPENING TOP 1955 was a three-wheeled microcar that was first produced in Germany in the late 1950s. As the name suggests, this vehicle was designed to seat two people and had a unique opening top that allowed for easy access to the interior of the car.
The Messerschmitt KR-200 was built with a sturdy steel frame and a lightweight body made of aircraft-grade aluminum. Its design was aerodynamic and compact, measuring just over 9 feet in length, less than 5 feet in width, and just under 4 feet in height. Despite its small size, the vehicle was surprisingly roomy and comfortable for two people to ride in.
Powering the Messerschmitt KR-200 was a single-cylinder, two-stroke engine that could produce up to 10 horsepower. This engine was paired with a four-speed manual transmission that provided smooth and responsive shifting. This combination of engine and transmission allowed the KR-200 to achieve a top speed of around 60 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest microcars of its time.
The suspension of the Messerschmitt KR-200 consisted of a unique and innovative design that involved a trailing arm that pivoted from the lower frame, with a sprung wheel mounted on the end of the arm. This design allowed for a smooth ride on even the roughest of roads. The front wheel was mounted on a double-wishbone suspension system, which provided excellent stability and handling.
One of the most distinctive features of the Messerschmitt KR-200 was its opening top, which was mounted on a sturdy hinge and could be lifted up and back to provide easy access to the interior of the car. The top was made of lightweight fabric, which kept the weight of the vehicle low and helped to improve its handling and performance.
In terms of safety features, the Messerschmitt KR-200 was equipped with a sturdy roll cage, which provided excellent protection for the passengers in the event of a rollover. The car also featured a four-wheel hydraulic brake system, which provided excellent stopping power even at high speeds.
Overall, the Messerschmitt KR-200 2 SEAT OPENING TOP 1955 was an innovative and well-designed microcar that offered an excellent combination of performance, comfort, and safety. While it was only produced for a few years in the 1950s, it remains a sought-after collector's item for car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Milestones
- Messerschmitt introduces the KR-200 in 1955 as a successor to the KR175. - The KR-200 features a two-seat opening top design with tandem seating and a 191cc Fichtel & Sachs 2-stroke engine. - The car has a top speed of 62 mph and can achieve 78 miles per gallon. - The KR-200 is considered one of the most popular microcars of the 1950s and sells over 12,000 units in Germany alone. - The car is produced until 1964, and a total of 30,286 units are sold worldwide. - The KR-200 is often featured in popular culture, including the movie "Mr. Bean's Holiday" and the video game "Gran Turismo 4."Technical
- Manufacturer: Messerschmitt AG - Model: KR-200 - Year of Production: 1955 - Type: 2-seat three-wheeled microcar - Length: 2.90 meters (9 ft 6 in) - Width: 1.25 meters (4 ft 1 in) - Height: 1.20 meters (3 ft 11 in) - Weight: 230 kg (507 lb) - Engine: 191 cc, Fichtel & Sachs air-cooled, single-cylinder, two-stroke engine - Horsepower: 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) - Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission with reverse gear - Top Speed: 90 km/h (56 mph) - Fuel Consumption: 75 miles per gallon - Brakes: Mechanical drum brakes on all three wheels - Suspension: Independent suspension on the front wheel and swing axle on the rear wheel - Steering: Tiller-style steering with a single front wheel - Features: Cloth convertible top, side windows, and windscreen, adjustable seats, and storage compartment behind the seats.
