A rare and eccentric vehicle from pre-war Germany has found a new home at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. The 1937 Tempo E200, a three-wheeled utility truck, is now on display as part of the museum's Ron Sturgeon Collection, offering visitors a glimpse into the innovative engineering of the 1930s.
Manufactured by Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werke of Hamburg, the Tempo E200 was produced between 1936 and 1937, with only about 9,600 units ever made. Designed for urban work, it features a 197cc water-cooled, two-stroke single-cylinder engine that produces a modest seven horsepower. What sets the Tempo apart is its front-wheel drive layout, with the entire front wheel, engine, transmission, and chain drive system mounted as a single pivoting sub-assembly. This design allowed for surprisingly agile maneuvering in tight European alleyways.
“From the moment you see it, you know this isn't your average truck,” said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. “The Tempo E200 is a rare survivor that showcases the ingenuity of pre-war utility design. It's strange, it's clever, and it's got more personality than vehicles ten times its size.”
The Tempo rides on a central tube frame with a single coil spring at the front and a swing axle with twin volute springs at the rear. Mechanical rear drum brakes, reverse-hinged doors, B-pillar trafficators, a drop-down tailgate, and a functional cargo bed complete its utilitarian charm. Inside, the spartan dash includes a starter button, trafficator switch, ignition key, and warning lamps, with a three-spoke steering wheel and centrally mounted gear shifter.
This vehicle is one of over 200 rare cars and 3,000 collectibles on display at the museum, which is located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137. The museum offers free parking and admission, secure climate-controlled car storage, and event facilities. It is dog-friendly and encourages photography. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
The Tempo E200 is a testament to the creativity of pre-war automotive design and a must-see for enthusiasts of vintage European vehicles and three-wheeled oddities. Its presence at the museum underscores the importance of preserving such rare engineering marvels for future generations.
