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The Curious Case of the Messerschmitt Cabin Car: From Warplanes to Bubble Cars
The name Messerschmitt likely conjures images of formidable fighter planes dominating the skies during World War II. However, after the war, the German aircraft manufacturer found itself facing a drastically altered landscape. With aircraft production prohibited, Messerschmitt needed a new direction, and that direction surprisingly led to the quirky and unforgettable Messerschmitt cabin car, often referred to as the "bubble car."
The genesis of the Messerschmitt cabin car began with Fritz Fend, an engineer who had been developing lightweight motorized vehicles for disabled war veterans. Recognizing the potential of Fend's designs, Messerschmitt partnered with him in 1952, marking the company's foray into the world of microcars.
The first model, the KR175 (Kabinenroller 175, meaning Cabin Scooter 175), debuted in 1953. Its design was undeniably striking. Featuring a teardrop shape, a transparent bubble canopy, and a tandem seating arrangement (one behind the other), the KR175 looked more like a miniature aircraft than a conventional car. This was no accident; Fend incorporated several aircraft design principles, including a lightweight construction and a focus on aerodynamics.
Powered by a small 173cc Fichtel & Sachs single-cylinder two-stroke engine, the KR175 offered a cheap and economical mode of transportation in a post-war Germany struggling with austerity. With its three wheels (two in the front and one at the rear), the KR175 wasn't known for its handling prowess, but its simplicity and affordability made it a hit.
In 1955, the KR200 replaced the KR175. While visually similar, the KR200 featured a larger 191cc engine, improved suspension, and a more refined interior. Most notably, it offered a reverse gear, a feature sorely lacking in the KR175. The KR200 was available in various configurations, including a roadster (without the bubble canopy) and a convertible with a fabric roof. It was also offered in a "Sport" model, known as the KR200 Sport, which featured a tuned engine and distinctive trim.
Despite its eccentric design, the Messerschmitt cabin car was surprisingly successful. Over 40,000 KR200s were produced between 1955 and 1964, proving that there was a market for affordable and unconventional transportation. The car became a symbol of post-war German ingenuity and resilience, showcasing the ability of a company rooted in wartime production to adapt and thrive in a peacetime environment.
However, as the German economy recovered and more conventional, affordable cars became available, the demand for the Messerschmitt cabin car waned. By 1964, production ceased, marking the end of Messerschmitt's venture into the world of microcars.
Today, the Messerschmitt cabin car is a highly sought-after collector's item. Its quirky design, unique history, and connection to a pivotal period in German history make it a fascinating and iconic vehicle. It serves as a reminder that even from the ashes of war, innovation and creativity can flourish, leading to unexpected and memorable creations like the Messerschmitt bubble car – a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring appeal of the unique.
