FMR TG500 - Tiger - 1959
09
days
19
hours
27
minutes
17
seconds
Current bid
€ 48,500
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Arjan Rietveld
Thirty years' experience with classic cars, specialising in Italian cars and Porsche.
Estimate € 105,000 - € 124,000
131 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 7767 | €48,500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bidder 7767 | €47,500 | |
 Bidder 3813 | €22,000 | |
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1959 FMR TG500 Tiger, 500 cc petrol manual micro‑sports car from Finland with 43,500 km, Finnish registration, matching numbers, green, 20 hp, overall good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
GENERAL
The FMR Tg500 Tiger represents the pinnacle of the microcar era, produced between 1958 and 1961 as a sports-oriented evolution of the Messerschmitt bubble car design. This specific unit is one of only 320 pieces ever produced, with an estimated 150 examples remaining worldwide, marking it as an exceptionally rare collector's item. Unlike many units that were distributed as kits for owner assembly, this Tiger was fully assembled at the factory. It was originally ordered from RSM Messerschmitt-Werk, Regensburger Stahl-und Metallbau GMBH, and imported to Finland by Oy Importer AB in 1959.
BODYWORK & PAINT
When the vehicle originally departed the factory, it featured a classic grey exterior finish. While the car was repainted in its current, more attractive green shade in 1967, the original grey paint remains visible on various internal surfaces. The body has been meticulously maintained over the decades and remains in great shape, as evidenced by the accompanying photography.
TECHNICAL
The Tiger is powered by a 494 cm³ two-cylinder, two-stroke engine producing 19.5 hp, which allows the 365 kg vehicle to reach a top speed of approximately 130 km/h. It utilizes 4.40×10 sized tires and operates on a 2.5% two-stroke fuel mixture. The odometer currently shows a reading of 43,500 km; while there are no formal records to verify this figure, the car has been driven very little throughout its life. It features matching numbers, confirming the authenticity of its original mechanical components.
INTERIOR
The cabin was originally styled with a vibrant red interior to contrast the factory grey exterior. This internal configuration is officially noted on the original order form. The vehicle has been treated with care throughout its history, preserving the cockpit as an inviting space for the next owner to enjoy.
DOCUMENTS
Significant provenance accompanies the vehicle, including the original factory order form which remains available. Due to specific shifts in EU regulations, the Tiger was successfully registered as a motorcycle to take advantage of less frequent inspection requirements. It currently holds both motorcycle vehicle status and a formal Museum vehicle registration. Detailed photography of the vehicle is available for review upon request.
COLLECTION
This Tiger boasts an extraordinary single-family provenance, having been purchased by the current owner’s father in 1966. It has remained in the same family for nearly 60 years, carrying with it cherished memories of the owner riding in the car as both a child and an adult. While the owner will be sad to see it leave the family collection, it is fully prepared for a new legacy.
OTHER INFORMATION
The "Tiger" name was actually the subject of a legal dispute with Panhard, who had already trademarked the name for their engines, leading FMR to officially market the car as the Tg500. This 1959 model hails from the period after Fritz Fend and Valentin Knott took over the Regensburg plant from Messerschmitt. Its four-wheel configuration and larger engine transformed the "bubble car" from a basic commuter into a legitimate micro-sports car capable of surprising performance for its size.
Seller's Story
Koskin Import is a Finnish company that has been buying and selling Classic & Race vehicles all over the world since 2014.
GENERAL
The FMR Tg500 Tiger represents the pinnacle of the microcar era, produced between 1958 and 1961 as a sports-oriented evolution of the Messerschmitt bubble car design. This specific unit is one of only 320 pieces ever produced, with an estimated 150 examples remaining worldwide, marking it as an exceptionally rare collector's item. Unlike many units that were distributed as kits for owner assembly, this Tiger was fully assembled at the factory. It was originally ordered from RSM Messerschmitt-Werk, Regensburger Stahl-und Metallbau GMBH, and imported to Finland by Oy Importer AB in 1959.
BODYWORK & PAINT
When the vehicle originally departed the factory, it featured a classic grey exterior finish. While the car was repainted in its current, more attractive green shade in 1967, the original grey paint remains visible on various internal surfaces. The body has been meticulously maintained over the decades and remains in great shape, as evidenced by the accompanying photography.
TECHNICAL
The Tiger is powered by a 494 cm³ two-cylinder, two-stroke engine producing 19.5 hp, which allows the 365 kg vehicle to reach a top speed of approximately 130 km/h. It utilizes 4.40×10 sized tires and operates on a 2.5% two-stroke fuel mixture. The odometer currently shows a reading of 43,500 km; while there are no formal records to verify this figure, the car has been driven very little throughout its life. It features matching numbers, confirming the authenticity of its original mechanical components.
INTERIOR
The cabin was originally styled with a vibrant red interior to contrast the factory grey exterior. This internal configuration is officially noted on the original order form. The vehicle has been treated with care throughout its history, preserving the cockpit as an inviting space for the next owner to enjoy.
DOCUMENTS
Significant provenance accompanies the vehicle, including the original factory order form which remains available. Due to specific shifts in EU regulations, the Tiger was successfully registered as a motorcycle to take advantage of less frequent inspection requirements. It currently holds both motorcycle vehicle status and a formal Museum vehicle registration. Detailed photography of the vehicle is available for review upon request.
COLLECTION
This Tiger boasts an extraordinary single-family provenance, having been purchased by the current owner’s father in 1966. It has remained in the same family for nearly 60 years, carrying with it cherished memories of the owner riding in the car as both a child and an adult. While the owner will be sad to see it leave the family collection, it is fully prepared for a new legacy.
OTHER INFORMATION
The "Tiger" name was actually the subject of a legal dispute with Panhard, who had already trademarked the name for their engines, leading FMR to officially market the car as the Tg500. This 1959 model hails from the period after Fritz Fend and Valentin Knott took over the Regensburg plant from Messerschmitt. Its four-wheel configuration and larger engine transformed the "bubble car" from a basic commuter into a legitimate micro-sports car capable of surprising performance for its size.
Seller's Story
Koskin Import is a Finnish company that has been buying and selling Classic & Race vehicles all over the world since 2014.
Details
Brand
FMR TG500
Model type
Tiger
Year
1959
Located in
Finland
Mileage reading
43500 km
Registration papers
with Finnish registration
Transmission
Manual
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
Green
Horse power
20
Cubic capacity
500
Matching numbers
Yes
Matching colours
No
Service book/history
No
Valid MOT
No
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Certificate available
No
Condition (Paint & body)
Good: may require conventional body and paintwork. May require replacement of parts
Condition (Interior)
Good: shows signs of normal wear and usage. May require repair or replacement of parts
Condition (Frame & underbody)
Good: frame/structure shows minor signs of surface rust, signs of usage/wear, may require some attention
Condition (Mechanical)
Good: mechanically sound. May require maintenance and repair
Condition (Overall)
Good condition: visible signs of wear and general ageing
Vehicle registration
Buyers are responsible for vehicle's registration, not the seller or Catawiki.
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Disclaimer
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
