Highlights

Prestigious history of vintage competition, including British trials, hill-climbing and sprint events
One of only 320 high-performance Tigers produced by Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH, Regensburg (FMR)
Offered in very good condition, with recent mechanical and electrical overhaul
Accompanied by a wealth of period documentation, including photos of the car in competition and reports of victories

The Plus

In the early 1950s, aircraft manufacturers Heinkel and Messerschmitt began producing microcars, despite being banned from producing aircraft after the Second World War. These small, compact and economical cars were perfectly suited to the post-war economy, but few people know that the Messerschmitt Kabinenroller design was later transformed into a sports car!

Produced in limited numbers by Fahrzeug- und Maschinenbau GmbH, Regensburg, under the name FMR TG 500 - better known by the evocative name of Messerschmitt Tiger - this high-performance microcar rivalled the Austin Healey Sprite in terms of performance. Equipped with a two-cylinder, two-stroke engine developing 20 bhp, the Tiger could reach speeds of up to 130 km/h! Some were even used in motorsport, and this 1959 example is perhaps the most decorated still in existence, with numerous victories in British trials, hill climbs and sprint events.

Recently restored to a high standard, benefiting from a great deal of recent work and accompanied by a fascinating historical dossier, this FMR TG 500 is now looking for a new home.

History and documentation

Competed extensively from 1959 to 1962 by its first owner, privateer and former motorbike racer Tommy Wood.
Sold to famous racing driver Ken Piper in the 1960s, who fitted a BMC Mini engine
Appeared in the 1960s TV series Freewheelers (Season 6, Episode 1)
Used by Hill House Hammond in an advertising campaign in the 1990s
Restored in the 1990s and featured in Practical Classics magazine
Accompanied by publicity photos from the 1960 Exeter Trial
Well known in the British microcar community
Supplied with detailed period technical documentation
Several binders full of documents and technical information
Currently on display in a museum collection in Belgium
72,881 miles (117,290 km) displayed
British number plate still present on the car, although not allocated by the DVLA

Seller's statement:

" The previous owner was a brilliant technician who improved every aspect, modified the car, and even had specific parts made! He designed an electronic ignition to make this TG 500 incomparable, surely one of the best preserved of the +/- 250 still in existence in the world. Three complete binders contain all the plans and technical information.

Condition

Old restoration, but still in excellent condition
Sheltered in a dry space
Very few signs of external or internal wear
Upholstery, controls and instruments in good condition
Preserved and well-maintained since its restoration, this TG 500 is in very good condition. The paintwork, chromework and plexiglass all shine, with very few imperfections visible in the photos. There are no signs of corrosion or accidental damage.

Inside, the upholstery appears well preserved, using period materials and showing very few signs of wear.

Mechanical data

493cc two-cylinder two-stroke engine
Four-speed manual gearbox (with reverse)
Engine recently dismantled, reconditioned and reassembled after painting the engine compartment
Circuit breaker installed
Gear selection system adjusted

According to the seller, this TG 500 runs well after a recent minor mechanical overhaul. Since the restoration, it is no longer fitted with the BMC engine, having been returned to its original factory specification. The engine has been dismantled, reconditioned and reassembled after the engine compartment has been painted. The gear selection system has been adjusted and is working correctly. The previous owner, a talented engineer, designed several bespoke components to ensure the reliability of this car. The technical documents provided testify to the extensive work carried out over the years.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.

✓ We require a non-refundable fee to be paid if you are the lucky winner of the auction or if your bid is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific fees.

✓ This vehicle is "sold as is", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and it is customary to carry out a full vehicle inspection prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or tender price, as specified in the advert.

✓ We want the transaction to go as smoothly as you do, which is why UK-registered cars and motorbikes offered for sale on Car & Classic are HPI-checked to ensure they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not financially pledged, allowing you to bid with confidence.

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