Some Japanese Are Taking That Kei Car Thing A Bit Too Far

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt

An obviously Axis-inspired driver was seen today in Kamakura, Japan, complete with aloha shirt and toy poodle . A British crime writer who stood next to me swore up and down that this is the real thing and an original Messerschmitt Kabinenroller. What do you think?

I think this is too slick a fiberglass replica of the Messerschmitt. The real McMesserschmitt had three wheels instead of four, and the bodywork had some serious panel gaps.

The real Messerschmitt Kabinenroller had a 173 cm³ (10.5ci) enginelet that propelled the Schmitt to an exhilarating 90 km/h (55 mph). For a long time, it would have been just fine for the freeway.

The story that Messerschmitt had a surplus of Me 109 fighter canopies that were recycled into the Kabinenroller is most likely apocryphal .

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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  • Robert Gordon Robert Gordon on May 20, 2012

    I would like to point out in manner that is full of grace, that the vehicle in question is not a FMR T500 (and most certainly not a Messerschmitt for the reasons others have already highlighted). It is in fact a Mitsouka K2 Microcar.

  • Ex Radio Operator Ex Radio Operator on May 20, 2012

    While stationed in Germany during the mid 60's saw Messerschmitts all the time. Nearly always driven by young people. Strictly a town and secondary road car. No autobahn for you. At least it was better than walking.

  • MaintenanceCosts It's not a Benz or a Jag / it's a 5-0 with a rag /And I don't wanna brag / but I could never be stag
  • 3-On-The-Tree Son has a 2016 Mustang GT 5.0 and I have a 2009 C6 Corvette LS3 6spd. And on paper they are pretty close.
  • 3-On-The-Tree Same as the Land Cruiser, emissions. I have a 1985 FJ60 Land Cruiser and it’s a beast off-roading.
  • CanadaCraig I would like for this anniversary special to be a bare-bones Plain-Jane model offered in Dynasty Green and Vintage Burgundy.
  • ToolGuy Ford is good at drifting all right... 😉
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