Sold at auction for $322,000
in February 2013
In September 1957,
Fritz Fend presented his crowning achievement, the F. M. R. "Tiger"
sports vehicle, to sensational acclaim in Germany. The "Tiger" name was
owned by Krupp, so it was changed, supposedly, to "Tourenfahrzeug-Geländesport,"
or touring vehicle-cross-country sports, but the contraction fooled no
one.
Based on the monocoque of the Messerschmitt KR 200
three-wheeled car, it was a four-wheeled car with a two-stroke twin
engine. Its British debut is still the stuff of legends. Developed as a
proper sports car but with an underdeveloped motor compared to other
vehicles available in the same price range, it found a place with
enthusiasts but not the general public.
Still in stock form, the
Tg 500 accelerated from rest to 60 mph in 28 seconds and had a top speed
of 78 mph. Of the 320 examples of the Tiger produced, it is believed
that only 150 survive.
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