Not one, but two Messerschmitt microcars to go under the hammer in Australia

Two rare Messerschmitt KR200 microcars are set to go under the hammer in Australia at next week’s Shannons Timed Online Summer Auction.

The KR200 was the result of a ban on Messerschmitt from producing aircraft after World War II. The German company had been one of Germany’s leading producers of military aircraft prior to and during the second world war.

The ‘kabineroller’, or quite literally ‘scooter with a cabin’, has gained a cult following since production ended in 1964, revered for its quirky design that included tandem seating for two (the passenger sat behind the driver) and a bubble top canopy.

Power came from a rear-mounted, two-stroke, single-cylinder Fichtel & Sachs 191cc engine good for 7.5kW. Yet despite the single-digit power output, the Messerschmitt KR200 was capable of speeds of up to 90km/h, thanks largely to its 230kg kerb weight.

Shannons is offering two KR200s in its upcoming auction.

The first, owned by the seller for the past seven years, underwent a full restoration four year's ago. It’s finished in a bright turquoise and white, with contrasting black canopy. The interior is finished in tan vinyl.

The KR200 is described as being in “very good condition” with the owner adding it “runs and drives great”. It’s estimated to sell for between $40,000-$50,000. The listing can be found here.

The second KR200 is being described as a “project car” and “largely intact and mostly complete”.

Missing components include the bubble roof canopy while the original Sachs engine has been replaced by a Honda motorcycle engine and gearbox. It’s estimated to sell between $10,000-$15,000. You can check out the auction listing here.

The Shannons Timed Online Summer Auction is on from February 21-28.

Shannons has sold a couple of the iconic microcars recently, a 1957 Messerschmitt KR200 Royal Blue cabriolet going under the hammer for $56,200 in 2021 while in May of last year, a red over brown 1958 model sold for $45,000.