1955 Messerschmitt KR200
Abraham Phillips Vehicle story
This is a 1955 Messerschmitt KR200 built by the famed World War II German aircraft designer, Willy Messerschmitt... and YES! Elvis owned one of these vehicles!
Everything in this car is original to the period. The engine, transmission, clutch, suspension, interior, etc. are all original and offer the authentic engine sound and feel of the road as when it was first produced.
There are too many unique qualities of this car to list but I'll give you a few:
-It goes 55-60mph and is highway legal.
-It has four gears that operate completely differently than normal vehicles.
-It has a 2 cycle engine.
-It seats three people (although, depending on size, it can get a little crammed inside).
-It was originally intended as a car for wounded German soldiers of limited mobility after the war but the design proved popular that it was marketed for for general use.
If you rent this car, BE PREPARED FOR CROWDS & QUESTIONS every time you park somewhere. It pays to read up a little on the history of the vehicle so that you are prepared to answer questions each time you exit the vehicle. I've had ambulances, police, etc. stop me to ask about the car and have received over 1,000 requests for selfies with the car. BE PREPARED for the attention you will be receiving! It can get a little overwhelming.
These are two links worth reviewing for more information:
-https://www.racecar.com/news/97781/market-and-auction/1962-messerschmitt-microcar-at-mecum-las-vegas-auction (this article is incorrect about the speed limit).
-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messerschmitt_KR200
Wheels and tires
Tires are 6 ply Heidenau 4.00-8 71L (recommended high quality tires for Messerschmitt vehicles). Wheels are stock 1955 Messerschmitt KR200 hardware.
Brakes
Original 1955 drum brakes were upgraded to vented brakes for safety purchased from Frank Thunig (a well know Messerschmitt parts supplier). This allows for better cooling on long downhill runs. Brakes are mechanical. Brakes were adjusted under the direct supervision of David Garner, president of the Messerschmitt Owners Club of the UK.
Transmission
Transmissions on Messerschmitt KR200s are encased in the engine casing (as are the clutch, alternator, starter, & contacts). There are four gears. You pull back on the lever for 1st, then push forward on the lever for 2nd, 3rd, & 4th. There is a neutral selection in between each gear. There is a gearshift lever you pull with your hand to put the car into neutral. It is important with the SACHS 199CC engine to allow the engine to drop in RPMs before shifting gears. Easy to learn.
The clutch is a wet clutch (unlike VWs) so it is constantly bathed in oil & very robust. It is very hard to wear out the clutch (burning out a Messerschmitt clutch is almost a non-existent issue).