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FMR Tg500

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FMR Tg500
Overview
ManufacturerRegensburger Stahl- u. Maschinenbau, Regensburg, Germany
Also calledTiger
Production320[1]
DesignerFritz Fend
Body and chassis
Classmicrocar
Body stylebubble-top coupé, convertible, or roadster; two seats in tandem.
LayoutRMR layout
PlatformMesserschmitt Kabinenroller
RelatedMesserschmitt KR175
Messerschmitt KR200
Powertrain
Engine494 cc Fichtel & Sachs, 2 cylinder, 2 stroke
Transmission4 speed plus reverse
Dimensions
Wheelbase1.885 m (74.2 in)
Length3.000 m (118.1 in)
Width1.270 m (50.0 in)
Height1.240 m (48.8 in)
Curb weight858 lb (389 kg)[2]

The FMR Tg500 was a sports car built by Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH, Regensburg (FMR) from 1958 to 1961. Based on the monocoque of the Messerschmitt KR200 three-wheeled car, it was a four-wheeled car with a two-stroke straight-two engine. FMR had taken over production of the KR200 from Messerschmitt in 1956. While the KR200 still used the Messerschmitt name and logo, the Tg500 was badged as a FMR.[3]

"Tg" unofficially stood for Tiger.[1][3] The "Tiger" name was claimed in Germany by Krupp who used it for a truck.[1] (They had also made the better known Tiger tank). There were also a Panhard Dyna Z Tiger at the same time.

Features

The Tg500 incorporated several features from the KR line on which it was based. Externally, the narrow body, the transparent acrylic bubble canopy and low stance were among the more obvious features.

Tandem seating

The narrow body, and corresponding low frontal area, was achieved with tandem seating, which also allowed the body to taper like an aircraft fuselage, within a practical length. The tandem seating also centralized the mass of the car along the longitudinal axis which, combined with the low center of gravity, low weight, and wheel placement at the vehicle's extremes, gave the Tg500 good handling characteristics. A more minor advantage of tandem seating was that it made an export version to countries that drive on the left unnecessary.

The center of gravity of the car was at the rear seat, which meant that the presence or absence of a passenger did not change the handling characteristics of the car.[2]

Bubble canopy

Except for the Sports Roadster model, entry to the Tg500 was through a canopy door hinged on the right side of the vehicle. The door included both the windows (windshield, window frames on all but the Roadster models, folding top on Roadster and Kabrio models, and acrylic bubble on other versions) and the frame in which it was set, extending from the right side of the monocoque tub to the left. On Sport Roadster models, the canopy was fixed and there was neither a top nor any windows at all, only a tonneau cover.[2] The bubble top on the Tg500 was the same as the one used on the KR200.[2]

Engine and transmission

The Tg500 ran on a 494 cc (30.1 cu in) air-cooled two-cylinder two-stroke engine positioned transversely over the rear wheels. The engine, designed by Fichtel & Sachs, was built by FMR.[3] The Dynastart starter/generator unit was belt driven, and had a fan at each end of the unit, one to cool each cylinder of the engine. Unlike the KR175 or the KR200, the Tg500 had a reverse gear in its transmission, which was part of a transaxle unit.[2]

Controls

The controls of the Tg500 were similar to those of the KR200 except for the Tg500's single starting mode for the engine and its H-pattern gearshift with reverse gear and no auxiliary lever. A tachometer was offered as an optional replacement for the clock.[2]

Suspension and brakes

Apart from the use of 4.40 x 10 tires all around and an increase in front track from 108 cm (43 in) to 111 cm (44 in), the front suspension and steering were the same as that on the KR200. The rear suspension was fully independent, with universal joints at both ends of each halfshaft, located by lower wishbones and coil springs with concentrically mounted shock absorbers.[2]

Unlike the three-wheeled Kabinenrollers, which had cable-operated mechanical brakes, the Tg500 had hydraulic brakes.[2][4]

Performance

The four-wheeled FMR Tg500 at the Nürburgring in 1976

In stock form, the Tg500 accelerated from rest to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 28 seconds[5] and went on to a top speed of 78 mph (126 km/h).[6] At a similar price, the first series of the Austin-Healey Sprite accelerated from rest to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 21 seconds and went on to a top speed of 82 mph (132 km/h).[7]

Data

  • Heating/air conditioning: Via Exhaust heat exchanger/none
  • Engine type: Fichtel & Sachs, 2 cylinder, 2 stroke
  • Displacement: 494 cc
  • Bore x stroke: 67 x 70 mm
  • Compression: 6.5:1
  • Power: 19.5 hp (15 kW) @ 5,000 rpm
  • Torque: 33 N⋅m (24 lb⋅ft)
  • Cooling: air, with fan
  • Wheel size: 4.40 x 10 in (112 by 254 mm)
  • Weight, empty/full load (kg): 350 (390)/560
  • Track, front/rear: 1.110/1.044
  • Fuel consumption: 6.5 (7.9) l/100 km, 36 (30) mi/U.S. gal., 43.4 (35.7) mi/Imp. gal.
  • Top speed: 78 mph (126 km/h)
  • Time to 60 mph (97 km/h): 27.8 seconds
  • Years built: 1958 to 1961
  • Number built: 950 (320 from another source)
  • Price : DM 3,650.00 (close to that of an Austin-Healey Sprite)

Notes

  1. ^ a b c The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum - 1959 F. M. R. Tg-500
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Wagner, p.170
  3. ^ a b c Wagner, p.169
  4. ^ Canadian Driver - Messerschmitt, 1953-1962
  5. ^ Motorbase - Messerschmitt TG500 Tiger
  6. ^ Motorbase - Messerschmitt FMR Tiger 500 Tiger: different site from previous
  7. ^ Motorbase - Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I

References

  • Kleinwagen, Small Cars, Petites Voitures, by Benedikt Taschen, 1994
  • "The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum - 1959 F. M. R. Tg-500". The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum Inc. 2007. Retrieved 2008-08-23. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month= and |coauthors= (help)
  • Wagner, Carl (Second Quarter 1973). ""Ist das nicht ein Kabinenroller?" "Ja! das ist ein Kabinenroller!" Carl Wagner takes off on Messerschmitt". Automobile Quarterly (in US English). 11 (2). 40 East 49th Street, New York, NY 10017 USA: Automobile Quarterly Inc.: 162–171. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 62-4005. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |laydate=, |laysummary=, |month=, |laysource=, and |coauthors= (help)CS1 maint: location (link) CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  • Vance, Bill (2003-04-19). "Canadian Driver: Messerschmitt, 1953-1962". Canadian Driver. CanadianDriver Communications. Retrieved 2008-09-06. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month= and |coauthors= (help)
  • "Motorbase - Messerschmitt TG500 Tiger". http://www.motorbase.com/. Classic Vehicles. Retrieved 2008-09-01. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month= and |coauthors= (help); External link in |work= (help)
  • "Motorbase - Messerschmitt FMR Tiger 500". http://www.motorbase.com/. Classic Vehicles. Retrieved 2008-09-01. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month= and |coauthors= (help); External link in |work= (help)
  • "Motorbase - Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I (Frogeye)". http://www.motorbase.com/. Classic Vehicles. Retrieved 2008-09-01. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month= and |coauthors= (help); External link in |work= (help)
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