1959 | Messerschmitt / FMR Tg 500

Registration number: PM-78-33

The Tg500 incorporated several features of the Kabinenroller platform on which it was based, including the narrow body with tandem seats, the transparent acrylic dome, the low stance and direct steering.

The narrow body, and associated low frontal area, was achieved with tandem seats, which also allowed the body to taper like an aircraft fuselage within a practical length. The tandem seats also centralized the mass of the car along the longitudinal axis, which, combined with the low center of gravity, light weight and placement of the wheels at the ends of the vehicle, gave the Tg500 good driving characteristics. A smaller advantage of tandem seating was that it made a mirrored export version to left-hand driving countries unnecessary. The car's center of gravity was on the back seat, so the presence or absence of a passenger did not change the car's driving characteristics.

Bubble canopy
Except for the Sports Roadster model, access to the Tg500 was via an awning door hinged on the right side of the vehicle. The door included both the windows (windshield, window frames on all models except Roadster models, folding roof on Roadster and Kabrio models and acrylic dome on other versions) and the frame in which it was placed, which extended from the right side of the monocoque bath to the left. On Sport Roadster models the top was fixed and there was no roof or windows at all, just a tonneau cover. The domed top of the Tg500 was the same as that of the KR200.

Engine and transmission
The Tg500 ran on a 494 cc (30.1 cu in) air-cooled twin-cylinder two-stroke engine mounted transversely over the rear wheels. The engine, designed by Fichtel & Sachs, was built by FMR. The Dynastart starter/generator unit was belt driven and had a fan at each end of the unit, one to cool each cylinder of the engine. Unlike the KR175 or the KR200, the Tg500 had a reverse gear in the transmission, which was part of a transaxle unit.

Controls
The Tg500's controls were similar to those of the KR200, except for the Tg500's single start mode for the engine and its H-pattern gear lever with reverse gear and no auxiliary lever. A tachometer was offered as an optional replacement for the clock.

Suspension and brakes
Apart from the use of 4.40 x 10 tires all round and an increase in front track from 108 cm (43 in) to 111 cm (44 in), the front suspension and steering were the same as the KR200. The rear suspension was fully independent, with universal joints at both ends of each half-axle, located by lower wishbones and coil springs with concentrically mounted shock absorbers.

Unlike the three-wheel Kabinenrollers, which had cable-operated mechanical brakes, the Tg500 had hydraulic brakes

This TG500 has been completely restored to competition condition. It is yellow in color with a gray checked interior. The engine has been overhauled and the bodywork still looks completely new. This is a very special Messerschmitt for someone who is looking for the best.