Estimate: £5,000 - £7,000

Registration Number: NRK664

Chassis Number: 9466

The Messerschmitt KR175 bubble car (1953–1955) was the first vehicle built by Messerschmitt under its 1952 agreement with Fritz Fend. In concept, although not in actual design, it was an extended version of the Fend Flitzer invalid carriage. Approximately 15,000 were built before it was replaced by the Messerschmitt KR200 in 1956. Messerschmitt, temporarily not allowed to manufacture aircraft, had turned its resources to producing other products.

In 1952, Fend approached Messerschmitt with the idea of manufacturing small motor vehicles. These were based on his Fend Flitzer invalid carriage. The first of Fend's vehicles to enter production at Messerschmitt's Regensburg factory was the KR175. The title Kabinenroller means “scooter with cabin”. 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.

This example of the iconic design, has the desirable perspex roof and would be a great addition to any collection or fun as “city runabout”.