Description
The Messerschmitt Tiger TG 500 was the most powerful and advanced evolution of the Kabinenroller concept, produced in very limited numbers between 1958 and 1961. Developed by Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH Regensburg (FMR) after Messerschmitt itself withdrew from direct automobile production, the Tiger transformed the original three-wheeled microcar formula into a true four-wheeled performance machine.
While visually similar to the KR 200, the Tiger TG 500 introduced significant mechanical changes. Most notably, it featured four wheels instead of three, greatly improving stability and handling. The narrow body and tandem seating layout were retained, preserving the distinctive aircraft-inspired appearance that had made the Kabinenroller famous. The bubble canopy remained a defining feature, hinged to open to one side for entry.
Power came from a rear-mounted twin-cylinder, two-stroke engine of approximately 494 cc. This represented a major increase in capacity and output compared with the KR 200’s single-cylinder unit. The engine produced substantially more horsepower, enabling the Tiger to reach speeds of around 125 km/h under favourable conditions. A four-speed manual transmission was fitted, and as with earlier models, reverse was achieved by reversing the engine’s rotation.
The chassis was strengthened to accommodate the additional power and the four-wheel configuration. Independent suspension and improved braking systems enhanced stability and control, giving the Tiger performance characteristics well beyond those of a typical microcar. Despite its narrow track, the extra rear wheel made it considerably more secure in cornering compared with its three-wheeled predecessors.
Inside, the Tiger TG 500 retained the tandem seating arrangement with the driver in front and the passenger directly behind. Instrumentation was more comprehensive than in earlier Kabinenroller models, reflecting its higher performance ambitions. The cockpit-like layout reinforced its aviation heritage and sporting character.
Production numbers were extremely low, making the Tiger TG 500 one of the rarest post-war German microcars. Its higher price and niche appeal limited sales, but it established a reputation as the ultimate development of the Kabinenroller concept.
Today, the Messerschmitt Tiger TG 500 is regarded as a highly collectible and historically significant vehicle. It represents the peak of microcar engineering within the Messerschmitt lineage, combining lightweight design with genuine performance capability. As a historical model, it stands as a remarkable example of how post-war innovation could evolve from simple economical transport into a compact yet spirited machine with a unique identity.