Messerschmitt KR200

Messerschmitt was a German aircraft manufacturer. Because the company was forbidden from making more aircraft immediately after World War II, it turned to automobile production. The Messerschmitt KR200 was conceived in 1953 and sent to America two years later for the price of $1,073. The design was a cabin scooter-like design known as the “Kabinenroller.” It had two seats and three wheels. Messerschmitt produced the KR200 for about a decade from the mid-1950s to 1960s.

Torsilastic springs, similar to torsion bars, would give the KR200 suspension, and lightweight tube bumpers were a $50 option. A defining quirk of the KR200 was its sole wheel in the back, compared with two in the front. The front wheels controlled steering, while the rear wheel was driven by a 10 horsepower rear-mounted engine. Drivers learned to lean into corners because the car had a tendancy to tip. Fuel economy had a wide range of 60-100 MPG, with a top speed of 65 MPH.

A Messerschmitt KR200 today is a highly collectible car and typically sells for between $28k and $36k. Values fluctuate depending on condition, originality, and the specific variant. Messerschmitt's car division was turned over to Fend around 1964. In 1968, Messerschmitt merged with another company and eventually became part of Airbus.