FMR Messerschmitt Kabine Roller

Fritz Fend was an aeronautical engineer at Messerschmitt during the Second World War. After Germany's defeat and the 'liquidation' of Germany's military industries, Fend developed a small, powered invalid carriage called the Fend Flitzer to provide transport to the millions of injured ex-servicemen.

Demand obviously outstripped the capacity of Fend's backyard operation so he enlisted the services of his former employer - Messerschmitt. Willy Messerschmitt was determined to preserve his company for the future and happily leased out factory space to any worthwhile venture. Messerschmitt and Fend signed a joint-venture to manufacture and sell an improved version of the Flitzer to sell to a transport hungry public.


Messerschmitt sold the KR175 and KR200 until 1956, when Messerschmitt was allowed to recommence aircraft production. Willy Messerschmitt sold the scooter business to Fend, which continued production under the name FMR until 1964.


Messerschmitt also produced a variety of other machinery, such as sewing machines:
https://heinkelscooter.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-other-other-messerschmitt-cl54zz.html
and Mokuli Triporters: https://heinkelscooter.blogspot.com/2023/05/fmr-messerschmitt-mokuli-delivery.html

Cars of the German Miracle

In May the temporary exhibition at the Prototyp Museum was the Cars of the German Miracle. The exhibition covered a selection of German vehicles from the early 1950s. This period covered the rise and fall of scooters and microcars and the evolution of many of the prestige German cars we know today.

1937s Goliath F400 triporter van. Triporters like these were the backbone of German industrialisation. The choice of the Goliath however was a little odd, given that Tempo tricycles were actually manufactured in Hamburg, while Goliaths were built in nearby Bremen.

Borgward Isabella cabriolet.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz 300SL

Opel Rekord

Volkswagen

Volkswagen T2 Transporter

Zundapp Janus

Heinkel Kabine and Messerschmitt Tiger

Messerschmitt Tiger cabriolet

Mopetta

Vespa 125 and Lloyd LT 600 van. Lloyd vans, manufactured by the Borgward group, are extremely rare.

Kleinschnitter leading the microcar row.http://home.clara.net/peterfrost/kleins.html



NSU Super-Max motorcycle with a Vespa 125

1949 IFA RT125. A very early East German version of the prewar DKW RT125. This example was probably built using prewar surplus parts as it has old style girder forks.

Bubbling rivals - the BMW Isetta and Heinkel Kabine

Volkswagen transport. The VW drive train was very versatile and could be adapted to many uses.