Car Vrum

After World War II, manufacturer Messerschmitt – known for the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter aircraft – was no longer allowed to build aircraft. That is why the company decided to focus on prefab houses and small vehicles. In the 1950s, not many Europeans could afford a car. That’s why bubble cars were so popular back then. They were economical, inexpensive and offered more protection from the elements than a motorcycle or moped.

Three-wheeled Messerschmitt KR with two seats

Well-known examples of the dwarf cars are the BMW Isetta, the Heinkel Kabine, the Zündapp Janus and the Messerschmitt KR. The latter was a three-wheeler, with space for two passengers behind each other under an airplane-like cockpit cover. It was built from 1953 to 1964 and was powered by a two-stroke single-cylinder engine. Remarkable: there was no round handlebar in the Messerschmitt, but a kind of control stick, which only needed very small movements to turn the front wheels completely to the left or to the right.

Tiny battery provides 80 kilometers of range

The German company Messerschmitt-Werke specializes in Kabinenrollers and is now bringing the KR back to the market. The mini car is available in two variants: as the KR 202 (with 125 cc four-stroke single cylinder and 7.3 hp) and as the KR E-5000 (with a 6.8 hp electric motor). The latter is equipped with a tiny 1.4 kWh battery, which supplies you with enough electricity for a range of up to 80 kilometers. Charging is not that fast. The battery needs 4 to 6 hours on power to get full again.

Can be ordered in Germany from 10,950 euros

Both versions of the Messerschmitt KR have a top speed of 90 km / h. They weigh around 200 kilos. Modern additions include LED headlights, disc brakes, adjustable suspension and a lightweight fiberglass body. You can order the electric KR E-5000 with an extra battery for more range. The Messerschmitt KR 202 can be ordered from 10,950 euros, excluding taxes. For the E-5000 you have to bring 12,950 euros.