Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th October, 2024 13:00
1959 Messerschmitt KR200 Cabriolet DeLuxe
No Reserve
Registration No: YOR 40
Chassis No: 70512
MOT: Exempt
On offer from the estate of the late David Neve
Purchased by the later owner from H&H having been subject to a full restoration previously
A rewarding recommissioning project
ntroduced in 1953 as the 'fend', after its co-designer Fritz Fend, the KR175 Kabinenroller (scooter with cabin) was soon been marketed under the more famous Messerschmitt name. The narrow body and corresponding low frontal area was achieved with tandem seating and handlebar controls which also allowed the body to taper like an aircraft fuselage. Powered by a two-stroke 148cc Fichtel & Sachs engine that produced a modest 9bhp, the fuel consumption was reported to be 87mpg with a top speed of 55mph. In 1955, an improved KR200 was introduced with a larger 191cc engine, revised bodywork, an improved turning circle and floor-mounted accelerator and clutch. The tandem seating allowed centralised weight distribution irrespective of occupants, avoiding the flawed logic of the Isetta's lop-sided engine arrangement, and providing the little tricycle with handling characteristics that outclassed its contemporaries. Four forward and four reverse gears made for rapid progress in either direction with a top speed of 62 mph, if you were brave enough. Available in the UK from 1955 onwards, production ceased in 1964 after some 30, 000 KR200s had been built.
According to the dating certificate supplied within the history file from the Messerschmitt Foundation of Great Britain, chassis 70512 was originally imported as a UK Market Cabriolet model from Germany by Cabin Scooters (Assemblies) Ltd on the 19th March 1959 and pleasingly retains its original registration number ‘YOR 40’ today. It is understood that the car was well known in club circles during its early life, however it was then laid up for approximately fourty years when it was acquired by the previous owner and treated to a comprehensive restoration using only original and club-supplied parts, during which the engine and transmission were overhauled by a club specialist. Re-registered after restoration in 2018 and used sparingly by the previous owner for only one year after, the tandem-seater was then sold by H&H at our March 2019 Duxford Imperial War Museum sale.
The late owner and father of the vendor, Mr David Neve, was the gentleman who would acquire the Messerschmitt from the auction, and it would become the jewel of his collection. Mr Neve’s son recalls that his father was exceptionally proud of his microcars and would often be seen around Norfolk at different car shows with them before his passing earlier in 2024.
Mr Neve’s declining health meant that his collection had not been used for some years, so all lots will require some level of mechanical attention prior to their usage. ‘YOR 40’ is to be supplied with a modest history file consisting of the UK V5C and some dating certificate material from the club. H&H is honoured to have been entrusted to offer the car collection all at No Reserve at our Duxford Imperial War Museum sale.
