VIN 21054

• The legendary TG 500 “Tiger,” the most advanced and powerful Messerschmitt microcar
• One of just 320 produced, with only about 150 believed to survive worldwide
• Restored example finished in cheerful yellow beneath the iconic bubble canopy

Few postwar vehicles capture the ingenuity and optimism of Europe’s recovery years quite like the Messerschmitt Kabinenroller. Conceived by aircraft engineer Fritz Fend during a period of material shortages and economic rebuilding, the Kabinenroller—or “cabin scooter”— offered an inventive solution to the need for inexpensive personal transportation. Lightweight, efficient, and unmistakably styled with its aircraft-inspired bubble canopy, the Messerschmitt quickly became one of the most recognizable microcars of the era.

The remarkable TG 500 “Tiger,” introduced in 1957, represented the ultimate evolution of the Kabinenroller concept. Produced by Fend’s own company, F.M.R. (Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau Regensburg), the Tiger transformed the modest microcar into a surprisingly capable sporting machine. Unlike the earlier three-wheeled Messerschmitts, the TG 500 featured four wheels for improved stability and a thoroughly upgraded chassis designed to handle far greater performance.

Power came from a 494 cc two-stroke twin-cylinder engine built by F.M.R. to a Fichtel & Sachs design and paired with a four-speed gearbox with reverse. Though modest in displacement, the lively engine delivered impressive performance thanks to the car’s exceptionally light weight. Contemporary reports suggested the Tiger could reach nearly 78 miles per hour and accelerate to 60 mph in roughly 28 seconds—figures that placed it among the quickest microcars ever built.

Engineering throughout reflected Fend’s aviation background and fascination with innovative design. The TG 500 utilized a sophisticated subframe layout with fully adjustable rear suspension, larger wheels and suspension components, and improved hydraulic drum brakes. Even the cockpit was revised to accommodate the Tiger’s increased performance, featuring a larger, more supportive driver’s seat beneath the distinctive bubble canopy. The result was a machine that combined the charm of a microcar with the character of a genuine sports vehicle.

Production of the TG 500 was extremely limited. Between 1957 and 1959, only 320 examples were built before production ceased, and today it is believed that approximately 150 survive worldwide. As a result, the Tiger has become one of the most sought-after and valuable microcars ever produced, cherished by enthusiasts for its distinctive design and remarkable engineering.

This example was formerly owned by noted collector E. E. Swigart of South Bend, Indiana and was restored some years ago by Duwayne Bennett of Mishawaka, Indiana. Finished in cheerful yellow that perfectly suits the car’s playful personality, the Tiger presents today as a charming and engaging example of this rare model.

Inside, the cockpit retains its purposeful simplicity with correct F.M.R. and VDO instrumentation set within a clean white dashboard. The car also retains its original serial-number tag and frame stamping. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer recorded 7,765 kilometers.

Rare, entertaining, and instantly recognizable, the Messerschmitt TG 500 stands as the most developed and exciting of all vintage microcars. For collectors seeking something truly distinctive, the Tiger offers a delightful combination of rarity, engineering ingenuity, and undeniable character.

Offers welcome and trades considered.

$129,500

Stock number 8071