1958 Messerschmitt KR201 "Rat Rod"

 1958 Messerschmitt KR201 “Rat Rod”

 A rare but unrestored motorcar with most of the parts. acquired many years ago both as curiosity and for its Flash Gordon rocket resemblance. I don't know the specific model. but it resembles the KR201. The ID plate states KR200. There is a description of a similar model in the RM auction (lot 564) held in Atlanta (2/15/13) as a 201.

It has seating as a decorative object for me. until last year. went I discovered the “Rat Rod” philosophy and inspires me to practice on him watt I learned.   

 The freedom of using non-original parts and almost double the HP led me to go for the Honda Elite CH250(86) power plan. All the other parts are from recycled aircraft parts-suppliers and eBay. some from the GB club. and few critical parts from a Dutch supplier. (All the parts are reproduced. and most are available and reasonably priced. )  

The rusted floor. in particular where it joins the side wall. is a structural issue. The steel angle I have bolted along the side gives it strength and a solid base to bolt the double aluminum plate for the scooter rear- frame and engine-fastening. The front suspension's rubber donuts replace and brake are rebuilt. The tires are new. and the shocks are gas/coil. the new sets of originals are on the box.   All the work done has avoided modification or attempts to repair the condition of the original body as I found it (or personally damaged). The only holes drilled are on the floor pan and the bottom of the two sides' wall. which for scholarly restoration. need to be replaced.

 The interior is reupholstered. not in the original vinyl and color. but with green leather. and a snakeskin pattern personalized. Originally this car came without a clock; I drilled the holes on the dashboard to install an aircraft chronograph “Breguet” type12 (similar to the Bf 109). This looks good to me.

For the purists. missing are the Sacks engine. black box. and also the glass windshield. canvas top. aluminum trim. and the door-lock mechanism. The appearance. as seen in the photos. shows its age: (55. but cosmetic-surgery free). The electric is original and in decent shape. but needs to be connected to the Japanese wiring.

Lazarus also needs to be carefully test-driven. to evaluate all the fine-tuning required. The main issue is that the scooter doesn't have dynastart. and consequently no reverse gear. so it goes only forward.

Lazarus starts promptly. goes forward. and stops (yard test). Recently I played with the carburetor from behind. sadly the cable got stock and ran on its own. denting the face. and creating a mouth (see pic).

I feel I almost accomplished my task. The original parts have been removed; including the rear-frame and chain-drive (matching numbers) are boxed and included. plus some original manuals. and extra material for the upholstery.

The Messerschmitt is the simplest vehicle I have worked on. and I am glad to have had the opportunity to appreciate the clever minimalist construction and precision.

 I have clear California Title on my name. I will glad to help loading the car.

The box of parts. after removing the seat. can be placed in the cockpit and the removed seat can go on top of the box. for single shipping.

Most rat rods appear "unfinished". regardless of their status. as only the vehicle's bare essentials are driven.

 A patchwork of original paint and primer or bare metal. some rusty or oiled varieties. with no finish at all are some of the other finishes that may be found—such finishes honor the anti-restoration slogan that "it's only original once. " Contrary to the aesthetic of many car builders. rust is often acceptable and appreciated by rat rod owners.

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