Oxford Diecast Messerschmitt KR200 Bubble Car Rouge Sarde - 1:76 Scale

Oxford Diecast Messerschmitt KR200 Bubble Car Rouge Sarde - 1:76 Scale

The Messerschmitt KR200 (Kabinenroller or Cabin Scooter) was a three-wheeled bubble car designed by German aircraft engineer Fritz Fend and produced in the Messerschmitt aircraft factory in Regensburg, Germany. Introduced in 1955, between 1964 and when production ceased, approximately 40,000 rolled out of the factory. The Oxford replica features a hard top rather than the soft-top version. The car was designed so that the driver and passenger, riding tandem, got in through a canopy door hinged on the right side of the vehicle. The door included the windshield and window frames, which then closed as a monocoque construction over the top of the occupants and was secured on the left-hand side. The steering wheel/bar was like that in an aircraft and was much more responsive than comparable cars of its time. The engine comprised a 191 cc single cylinder 2-stroke model set in front of the rear wheel and behind the passenger seat. There is still a lot of interest in this unusual automobile nicknamed 'Schmitt' today, with enthusiasts all over the world willing to pay over 20,000 Euros for one, against its original DM2500 (1278 Euros)!
This model comes in a bright red with a clear roof 'bubble', black chassis and interior floor; bright red dashboard and seating. Because the roof opens, the interior is particularly well detailed featuring chrome dashboard panels and steering wheel. There is a lot of chrome/silver trim on the exterior too, including the hubcaps. The model has a UK registration plate 627 CD, emphasising that the tandem format of the driver and passenger seats made the left-hand, right-hand drive mechanical adjustments unnecessary.