Photo ou archives : D. Ganneau
3505
KR200 Super Record-Breaker - 1955
A relaxed record-breaker
In August 1955, an immaculate Messerschmitt three-wheeler discreetly broke 22 world records in its class. Rarely have records been established with so little effort at so little cost. In fact, the marque made it a point of honor to accomplish this task with a machine as close as possible to standard trim.
Close to Standard
The Messerschmitt used for the occasion was a mildly modified current production model. The enlargement of its engine to 200cc from 175, a raised compression ratio, gas-flowed ports and a 27mm carburetor were the sole mechanical changes Messerschmitt permitted by H.W. Boensch and technical director Fritz Fend (creator of the Fend Flitzer, the origin of the Messerschmitt). Even the original muffler was retained; apart from that, duplicate control cables were installed, a large-capacity fuel tank fitted and a well-ventilated open cockpit provided.
An Unorthodox Location
Even the location of the record attempt was unorthodox: not a closed-off freeway nor the Great Salt Lake, but the Hockenheim race circuit, which imposed a speed restriction over some sections. That didn't prevent the slim projectile from scooping up all the homologated records between 50 km and 24 hours. Averaging some 66.5 mph and only consuming one gallon every 49 miles, it also demonstrated the great talent of this famed aeronautical company in the field of streamlining. This performance delighted the Messerschmitt board, who immediately authorized production of the 200 Sport derived from the existing 175 – and from this record-breaking 200 Super.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 192cc (65x58mm) air-cooled Sachs single-cylinder, flywheel magneto ignition
Power Rating: 14 hp @ 5500 rpm
Valves: two-stroke
Fuel System: carburetor
Transmission: 4-speecl, chain final drive
Suspension: swing arm (front & rear)
Brakes: drum (front & rear)
Wheels: 4.00x8 inch (front & rear)
Weight: 529 lb (including 132 lb of ballast)
Maximum Speed: 81 mph
The record-breaking session was organized to boost sales of its standard three-wheelers, so no drastic tuning methods were employed.