An early production, two-tone example.

SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Regensburger Stahl und Metallbau

Origin: Regensburg, Germany

Production: 30,286

Motor: Fichtel & Sachs 1-cyl., 2-stroke

Displacement: 191 cc

Power: 10.2 hp

Length: 9 ft. 3 in.

Identification No. 51166

The early Kabinenrollers are seen by many as the “classic” Messerschmitts, with their quality specification and their iconic two-tone paint scheme following the bottom of the fenders in a lovely “S” curve along the lower body and fading away at the tail. This car is a fine example of the type, with a combination of a quality exterior paint in the correct colors and an original interior that retains its correct, original details along with a nice patina.

There are a myriad of correct details that make this an early production car: The separate bumper strips with red plastic filler strips, the cooling slots in the top of the tail, and the extra slots on the side of the tail, as well as the well-fitting aluminum strips outlining the two-tone portion. The horn is mounted in the front floor. The windshield rubber is the correct dark red, as are the rare Hella blinkers. On the insid,e the red paint correctly matches the original trim panels, the often elusive wood strips are intact, and the clock and rubber floor mat are original. In the tail, there is the inverted air filter and an original, intact spare wheel, rounding out a wonderfully presented early example.