Tempo Rising: the story of the Matador
Volks World|Spring 2017

Before Volkswagen got its own Type 2 off the ground, there was the Tempo Matador – Volkswagen-powered, but front-engined, frontwheel drive and with a very distinctive front

Richard Gunn
Tempo Rising: the story of the Matador

It’s almost impossible not to smile at a Tempo Matador. It looks like a slightly bemused alien badly in need of some sleep – although we mean that in a genuinely affectionate way. But for all the endearing cuteness, the Matador is both fascinating and pioneering.

At a time when commercial vehicles were generally just very basic and traditional, it featured front-wheel drive, years before Volkswagen (and practically everybody else, for that matter) got around to it. And it introduced Volkswagen to Australia well before the marque itself scarcity has just made the VW-powered Matador even more of a fabled beast. Sixty-five years after the last one was built, it seems a good opportunity to look back on this most curious of trucks.

Keeping Tempo

The full name of Tempo was Vidal & Sohn TempoWerke GmbH, founded by Max Vidal in Hamburg in 1883 to provide fire-fighting services for the coal industry. In 1927 Max and son Oskar turned their hand to building motorised vehicles instead – essentially cheap three-wheeler delivery carts. Soon, their firm was also producing military machines, as war loomed on the horizon. Its G1200 light utility vehicle featured two 600cc engines, one at the front, one at the rear, working together to give four-wheel drive. Sweden bought 400 of the things, being a country where 4WD is rather useful when it snows.

この記事は Volks World の Spring 2017 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Volks World の Spring 2017 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

VOLKS WORLDのその他の記事すべて表示
Volks World

SITTING COMFORTABLY?

Newton Commercial has been producing automotive interior trim products for the last 40 years, though the history behind this family-run firm goes back much further. Paul Knight finds out more...

time-read
6 分  |
January 2020
Welcome to the mag
Volks World

Welcome to the mag

The rapid rise in value of our air-cooled VWs over the last few years is proving both good and bad news for owners.

time-read
3 分  |
January 2020
Bus front step replacement
Volks World

Bus front step replacement

It’s probably one of the most common rust spots...

time-read
6 分  |
January 2020
WOLFSBURG IN EGGENBURG
Volks World

WOLFSBURG IN EGGENBURG

This one-day event in Austria is so good it attracts VWs from all over Europe

time-read
1 min  |
January 2020
Volks World

NICE ONE, SHERLOCK!

It’s fun investigating a car’s past – especially if the vehicle in question dates from the early fifties. That said, the Norwegian owner of this ’52 Beetle discovered more than he bargained for when he donned his deer-stalker

time-read
8 分  |
January 2020
SUBTLY DOES IT (FOR US!)
Volks World

SUBTLY DOES IT (FOR US!)

So often, less is more. And we reckon that’s definitely the case with this oh so subtle ’66 Ghia

time-read
5 分  |
January 2020
The Army era
Volks World

The Army era

It may have escaped your notice, but it was recently the 70th anniversary of Britain giving Volkswagen back to West Germany. The years of 1945 to 1949, when the British military ran Wolfsburg, were more crucial than many enthusiasts appreciate

time-read
7 分  |
January 2020
PUTTIN' ON THE SHOW
Volks World

PUTTIN' ON THE SHOW

When it comes down to rating the most desirable air-cooled VWs, I think it’s fair to say that a ’50s Karmann Cabriolet is gonna’ be pretty close to the top of the list. Now add some accessories, Fuchs and a decent stance and you’re talking about the stuff dreams are made of…

time-read
5 分  |
January 2020
Car of the month
Volks World

Car of the month

Car of the month

time-read
2 分  |
January 2020
A TASTE OF DEUTSCHLAND
Volks World

A TASTE OF DEUTSCHLAND

Inspired by a couple of renowned German VW events, the So-Cal Vintage Treffen attracted 200 of the oldest and most rare VWs stateside

time-read
3 分  |
January 2020