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The Messerschmitt KR200, or ''Kabinenroller'' (Cabin Scooter), was a three-wheeled bubble car designed by the aircraft engineer Fritz Fend and produced in the factory of the German aircraft manufacturer Messerschmitt from 1955 to 1964. ==History== Messerschmitt, temporarily not allowed to manufacture aircraft, had turned its resources to producing other commodities. In 1952, Fend approached Messerschmitt with the idea of manufacturing small motor vehicles.〔"Ist das nicht ein Kabinenroller?" p.163〕 These were based on his Fend Flitzer invalid carriage.〔"Ist das nicht ein Kabinenroller?" p.164-165〕 The first of Fend's vehicles to enter production at Messerschmitt's Regensburg factory was the KR175.〔"Ist das nicht ein Kabinenroller?" p.167〕 The title ''Kabinenroller'' means "scooter with cabin".〔"Ist das nicht ein Kabinenroller?" p.162〕 While the Messerschmitt name and insignia were used on the car, a separate company, incorporated as Regensburger Stahl- und Metallbau GmbH, was created to manufacture and market the vehicle.〔 The KR200 replaced the KR175 in 1955.〔 While using the same basic frame as the KR175 with changes to the bodywork (notably including wheel cutouts in the front fenders) and an improved canopy design,〔"Ist das nicht ein Kabinenroller?" p.168〕 the KR200 was otherwise an almost total redesign.〔Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum: 1955 Messerschmitt KR200〕 The rear suspension and engine mounting were reworked, and hydraulic shock absorbers were installed at all three wheels. Tire sizes were enlarged to 4.00×8.〔 Retailing for around DM 2,500, the KR200 was considered an instant success with almost 12,000 built during its first year,〔〔"Erinnern Sie sich? Messerschmitt KR 200: Menschen in Aspik", pp. 74 – 76〕 which was the highest annual production for Kabinenroller models.〔 A maximum speed in excess of 〔 despite a claimed power output of only 〔 reflected the vehicle's light weight and low aerodynamic drag.〔 An "Export" package included a two-tone paint scheme, painted hubcaps, a fully trimmed interior, a heater, a clock, and a sunshade for the canopy.〔 In 1956, Messerschmitt was allowed to manufacture aircraft again and lost interest in Fend's microcars. Messerschmitt sold the Regensburg works to Fend who, with brake and hub supplier Valentin Knott, formed Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH Regensburg (FMR) to continue production of the KR200 and his other vehicles.〔"Ist das nicht ein Kabinenroller?" p.169〕〔 In 1957, the KR200 Kabrio model was released, featuring a cloth convertible top and fixed side window frames. This was followed by the KR201 Roadster without window frames, using a folding cloth top, a windscreen, and removable side curtains. A Sport Roadster was later offered with no top and with the canopy fixed into place so that the driver would have to climb in and out at the top of the car.〔 Production of the KR200 was heavily reduced in 1962 and ceased in 1964〔Cawthon, B. "Fritz Fend's Marvelous Micro-cars"〕 as sales had been dropping for a few years. The demand for basic economy transport in Germany had diminished as the German economy boomed.〔Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum: 1964 Messerschmitt KR200 Roadster〕 A similar situation developed in other parts of Europe such as in the manufacturer's biggest export destination, the United Kingdom, where sales were particularly affected by the increasing popularity of the Mini. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Messerschmitt KR200」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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