Messerschmitt KR 202
proven model – most modern technology
the replica of the legendary cabin trolley
The post-war period in Germany required intelligent solutions to the existing transport problems: People had to become mobile, the vehicles had to be able to be built quickly, could not consume too many resources and had to be exceptionally robust while being inexpensive. For when aircraft engineer Fritz Fend set out to design small cars, the infrastructure in Germany was still largely destroyed, the cobblestone roads littered with potholes and inadequately patched. Fend had just designed a spartan “Fend Flitzer” with a 98 cubic centimetre Sachs engine when he met up again with his former employer, Professor Willy Messerschmitt.
From the Messerschmitt KR 200
to the new models KR 202 Sport & KR 202 E
The KR 175 Messerschmitt cabin scooter was launched under this name in 1953. Its chic design still causes a sensation today, its technology was ingenious: instead of a steering wheel, an aeroplane driver engaged the front axle without a steering gear, which enabled experienced “pilots” to perform lightning-fast steering manoeuvres. The air-cooled 173 cc engine from Fichtel & Sachs formed the drive swing arm together with the gearbox and the rear wheel and got the cabin scooter moving properly, also thanks to its aerodynamic shape. Since then, the unit of drive and sprung rear swing arm has also become established in scooters of all kinds – from the Vespa to today’s mass-produced scooters of all sizes, this construction principle is still “state of the art” today! Pilot and co-pilot sat one behind the other under a plexiglass canopy that opened to the right and also served as an entrance, just like in a fighter plane. The basic construction of the cabin scooter consisted of a stable but light tubular frame with a floor pan and a welded-on sheet steel body in the design language of its time. This design principle remained unchanged throughout the entire production period from 1953 to 1964. Whether the KR 175, KR 200 or KR 201: the cabin scooter was the initial spark for the mobilisation of post-war society. It fulfilled dreams of freedom and prosperity, made the way to work just as much a pleasure as the way to the shops, to the open-air swimming pool or even on holiday! Whether closed version, with folding roof or as a full convertible – with the Messerschmitt, Germany drove into the economic miracle on three wheels!
The ingenious design, the unique silhouette and the dream of mobility and independence have made the Messerschmitt cabin scooter a legend. But the legend lives on! In the Messerschmitt manufactory in the south of Spain, the new cabin scooter has been very sensitively brought into the 21st century. There, under the direction of the German carmaker and designer Joachim M. Adlfinger, two versions of the cult runabout are being handcrafted. His replica picks up on all the features that made the Messerschmitt a style icon: The Plexiglas cockpit, the round instruments, leather-covered seats with leather and piping colours that can be individually selected to match the vehicle colour. So the unique design and the nimbus of the economic miracle have remained, but the technology is more modern, robust and easy to maintain. The KR 202 Sport is powered by a large-series four-stroke engine from scooter construction. Here we find the drive concept that Fritz Fend and Dr. Messerschmitt devised in the early 1950s. Powerful and full-throttle, it effortlessly accelerates the solid body made of fibreglass-reinforced plastic on a lattice tube frame to top speed. Of course, the engine complies with all currently valid exhaust regulations.
The second version of the cabin scooter finally sets standards and brings a groundbreaking design into the 21st century: Because the KR 202 E is accelerated by an electric drive: A maintenance-free and low-noise electric motor draws its power from high-performance batteries with a long range. It has an easy job with the Messerschmitt and spoils driver and passenger with driving dynamics that Fritz Fend and Willi Messerschmitt could only dream of in their day. When the KR 202 E is charged solely by solar power, you have the good feeling of enjoying maximum driving pleasure with “zero emissions”!
Both drive variants are available with a closed Plexiglas canopy or as a convertible. In addition, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to the colours of the interior and paint finish. This makes the Messerschmitt cabin scooter certainly the most individual statement in terms of mobility.