The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has unveiled a rare 1937 Tempo E200 three-wheeled utility truck from pre-war Germany, now on display as part of the museum's Ron Sturgeon Collection. Manufactured by Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werke of Hamburg between 1936 and 1937, only about 9,600 units of the Tempo E200 were ever produced. This example, painted in classic green, is described as a "conversation piece on wheels" due to its unconventional design and engineering ingenuity.
The Tempo E200 was designed to be small, nimble, and practical for urban work. It features a unique front-wheel drive layout powered by a 197cc water-cooled, two-stroke single-cylinder engine, producing a modest seven horsepower. What sets this vehicle apart is its entire front wheel, engine, transmission, and chain drive system mounted as a single pivoting sub-assembly. This design allowed for surprisingly agile maneuvering, even in tight European alleyways.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the vehicle's significance: "From the moment you see it, you know this isn't your average truck. 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 is equipped with vintage essentials: a starter button, trafficator switch, ignition key, and warning lamps. The three-spoke steering wheel sits in front of the centrally mounted gear shifter, reminding drivers of the hands-on nature of 1930s motoring.
This rare 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 facilities for events such as car club meetings. It is also dog-friendly and encourages photography. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
For automotive enthusiasts and collectors, the addition of the Tempo E200 highlights the innovative engineering of pre-war Germany and the enduring appeal of three-wheeled utility vehicles. The museum's collection, curated by Ron Sturgeon—a collector with over 30 years of experience—provides a unique opportunity to see rare vehicles that are not typically found in mainstream museums. The Tempo E200 serves as a reminder of a time when practicality and creativity drove vehicle design, offering insights into the evolution of urban transportation.
