1960 Messerschmitt Tg500 Tiger

1960 FMR Tg500 'Tiger' Cabriolet Microcar

License plate STM 982

Chassis number 21065

Engine number 2829

• Raced by Eduard Ernst

• Offered with a very rare Sports top

• Retains its original engine

• A highly sought after and important specimen

The Messerschmitt Kabinenroller microcar, introduced in 1953 as the 'Fend', named after co-designer Fritz Fend, was soon marketed under the manufacturer's name. This change coincided with the switch from the original's 148cc Fichtel & Sachs engine to a 174cc engine. The single-cylinder two-stroke engine, located at the rear, produced a modest 9 hp, yet still enough to propel the light and aerodynamic KR175 to a speed of approximately 88 km/ h. The plexiglass canopy, so strongly reminiscent of those on Messerschmitt's warplanes, hinged sideways to provide access to the two occupants seated one behind the other, in a tandem style.

The KR175 was succeeded by the KR200 in 1955. Later models bore the diamond-shaped FMR logo, which stood for Fahrzeug und Maschienenbau GmbH Regensburg. Derivative models included the KR201 Roadster and soft-top convertible, and the fearsome four-wheeled sports model Tg500, unofficially known as the 'Tiger'.

Although the "Tiger" superficially bore little resemblance to the KR200, it was especially identical "under the skin." Instead of the KR200's 191cc single-cylinder engine, as its name suggests, the TG500 was powered by a 500cc engine: a twin-cylinder, air-cooled, two-stroke engine designed by Fichtel & Sachs. This was paired with larger wheels and brakes (hydraulic instead of cable-operated), improved suspension, and, most obviously, four wheels. This allowed for contemporary sports car performance, and with its agile handling, the Tiger proved to be an effective competition vehicle in the right hands. Production ran from 1958 to 1961, with only approximately 300 units produced.

This specific car was built in 1960 for racing use by FMR, specifically for and under the direction of FMR employee and driver Eduard Ernst. The car incorporated his own ideas and modifications to improve its competitive position. These included an aerodynamic front spoiler; improved rear air intakes for better cooling; the removal of the externally mounted spare wheel and license plate holder; modifications to the front suspension and gearbox; and numerous modifications under the hood. A Sporttop was available as an option instead of a conventional convertible top. Importantly, this rare Sporttop has remained with the car. Although modern replicas exist, few factory-built Sporttops have survived.

This example was painted in a unique combination of metallic red and silver and was first registered in Germany under "R CC 143". The car was subsequently used by Ernst for racing, with photos from that era. The car then passed through the hands of another five owners in Germany before being transferred to the United Kingdom by an enthusiast in the early 90s.

The car was initially registered in the United Kingdom as HSK 211 and shortly thereafter as STM 982 (an interesting number in itself, as it began its life on a Berkeley racing sports car). The car was thoroughly restored and returned to its original metallic red and silver livery. Subsequently, the car was used extensively, including during many foreign tours and rallies, notably as an entrant in the historic Liège–Brescia–Liège Rally in 2008, where it was part of a team of three Tigers that won the Team Prize. Additionally, the car was exhibited at the Cartier Style et Luxe Concourse d'Elegance in 1999.

In 2012, the car was acquired by the current owner. The last MOT inspection took place in August 2019 at 25. 997 miles, while the current mileage is just over 26. 000 miles. The car was recently taken out of storage, started, and run with fresh fuel and a new battery.

This example is a very well-known and fully registered Tiger Register, maintained by enthusiasts and officially listed. It has been featured in 'Messerschmitt Kabinenroller' by Jens Kron and 'More Bubble Cars & Micro Cars' by Andrea and David Sparrow. An example worth taking a closer look at and a valuable addition to any car collection.

This car has an English registration.