Bubble cars

It would not be very comfortable travelling far in these. Unfortunately I was just able to get a quick phone shot as they left Dalkeith Park.   My research indicates that they are Messerschmitt KR200 or Kabinenroller (Cabin Scooter) bubblecars designed by the aircraft engineer Fritz Fend and produced in the factory of the German aircraft manufacturer Messerschmitt from 1955 to 1964.
After the war when Messerschmitt was unable to build more fighters the company started to diversify and among other projects began to build ‘cockpits on wheels’ – the first bubble cars.  They began to be relatively popular due to the fuel crisis in the mid fifties and an increasing demand for cheap personal motorised transport.   With the smaller engines and lighter frames there was greater fuel economy although only two people could travel in them.  A further attraction was that they had the same road taxes and licensing requirements as motorbikes.  By 1964 production ceased mainly due to the introduction of the Austin Mini car which could carry four people in comfort.  So these bubble cars are probably about sixty years old.