Real Road Test: Messerschmitt KR200 Cabriolet

Dream achieved! Yes, I drive a Messerschmitt KR200, borrowed at the National Microcar Rally 2018.
The KR200 has a single-cylinder aircooled engine of 191cc driving the rear wheel through a sequential gearbox. It has tiny wheels.

[@shanehnorman]

Wunderbar! At age 17, a 1959 KR200 was my very first 'car', bought used in Nottingham. I can vouch for the engineering and build quality - it felt very solid. The brakes were something else, as you noticed. They're cable-operated and getting all three to work simultaneously - or at all - was an art I never mastered. It was in this car that I passed that milestone which all new drivers must experience, i.e., overturning it. I did this on a misjudged hairpin bend (those brakes!) in front of a crowd of Yorkshire pub patrons, who were vastly amused when I coolly stepped out, lifted it back on its wheels, and drove on. Happy days?

[@naajohnnorthcott8267]

My way of adjusting the brakes was to partially apply the handbrake (which worked all three wheels), jack the front up and rotate each wheel by hand to judge which cable needed twiddling. Finally release the handbrake to check the brakes weren't binding. Extra fine adjustment could be judged by braking gently, hands off on a flat surface. The back brake didn't do much and got left to it's own devices. It did have a tendency to lift a front wheel as a prelude to overturning but I found that hurtling across the cockpit and hitting the side with my shoulder knocked it back on the road again. Ah! Happy days!

[@shanehnorman]

@@naajohnnorthcott8267 Wish I'd known that hack at the time !

[@madhatters1966]

You lucky man getting to drive that lovely classic , Thanks for taking us along for the drive

[@mickles1975]

You should watch out for Triumph Spitfires while driving that thing.

[@colinp2238]

Nein zose fokkers were Hurricanes!

[@theothertonydutch]

@TheGolden Hour The Me262 was the first practical fighter jet, though the Heinkel 178 is the first flying jet plane.

[@juliethurgood3667]

Ja Kooistra Though, at first, the engines made by BMW used to overheat and explode but it was okay once they were replaced by Junkers engines.

[@juliethurgood3667]

Carole Ramsey Eight of them perhaps?

[@jackpontiac52]

And Armstrong-Siddley Typhoon's

[@kevintynan796]

So your feet are first to arrive at the scene of the accident. Great vehicle! Enjoyed your review.

[@RexWaldron]

This video literally made my day! What a fabulous, bonkers vehicle. Seeing a red one on the way to school every day in the early 60's has left a lasting impression on me :)

[@charlesmoore3321]

Something to be said for minimalist transportation. Wish there was more of it to be had.

[@Tigermoto]

I was driving a van towards Ashbourne in Derbyshire and ended up following 4 of these, quite painful on those lovely, hilly, windy roads but beautiful to see.

[@TheIamIrving]

Your screams of fear and agony while cornering made this one of the funniest videos I've seen in some time.

[@pierrerheaume8864]

Big thumbs up Mr HubNut! Fantastic ride, must be quite a thrill to pilot one of those, thanks .

[@robinturner2300]

I have a vision of Ian in leather flying helmet and goggles I can't get out of my mind now you mentioned "pilot"

[@kubelwagen516]

I don't have to ride this thing and already got the feel of it, it feel like i was riding with you in that little cabin, your report is spot on and real time, the sound of shifting, engine exhaust, mechanical all there, but its hard to believe that this little three wheeler actually made from the factory which also produced the almighty ME109 and Me262, good job mate.

[@boelwerkr]

Flying a Messerschmitt in a dogfight : good idea! Driving a Messerschmitt in a dogfight : bad idea!

[@gryfandjane]

I must admit to some envy here. I've long been fascinated by the Messerschmidt. Thanks for the ride!

[@plezurhounds]

I'd say you're "schmitten" with it:-)

[@stevejelly3161]

All I can say is ,,,,,,,,,, the little car is very interesting,,,,,,,and what great journalism surrounding the car, It was as if you just "took us all out in it". Many Thanks "Hub Nut",,,,,,,, that was just very "relaxing" and nostalgic to watch.

[@waynetetley584]

I enjoyed this test drive. It is surprisingly quiet. Thanks for sharing the experience Ian 😀

[@xyz2121]

They aren't quiet. Believe me!

[@michaelsimms76]

Another top video, love the detailed description of the braking capabilities of the car whilst secretly praying it would slow down enough to take the corner . Looked a lot of fun to drive though .

[@CZ350tuner]

Way back in the mid 1980's a friend was demonstrating his FAC Webley Vulcan 0.22" (5.56mm.) air rifle by firing a Prometheus stainless steel nylon sleeved shot through a very large empty paint can hung on the inside of his garage door. He shot the can and it went into the can..... through the other side and through the thick steel door. Looking through the holes they lined up with a parked KR200 over 150 yards away parked against the kerb in the road. We sauntered over and walked past. In the right rear flank was non-OEM 0.22" additional hole. Now my friend was from Yorkshire so once in a while, years later, he'd come out with, in a Yorkshire accent, "Lemme tell you about t'time I shot t' Messerschmitt with t'air rifle". Listeners would imagine a Yorkshire AA battery armed with an air rifle shooting at German aircraft (Plus the customary Yorkshireman, "Cos times t'were hard back then we were so poor that we didn't have t'anti-aircraft guns in them days", etc.). They were usually underwhelmed by the fact that he's only shot a KR200 by accident. If whoever has this KR200 has always wondered where the bullet hole in the right side came from, the mystery has been solved.

[@mikehawes4935]

Loved this, just came across it, not sure if we mentioned this with the Heinkel bubble car, but it must be applauded your skill at driving just about anything , no matter how strange, hats off to you. This kind of micro car = terrifying

[@ChrisG3253032]

It certainly has a cuteness about it. I'd love one, but the steep hills in the suburbs here in New Zealand (Dunedin) would likely kill it.

[@robhosking9399]

Absolutely Loved Your Drive In The Messerschmitt KR 200 Cabriolet! What A Wonderfull Little Micro Car! Always Wondered How They Drove! Now I Know! I Guess A Similar Bond Minicar Experience! With The Sequential Motorcycle Gearbox! And So Cute To!! Fantastic Video Ian!!!!!

[@raspucin70]

2:14 in vid: When you have to look UP to a 2CV door handles, you know you are in micro-car

[@post2memrg]

Blimey! what a lovely car made me jump on Wiki to find out more, Very well driven Ian

[@Radfordperson]

Thank you Ian, I've never driven one of these, did have an Isetta bought second hand about 1967. Had the 300cc engine bored out to maximum, not sure what size it ended up. The Isetta is almost a practical car. The two wheels at the front is so much more stable than the one at the front arrangement.

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

Now that was cool, you lucky man! I would love to have a go at driving one. What a clever idea with the seat. I've always like the myth about the canopies and the hope that one may of come from a WW2 fighter! Great video 👍

[@Robutube1]

Mid 60's, Sheerness Technical High School for Boys, Mr Milliken, a sort of technology teacher, drove one of these. I loved it then and do so still. Thanks for the memories Ian!

[@charlesprice925]

Well, that was fun. "Interesting?" Yeah! That's what you wants breaks to do in an emergency. Thanks for showing it!

[@TheCounty90]

Perfectly terrifying. I hear the BBC will be broadcasting the Wimbledon finals in beard vision next year. Cutbacks cutbacks.

[@b.2221]

Awesome, and thank you very much for sharing this Sir 👍 Tam.

[@DaveInBridport]

I have always wondered what they were like! Great vid!

[@robertbransby]

What a beautiful little thing, loving beard cam 😂

[@dazt103]

That looked scary but great fun too! Can't believe it has rear seats aswell.

[@timothysimpkins3664]

Amazing driving position on a Messerschmitt KR200!

[@steamwally]

Passed one of these a few weeks ago, tackling the fearsome Westerham Hill at a steady single digit pace... I on the other hand, carried down hill at speed attempting not to cook my Land Rover's drum brakes..

[@pdtech4524]

Excellent road test, looks like heaps of fun and I guess lot's of waving lol 😁😎👍😊

[@janhanchenmichelsen2627]

Wunderbar, herr Achsmutter!

[@peakfreans68]

Great work Ian. Really enjoyed your road test. Yes, I do need to adjust the brakes!

[@HubNut]

Thanks ever so much for allowing me to drive it. What is the lever on the gearstick for by the way?

[@peakfreans68]

That little lever is the neutral selector. It drops into neutral from any gear. Handy at traffic lights.

[@rodneyjweltham150]

I really really want one of these. Here in Toronto Canada are used to work with an old gentleman who was just a boy during World War II and when he immigrated to Canada he had one of these in Canada having had it shipped from Germany. I just can't imagine. But I still want one!!

[@frglee]

Very interesting, I'd always wondered how practical and driveable they were. The answer seems to be 'fairly', but also quite fun, judging from this video. The beardcam adds extra wierdness! Cousin Itt from the Addams family, also quite furry, drove a Messerschmitt KR175. An orange one, I think.

[@stephenshippam9374]

Hi Ian another good road test what a interesting little car

[@SirBeauJangles]

A pal of mine had one of these. These only needed a provisional motorcycle licence if memory serves, the motor was a single of 200cc capacity made by Sachs in Germany. It was attached to a thing called a Siba Dynastart which took care of the forward/reverse engine rotation and generated battery charging.. with three track lines on the road it was near impossible to steer past/over potholes. The engine was essentially a motorcycle unit, a crude piston ported two stroke single running on petroil mix, and was accordingly a smokey little lump. And full of vibration, and gearbox whines and graunches These were tiring to drive over more than a few miles and not good for your hearing because of high cabin noise. Having shit brakes was unofficially seen as a sort-of safety feature. Kind of like how ABS wasn't, because knowing your ABS brakes were highly efficient it encouraged over fast fast driving: And therefore, more accidents. Crap brakes? Just the opposite. Bubble cars occupied a diminutive sector of the post-WW2 motorcycle market because they could driven on a provisional Qbike driving licence. The more serious end of this market was occupied by Isettas, Bonds, Reliants.

[@davidhayes4814]

My auntie drove one of these. A huge, fat guy on a bike pulled out in front of her. She never stood a chance. Of course the b******* fled leaving only his bicycle clips. R.I.P. Aunt Maureen, you and your Messerschmitt KR 200 will never be forgotten.

[@marknelson5929]

Just love the way the 'canopy' swings up to the right, just like its wartime 'stablemate' that flew... the Messerschmitt Bf 109. Hard to imagine the factory where these little beauties were made in the 50s at Regensburg turned out fighters for the Luftwaffe. A dramatic and peaceful alternative.

[@Davett53]

2022,.....Great video! Thoroughly enjoyable. I've wanted one for years,....I drove a Honda 150cc, scooter for 33 years,...a 1985 Honda Elite 150cc,...referred to as "twist and go", no shifting and it was a blast, it had a water cooled engine and was capable of going 65 MPH. With its tiny wheels, it was rather terrifying to drive it on the highway, but I did try it a few times when it was brand new, in 1985 and I was only 30 years old. I'm 68 now, and (they) stopped making the repair parts, and it finally pooped out in 2019. The young kids on the Internet are repairing them from salvaged parts, found at swap meets. At age 68,...I'm not sure I want to buy another one,..though even in 2022, new versions are available. Still fairly inexpensive,...I think my 1985 model cost around $2,000.00, brand new. Newer ones today cost more,...Between $2,500.00 to $4,000.00. I'm in the USA. Very well,..thanks.

[@MalcOfLincoln]

Had a ride to London as passenger in one of these once Ian. I was at agricultural engineering college at Thame and a friend had one. Drove it around the car park though.

[@misterhoeflak]

Loving your videos - I'm a big fan of French cars and 50s bubble cars!

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

I used to own two Messerschmitts which I was restoring. Unfortunately neither ever made it on to the roads. I still have the owners manual and workshop manual. In the 1960s they were still being used as daily drivers and you could pick one up for very little money. Nowadays, they are sought-after collectors items and worth as much as a used Rolls-Royce.

[@northstar1950]

I think your very brave risking life and limb to keep people like me entertained and I am well entertained too.

[@daweshorizon]

You must have balls of steel my friend. Looks absolutely terrifying! Love and peace.

[@landscapedetective4064]

HubNut. That was fun to watch. I learned to drive in a KR200, many, many year ago when I was a mere lad of 14, zipping around the Hertfordshire country roads. Yeah, bit naughty of me, but you could get away with things like that back in the 1970s. The car was actually owned by a friend's older brother. He had two KR200s and a KG500. Sometimes we'd tear around a field at the back of my friend's house, wearing old flying goggles and pretend we were in a WW2 dogfight. Daft, but great fun all the same. It was delightful to see you enjoy your first ride. It's something you'll never forget. If they ever remade them, I'd buy one.

[@HubNut]

There have been a few attempts to remake them, but sadly none of the schemes has lasted long.

[@c.e.ardanaz1234]

Exelente, muy buen video, en mi familia un primo tuvo uno, aún ando rastreando a dónde fué a dar, otro amigo aún conserva uno en su casa, espero volver a ver pronto, felicitaciones !!!

[@klwthe3rd]

I first saw one of these during a Wheeler Dealer episode when Edd did a beautiful job restoring it. I wouldn't have the balls to drive one of them on the public roads as you have little to no protection if someone else hit you. Awesome drive along!

[@Ragnar8504]

Not any worse than a motorbike I'd say.

[@Paintheshed]

BRILLIANT very nice interesting video :D I want to drive it now!

[@nitrorory]

That makes twc look powerful and luxurious ! I’d be sweating on the open road in that !

[@100SteveB]

Quite frightening looking up at all those large chunks of metal whilst they speed past you coming from the other direction! Beard came does a great job of putting us in the drivers seat. Looks like a lot of fun to drive, albeit rather scary at times. :-)

[@MrButtonpresser]

Elly's long lost love-child! Thanks for the vid

[@MINIMOTOMADNESS]

well another brilliant video ian,you are racking up those bravery awards,are you a born again fighter pilot?

[@harpsi8]

A cool blast going down the road with you Ian. Best look I ever seen Of a fascinating auto. I was always curious about them. How I wish they sold them here. I guess the insurance compines saw to many dangers to their companies. I have seen a few adverts for classic collectable Messershimts. Also its the car of choice for Cousin "IT" in the Adams family movies and tv shows. Great to enjoy such a close up look at one, Brilliant Video! Your fans Richard&Sue-way Cat. From LA.USA. 🇺🇸

[@ajivins1]

There was one in 'Brazil', too.

[@buxvan]

Nice one hubnut. I had a heinkel Ireland 200 which I got up to 60 mph with a carb from a Honda cd 185 benley fitted. Couldn’t afford a kr200 back in the early 80’s.

[@robinturner2300]

Ahh memories of "riding" pillion in my cousins come flooding back. The cold sweat and white nuckles... And in his case yes it was a Fokker ... Christ you are brave Ian, first an Invacar now this.

[@lookandlisten5740]

Which button operates the machine guns ?

[@dunc1958]

Outstanding fun and enjoyment with less than 10 bhp, as a motorcyclist I'm used to a sequencial gearbox that does not mean I could drive the Messerschmitt though . ( my motorcycle has 6 times the capacity and 9 times the bhp but I get wet when it rains)

[@repairupdaterepeat5815]

Looks a lot like piloting a combination. Does look like fun 👍

[@richardpearce1065]

Hi Ian back in the 50@60,s i remember in our green there being a Reliant van -Meshersmit -Isetta various Ford Zephers ,Yummy.

[@stevenjones1972]

Great video,i don't whats more scary to drive the Messerschmitt or TWC LOL,its not easy the gearbox but you get used to it pulls very well on the road.

[@grahamh8221]

The little lever on the gearstick is a neutral selector; when changing down pull the lever for a neutral below the gear you are in then it will go down smoothly into the next lower gear. Think of it as double de-clutching made easy.

[@willhempstead8355]

simply brilliant!

[@gosportjamie]

Back in the late '50s and early '60s my mum was a nurse in London. One day when she was on rotation with the ambulance crews she attended a Messerschmitt versus lorry. Most of a Messerschmitt will go under a lorry without problem, however the canopy and occupants' head and shoulders don't. The results were, well, messy...

[@GrandadIsAnOldMan]

You are a brave man

[@ricklane8554]

I remember these cars so well.... this is real fun. My mother had a friend with a BMW 700 if I'm right :)

[@ricklane8554]

HubNut actually the BMW Isette is about the same as this tiny one :)

[@antman5474]

Nicely done, I thought you handled that well for a first drive, it looked to me like a bit of a sensory overload. I'd be tempted to pop a 500cc Yamaha scooter engine in it though. Just for fun mind you.

[@2mallyb]

They did build some with 500 cc twin cylinder engines, and 4 wheels--very very fast !

[@robinturner2300]

Most tiptronic gearboxes such as those from Audi, Porsche et al are actually sequential when in manual shift mode this beastie was ahead of its time.

[@tonypate9174]

Das Audi Auto "inventing" old tractor tech for the uber kool with a "K" hip trendy window (tinted) licking volk with a "V" that enjoy over long Teutonic techno "sprechen", news on the "Neu" MK XXVI Kettenkrad (Q 0.8 Half Road) is wunderbar now the team behind the A2 taken from ze bunker and shot. Mods for the U S of A none "stick" and front brake done the auto turn right (far far right) stomp over Poland to old Mother Russia glitch be overcome by the eastern seaboard ...Will HubNut master one ?

[@JamesAllmond]

Given its age, as in older than you or I, and I was born when Eisenhower was US Pres, it's doing rather well! Good one!

[@ChileMiPais]

I had the chance to drive one of those around when I was living in Chile back in the early seventies

[@peter7624]

The reverse was by means of a Siba Dynastart, which, as you say spun the engine in reverse. It was a generator/starter motor which sat on the end of the crankshaft. Very ingenious!

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

They came with either a Siba Dynastart or a Bosch Dynastart and they were not interchangeable.

[@thassaloid]

Neutral is selected by pulling the small lever at the top of the gearstick, there is no neutral between 1st and 2nd like a motorbike. My first car was a Messerschmitt KR200 in 1976.

[@roverchap]

I see you made it to Alderley Edge, where on any day you can see a parade of expensive sports cars posing on the high street. You turned around just before the village - shame, it would have been fun to see the Messerschmitt parked next to an Aston Martin or Tesla.

[@logotrikes]

Of the three "iconic" microcars, the Messerschmitt, the Heinkel, and the Isetta, the Messerschmitt is easily the best in my view. Tandem seating ensures much more stability. Lovely little things. Wish I had one...

[@avocado71]

Great video, those brakes were pulling though!

[@Dunstire]

I remember following one of these years back and tinking it would be fun to drive one.Then it hit a slightly sunken drain grid,bounced up and only became contollable again seconds before heading into oncoming traffic.At that point,i changed my mind

[@chrispenn715]

Makes TWC look the size of a people carrier. Colour co-ordinated with the invacar too! :-)

[@mickyg1953]

In the late 1950s, a police constable living near us in Oldham had one. Other neighbor had a Bond 2 wheeler with the engine on the single front wheel.

[@HubNut]

Bond Minicar coming soon!

[@liverush24]

Good camera positioning. Great view.

[@HubNut]

Thanks. It was a struggle, as the side windows are not very secure!

[@liverush24]

@@HubNut You've ended up with the right balance of inside & outside view.

[@liverush24]

YOU were your own crumple zone.

[@waltertaljaard1488]

Fendt is actually written with dt. They are still there and make some quite good diesel tractors. They are also renown for their high end upmarket caravans.

[@micpal176]

Different Fend. de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fritz_Fend

[@richardpearce1065]

Hi Ian nice informative vid and the micraphone really does work and you do speak English !

[@timspooner59]

What a gear change!!!

[@bid84]

Every time a car passed opposite I winced, the windscreen gives a strange perspective so from your shoulder cam they all looked like head on collision until the last second

[@tomf2026]

Ahhh, as a kid in the early 70's I used to play in one of these in East London, Abandonned. At least we thought it was abandonned lol.....

[@richdelgado3405]

What an adorable little death trap!

[@peterjhillier7659]

I got over 80 out of mine going downhill between Sherborne and Yeovil. I used to imagine firing a burst of machine Gunfire at Spitfires!

[@Hvtesla]

What is the NCAP safety rating of these illustrious machines? And you missed out the 0-60 mph standing start

[@fasthracing]

Mother had one of these in the 60's. It set light with my then 5 year old sister in it. Sister was fine, Messerschmitt was Kaput.

[@BobAbc0815]

The rearward Visibility is a noteable Improvement over the Previous BF 109 Modell.

[@gosportjamie]

The TG500 was actually a very successful racing car in its time. Of course, having 4 wheels did rather help, although the rest took the Morgan trike format of two wheels at the front and one at the rear apparently they were still inclined to fall over more easily than a lot of drivers realised...

[@HubNut]

I've seen a Morgan very nearly fall over. Three wheels is never a recipe for stability.

[@Wok_Agenda]

"My first drive in a Messerschmitt" Thank god my grandpa's gun had no bullets

[@Levenstone132]

I followed one of these in my 1956 Ford Fairlane late one night.Hope I didn't scare him.!

[@cannedcatfood377]

It's pouring rain here in B.C.and the British Motorcycle Club is going up the "Sunshine Coast" (more like Rainshine) tomorrow. I'd much rather do it in that covered scooter!

[@piperdoug428]

I could handle a Eutopian society that has those in production, no big highway wrecks just a few bumps and a whole lot of apologizing, I can imagine the canopy is pricey to replace, and thanks of dispelling the myth about the dual use canopy.

[@Spac8]

When Edd China did a Messerschmitt I believe the canopy acrylic not cut down to size was approx £900.

[@oldmcmetal322]

German engeneering created so many(most of them shortlived) microcars from the late 1940s to mid 1950s, Zündapp Janus, Kleinschnittger, Gutbrod, Maico, Gogo Mobil just to mention a few.

[@simonrichardson5077]

Superb,thanks