The Kabinenroller Legacy: The Messerschmitt KR-175, affectionately known as the Kabinenroller or “Cabin Scooter,” was the brainchild of the brilliant aircraft engineer Fritz Fend. Born out of a collaboration with the renowned German aircraft manufacturer Messerschmitt, this three-wheeled wonder was destined to leave an indelible mark on the automotive world.

A Miniature Marvel: At first glance, this pint-sized yellow roadster may make a modern Smart Car appear as imposing as a Humvee. Introduced in 1953, it was an offshoot of the Fend Flitzer, featuring a rear-mounted 174cc single-cylinder engine producing a modest nine horsepower. While its top speed capped at 50 mph, the most distinctive feature was the bubble canopy, ingeniously replacing conventional doors. Production of the KR 175 was short-lived, spanning only until 1955, resulting in a relatively small total output of approximately 15,000 units. Remarkably, these adorable scooters commanded a price tag of 2,100 DM in 1953, and today, they find themselves in the coveted $35,000-$45,000 USD range.

A Shift in Focus: The intriguing history of the Messerschmitt Kabinenroller stems from the fact that Messerschmitt, an aircraft manufacturing giant, was temporarily prohibited from producing aircraft post-World War II. In 1952, Fritz Fend presented an innovative proposition to Messerschmitt: the production of small motor vehicles. These vehicles were based on Fend’s earlier creation, the Fend Flitzer invalid carriage. Thus, the journey of the Kabinenroller began.

A Separate Endeavor: While the Messerschmitt name and emblem adorned the vehicle, a distinct entity, Regensburger Stahl- und Metallbau GmbH, was established to oversee its production and marketing. The title “Kabinenroller” aptly translates to “scooter with a cabin,” reflecting the unique combination of compact design and comfortable cabin space.

Today, as we marvel at this delightful relic within the hallowed halls of the Museum Speyer, we are reminded of a time when innovation knew no bounds. The 1953 Messerschmitt Kabinenroller KR 175 Roadster remains a testament to human ingenuity and serves as a cherished reminder of an automotive era that celebrated the extraordinary in the most diminutive of packages.