1953 Other Makes

tempo Minivan/Van

4 - Cyl.

Manual

Other

Gasoline

the Tempo Matador. To our knowledge, it is the only air-cooled, mid-engined, front-wheel-drive truck with suicide doors ever created. Produced in extremely low numbers between 1949-1954 as both a precursor and competitor to the Volkswagen The Matador was the only commercial VW aircooled powered vehicle in Europe that was officially sanctioned by Wolfsburg, but not distributed through the VW network. Built at the Tempo Werke in Hamburg, Germany, by the firm of Vidal und Sohn KG, the Tempo Matador hit the market before VW's own Type II Transporter, and was a success in a market that was desperately short of utility vehicles after the war, especially in the one-ton class. Popular and reliable, the design was also adapted to station wagon and Microbus versions. It was even exported to Australia in RHD form between 1950-'52, before VW Kombis arrived. Previously, the company had been the number one player in the German commercial van market, specialising in three wheelers. This explains why the company was able to produce the majority of parts itself, using few parts from the VW factory except the Type I powerplant through it. The basis is a separate chassis, constructed around a central section made out of two round steel tubes, joined together at each end. The front suspension consists of an upper transverse-mounted leaf-spring connected to wishbones, which in turn attach to forged spindles running stock VW drum brakes. At the rear, suspension is provided by two large coil springs each side, which damp the two centrally-mounted trailing arms. Powered by a 25bhp VW engine mounted towards the front of the chassis,(this truck has a 12 V 1600 cc engine) this is hidden behind the drivers bench seat, which folds forward to allow access. It is attached to a ZF gearbox, providing drive to the front wheels only. The differential ratio is 5.4:1--very different from the 4.37:1 used on early 1200cc Beetles. Whether this gearbox was used for any other vehicles seems to be a mystery, but it seems to work well enough.The cab interior is incredibly spartan, as you might imagine for a commercial vehicle of this age. The doors are interesting--and very driver-friendly--suicide front-opening types. Inside, the driver and passenger sit directly above the front axle line, and the seating position is not unlike an early Type II Panel. Neither the steering column or wheel, or emergency brake, are VW parts--they just look remarkably similar.Ahead of the driver sits a small instrument binnacle, featuring an optimistically marked speedometer, reading up to 120kh/hr. Who were they kidding? The ignition switch, starter button, direction indicator lever and some idiot lights for oil pressure, generator, high beam and indicators are all that's provided. The wheels now fitted to the Matador are an original set of 4.5 x 16inch pressed steel wheels , and are fitted with Firestone tires.. The Matador may have a few minor flaws (like the flaking paint on the cab roof next to one of the wiper arms), but this is a minor thing on a vehicle that is 50 years old and still going strong. not looking to re-paint it yet, so that's the way it is going to stay.this is a good running truck with a fresh 1600cc air cool engine, it appears to have the original paint. the from cag is steel, and the cargo area of aluminumm over a wood frames, damaged wood was replaced, , cargo floor very solid. Due to the age of this truck it is sold AS IS , please ask questions now. thank youOn Dec-30-10 at 04:38:05 PST, seller added the following information: THIS TRUCK DRIVES VERY WELL, THANKS TO A FRESH 1600 CC VW ENGINE!On Dec-30-10 at 04:50:12 PST, seller added the following information: more picture of Tempos www.oldbug.com/tempo.htmOn Jan-03-11 at 12:30:34 PST, seller added the following information: I found a couple original pieces, like the gas thank , cup holder, set ligth rings that will go with the truck...3 more days! NO RESERVE!