Rare 1937 Tempo E200 Three-Wheeled Truck Now on Display at DFW Car & Toy Museum

The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth has unveiled a new addition to its Ron Sturgeon Collection: a rare 1937 Tempo E200 three-wheeled utility truck. Manufactured by Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werke of Hamburg, Germany, this pre-war oddity is now on display at the museum, offering visitors a chance to see an unconventional piece of automotive history.

Produced between 1936 and 1937, the Tempo E200 was designed for urban work, featuring a compact and nimble layout. With only about 9,600 units ever made, this model is a rare survivor. Its engineering is notably eccentric: the entire front wheel, engine, transmission, and chain drive system are mounted as a single pivoting sub-assembly, allowing for agile maneuvering in tight spaces. The vehicle is powered by a 197cc water-cooled, two-stroke single-cylinder engine producing seven horsepower, and it 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 design.

Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, highlighted the vehicle's significance. 'From the moment you see it, you know this isn't your average truck,' he said. '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 E200 is part of the museum's extensive collection of over 200 rare cars and 3,000 collectibles. The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth, offers free parking and admission. It also provides secure climate-controlled car storage and event facilities for car clubs and board meetings. The museum is dog-friendly and encourages photography. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.

This rare vehicle underscores the innovative spirit of pre-war German automotive design and offers enthusiasts a tangible link to an era of creative engineering. Its display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum not only preserves this unique piece of history but also educates visitors on the evolution of utility vehicles.