[{"id": 14063855, "authorName": "bwenger", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bwenger/", "bidAmount": 1957, "content": "$1,957 bid placed by bwenger", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1711907756, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 14063914, "authorName": "Mr._H", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mr._h/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Wow. I've never seen one of these look so classy. I hope the new owner drives it and it doesn't end up as solely a museum piece.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1711908054, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14063946, "authorName": "Mr._H", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mr._h/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Driving video should have had the 'Brazil' soundtrack playing in the background.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1711908190, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14064085, "authorName": "EP999501 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ep999501/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Greetings, and welcome to all. This will be my first auction on BaT, and selling this nicely turned out KR-175 will inevitably be a bitter-sweet experience for me. The car has been with my family since I was a small child, but is now being sold in order to settle my Father's estate, and provide for my Mother's future.\r\n\r\nYou can expect me to be actively engaged in the sale process; I encourage all questions, and will do my best to accommodate anyone who wants to see the car in person. I am also braced for the inevitable \"engine swap\" jokes, and promise that all comments will be given the attention they deserve. ;)\r\n\r\nMy instinct is (where possible and appropriate) to answer all questions in the comments section, so that the information is available to everyone, but all should feel free to use the \"Contact Seller\" button.\r\n\r\nWelcome again to all, let us begin.", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1711908766, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14064294, "authorName": "motorcar_collector", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/motorcar_collector/", "bidAmount": 2500, "content": "$2,500 bid placed by motorcar_collector", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1711909707, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 14064490, "authorName": "SCCars", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sccars/", "bidAmount": 30000, "content": "$30,000 bid placed by SCCars", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1711910628, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 14066107, "authorName": "Mercury_Man", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mercury_man/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@SCCars\r\nIs the decimal point in the correct location for your bid? I\u2019m not saying this example is not worthy of such a number but this early on it is a substantial number.\r\nThis is a well done example of a rare early Messerschmitt, they do not surface for sale very often. It should do well. GLWTA!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1711925315, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14066159, "authorName": "Mercury_Man", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mercury_man/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I just took a few minutes to look at the photos of this offering. I am much more familiar with the KR200/201 and to a certain degree the TG500, but this KR175 is absolutely stunning! The caliber of the restoration is remarkable (and correct) the attention to detail is something rarely seen in a Messerschmitt restoration. The car should set the bar for future KR175\u2019s value. Congratulations to the restorer, seller and future owner!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1711926377, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14066702, "authorName": "99oneTcab", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/99onetcab/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Curious what is the realistic top cruising speed for one of these?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1711935110, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14067038, "authorName": "Dake", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dake/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Four in a month? Absolutely flooded market compared to the last couple years!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1711941766, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14067066, "authorName": "EP999501 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ep999501/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Greetings, @SCCars, and thank you for your early vote of confidence. I can honestly say, your username was already familiar to me, prior to your bid.\r\n\r\nForgive me if mistaken, (or speaking out of turn), but I believe you are / were associated with the \"stablemate\" of another current offering on BaT, one which I'm watching with great interest. The car I have in mind is a wildly more exotic and high performance machine than my own humble offering; You just might deserve a special award for \"greatest range of enthusiasm\" ;) \r\n\r\nAnd @Mercury Man... Your earlier question was perfectly reasonable. I too had a moment of uncertainty, and wondered about such a bid at this early stage. I appreciate your taking a second look, and the kind words which followed.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1711942611, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14067070, "authorName": "Lewis", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lewis/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I was in Munich in 2004 and one of these was parked on the street like any other car. It was dirty, too. But, it did have four wheels, not three.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1711942716, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14067099, "authorName": "Mercury_Man", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mercury_man/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Lewis\r\nThe car you saw was a TG500, technically not a Messerschmitt but an FMR TG500. The TG (commonly referred to as a \u201cTiger\u201d) was a very low production model, 320 units were produced. They had four wheels and a two cylinder that boasted 23hp. They are extremely valuable today, prices in the low six figures are not uncommon. I have had the opportunity to restore two of them. Here is a brief description of the model: https://www.classic.com/m/fmr/", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1711943913, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14067211, "authorName": "EP999501 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ep999501/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is one of two 175's my father restored, having acquired his first example in 1974, (still in my family's ownership) and this one about four years later. I was still in \"short pants\" then, but having been raised by a car nut, and subsequently spending 30+ years in the automotive restoration and vintage racing field, I \"speak the language\", and welcome the conversation.\r\n\r\n@99oneTcab asked about the vehicle's \"realistic top cruising speed\". Please find attached screen shots of a spreadsheet I created, when I went \"full nerd\", asking myself that very same question. There are slight differences in the internal gear ratios, and the tire sizes between the two cars, shown side by side. \r\nThe short answer, for this car: A top cruising speed of perhaps 55 MPH, with 60 MPH possibly within reach. I believe 5,250 RPM was the highest continuous engine speed Sachs recommended, and if you look carefully at the lower left corner of image #206 in the gallery, it appears that Sachs offered two different numbers for engine power output: 9 PS for what I believe translates to \"continuous service\", (presumably at 5,250 RPM), and 9.5 PS for what roughly translates to \"short time\". I leave it to the reader to decide if the intended message was \"the higher power output may be used for a short duration of time\", or alternatively... \"expect a short engine life, at the higher power output\". ;)", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1711947627, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14068697, "authorName": "Lewis", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lewis/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Mercury man- thanks for that- the only other one I've ever seen was a museum in Germany. \r\n\r\n@EP999501 \"PS\" means pferdestark, the German term for horsepower.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1711987150, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14073376, "authorName": "The_Shoog", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/the_shoog/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Nice to see a beautiful (and correct) restoration of a KR175. These are much rarer than the KR200 and this example should do very well!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1712003803, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14074690, "authorName": "EP999501 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ep999501/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What a well timed treat!\r\n\r\n Thanks to @BaT for hitting \"refresh\" on the old Peter Egan / Road & Track April 1990 issue, with the \"Mustang vs. Messerschmitt\" joke. Under other circumstances, I wouldn't do anything to draw attention away from my own listing, but Bring a Trailer beat me to it! \r\n\r\nThe connection to the car offered here, while minor, is more than incidental.\r\n\r\nMy father supplied the \"Messerschmitt\" which provided the \"punch line\" for that April Fools' article, and #1351 remains in our garage to this day, alongside #8629, the car offered in this listing.\r\n \r\nIt was a long time ago, but we had fun that day in Mojave, and I attach a few pictures from my scrapbook, showing my brother and I, as well as the Mustang pilot, Peter Egan, and other R+T staff.\r\n \r\nI said in my opening comments that this auction would inevitably be a bitter-sweet experience for me.... And sure enough, \"April Fools!\". I'm not sure how to directly link to a \"Recent BaT Feature\" within the comments section, but certainly wouldn't mind seeing it there, for all to enjoy!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1712012419, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14077310, "authorName": "dougsmotorcycles", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dougsmotorcycles/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@EP999501 can you bring it to Cars and Coffee on Sunday? 8am-10am Lower Manning Park off San Ysidro Rd. I\u2019d love to see it and a lot of folks will get to look at it shortly before your auction ends.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1712069690, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14082549, "authorName": "EP999501 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ep999501/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@dougsmotorcycles asked about bringing the car to my local cars and coffee:\r\n\r\nThe short answer is: The idea was strongly considered, on several earlier occasions, but it never actually happened. Around the time Jeff is putting away the coffee urn and E-Z up tent this coming Sunday, I fully expect this car will have a new owner... So that opportunity has passed.\r\n\r\nThe long answer: I strongly considered taking the car last Summer, but the \"risk / reward\" never quite worked for everyone concerned. If ANY incident were to occur, it would be a minor tragedy for my family, and result in a very uncomfortable conversation at the dinner table that evening. Never mind tangling with a full size GMC pickup truck... In a tiny vehicle which (almost) has more in common with a Faberge egg, than an actual car, even a careless bicyclist on Cabrillo Blvd. could make for a very unhappy day, and a less than \"routine\" insurance claim. \r\n\r\nAnd NO, trailering it there was never an option that was even considered. There is no doubt in my mind that the car would make it to Manning Park and back home with no issues, and under nearly any other circumstances, \"Drive up, or don't bother showing up\" would be my attitude. But this particular \"car\", and the family circumstances surrounding it... Tested the limits of that philosophy. \r\n \r\nThe car isn't mine to use as I see fit, it is currently on a \"planned non operational\" registration, and everyone in my family has already mentally adjusted to the car belonging to someone else. \r\n \r\nAs mentioned in my opening remarks, the car is available for in person inspection.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1712091085, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14095069, "authorName": "CoolClassicsIntl", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/coolclassicsintl/", "bidAmount": 31000, "content": "$31,000 bid placed by CoolClassicsIntl", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1712215467, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 14117803, "authorName": "EP999501 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ep999501/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I expect that most of the people who are interested in Messerschmitts (and related microcars) have \"alert notifications\" set up with BaT, and are already aware of this listing. In preparation for this sale, I made a casual effort to familiarize myself with the usernames of people who have shown recent interest in such cars, and I would like to draw their attention to this very nicely turned out example. \r\nNaturally, all are welcome, and it would be impossible to create an exhaustive list of such enthusiasts. I trust none are put off by either their appearance on this list, or their absence. \r\n\r\n@kmchi43 @ronst @andycolorado @Jsawaz @donujiki @Mag007 @Hollywoodcarguy @IDriveFast @meremer @Tonys toyz @Harmag25 @RIMSPOKE @Scootopia @DUMAINE @isettachris @2919turbos @Adam2130 @A Dopo @kmiselis @Speedracer25 @foozy100@Seriousvintagecollector @classic77 @Jsawaz @F01 @offroader @Aqeel @Bradhubbs @Fiatplus @Ariok47 @microwerks @pcbrr @Metropolis @bngpparsons\r\n\r\nThis auction is not a \"fishing expedition\", the goal of this listing is to sell the car, and the reserve is entirely realistic, in keeping with that goal. Please feel free to ask any questions, as we enter the final day of the listing.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1712431979, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14121445, "authorName": "Adamacro", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/adamacro/", "bidAmount": 33000, "content": "$33,000 bid placed by Adamacro", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1712500197, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 14121469, "authorName": "Jersey_Joe", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jersey_joe/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@dougsmotorcycles, @EP999501, As I'm getting ready to leave Carp and head to C&C I was \"ALL IN\" with Doug's suggestion, and then your reply makes even better sense... a short trip from the Mesa to Manning does have it's \"possibilities\"... My first thought was someone at Manning might beat reserve with their \"cash on hand\"... LOL!!! I've always loved Messerschmitts and to have such a beauty right next door is awesome!! Your Dad, no doubt was a true inspiration to your family. GLWTA and a Big Hug to your Mom. Thumbs Up from Carp!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1712500540, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14121862, "authorName": "ulflei", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ulflei/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Imagine pulling in front of a Ritz Carlton and casually tossing the keys to the Valet and just looking at his face\nA million clicks on TikTok", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1712504386, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14122035, "authorName": "NEWTONWELCH", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/newtonwelch/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Beautifully done", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1712505657, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14122061, "authorName": "EP999501 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ep999501/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thanks for your thoughts, @ Jersey Joe. \r\nPerhaps some day, the 1953 model (which shares a garage with the offering here) will appear at Manning Park. That car is a \"kick start only\" model, so the idea of stalling it in traffic on the way there definitely adds to the \"excitement\". \r\n\r\nFor many years, Dad's dream was to show both cars together on the Polo Field, in order to point out the numerous design changes from 1953 to 1955, side by side. \r\nIn truth, the dream was to do so back when the event was originally hosted on the Crane School campus, for those who remember those days... But that just shows you how much time passed, and unfortunately, he never got the chance.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1712505916, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14122332, "authorName": "EP999501 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ep999501/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I would like to mention, to everyone with interest in this car: \r\nAmong the spare parts left over from my father's restoration projects, I still have (two more) brand new, unfitted plexi-glass canopies for a 175. They are from the same production run as the dome fitted to this car, and while I considered offering one as part of this sale, I did not do so, for two reasons: \r\n\r\n1) Clearly, an extra dome presents an additional shipping challenge, and \r\n2) I didn't want to create confusion, or give the false impression that there is anything lacking in the appearance of the dome currently fitted to this car. The spare domes can be discussed separately, but knowing they exist may offer some added peace of mind to interested parties, should there be a future need.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1712508346, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14122428, "authorName": "Jersey_Joe", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jersey_joe/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@EP999501 I do remember the Crane School Concourse events... Back in the Daze. :-) I'll share my Dad use to tell us: \"If you can realize 10% of your dreams, You are a Lucky Man!\" Again, GLWTA!! \u270c\ufe0f", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1712508939, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14123563, "authorName": "SCCars", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sccars/", "bidAmount": 33250, "content": "$33,250 bid placed by SCCars", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1712513272, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 14123632, "authorName": "MJSR", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mjsr/", "bidAmount": 33500, "content": "$33,500 bid placed by MJSR", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1712513519, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 14123802, "authorName": "NEWTONWELCH", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/newtonwelch/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I know nothing about these other than the coolest and rarest as well as cleanest one I have ever seen . Wayne Caranie would love this one \ud83e\udd70", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1712514049, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14123803, "authorName": "Revrider", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/revrider/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Love these little cars. This example is especially nice.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1712514051, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14123909, "authorName": "Anonymous", "authorUrl": "", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Reserve not met on 4/7/24 at $33,500", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1712514540, "type": "bat-bid-reserve"}, {"id": 14123978, "authorName": "bwenger", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bwenger/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "3rd Messer in a row without a sale. Any theories as to why they aren't bidding much this year?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1712514766, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14123988, "authorName": "SCCars", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sccars/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Nice example, market appears to be flat at best right now on micro cars in general from what I've observed. Seller, best of luck with a future sale.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1712514836, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14124839, "authorName": "dougsmotorcycles", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dougsmotorcycles/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@EP999501 sorry for the no-sale! I\u2019m guessing you might have been close. Nice thing about BAT is they are beyond generous to let you make after the auction deals. Should you still own it in the next few weeks maybe you will get it off non-op and bring it to C&C. Or grab a friend and bring both!!! Somehow I get the impression if you use it a little you will love it a whole lot more! JC Taylor or Haggerty will give you full insurance for cheap and you can drive it to shows mechanics etc with the assurance that you are 100 protected. I\u2019d live to see it and would love to see you enjoying it even more. (Btw, I\u2019ve ridden the sketchiest bikes between Montecito and Carpinteria). My 1913 Flying Merkel dozens of times when the Harley shop was there and my 1915 Harley Sidecar to a couple events. Of course they were both \u201cregistered\u201d. Or at least close.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1712522138, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 14125530, "authorName": "Mercury_Man", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mercury_man/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I don\u2019t think the market is flat. I believe that buyers feel small cars should not bring big money, that is definitely not true. This 175 is very well done, the restoration seems to be correct. I know from experience that restoration costs for these cars is not inexpensive, the high bid would probably just cover that cost. This model is extremely rare, not many have survived and most of them are not close to the condition of this example. As I mentioned in a previous comment I have experience with Messerschmitt\u2019s and have restored a number of them to factory correct condition. I can appreciate the work that was involved in making this 175 a stand out, I also know how the seller feels parting with a member of the family, my KR200 has been in my family since 1959. Hopefully someone will appreciate this car for what it is and will step up, pay what the seller wants and give it a new forever home.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1712531399, "type": "comment"}]