The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a rare and unusual vehicle to its collection: a 1937 Tempo E200 three-wheeled utility truck from pre-war Germany. Manufactured by Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werke of Hamburg, only about 9,600 units of the Tempo E200 were produced between 1936 and 1937. The truck is now part of the museum's Ron Sturgeon Collection and is painted in classic green, showcasing eccentric engineering from a bygone era.
Designed to be small, nimble, and practical for urban work, the Tempo E200 features a unique front-wheel drive layout powered by a 197cc water-cooled, two-stroke single-cylinder engine that produces a modest seven horsepower. Its most remarkable design aspect is that the entire front wheel, engine, transmission, and chain drive system are mounted as a single pivoting sub-assembly. This allowed for surprisingly agile maneuvering in tight European alleyways, making it a practical vehicle for its time.
“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. It features mechanical rear drum brakes, reverse-hinged doors, B-pillar trafficators, a drop-down tailgate, and a functional cargo bed. Inside, the spartan dash includes a starter button, trafficator switch, ignition key, and warning lamps, with a three-spoke steering wheel positioned in front of a centrally mounted gear shifter.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, offers free parking and admission. The 150,000-square-foot facility houses over 200 rare cars and 3,000 collectibles. The museum is dog-friendly and encourages photography. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
Ron Sturgeon, the visionary behind the museum, has been a dedicated car collector for over 30 years. His passion for automobiles began in his teenage years when he taught himself to repair Volkswagens, eventually leading to a successful career in the automotive industry. The museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded in the 1980s and has grown significantly. Its website DFW Elite Toy Museum remains a go-to source for toy and car lovers worldwide.
The addition of the 1937 Tempo E200 underscores the museum's commitment to preserving rare automotive history. As one of the most fascinating and unconventional vehicles ever built, this three-wheeled truck offers visitors a glimpse into pre-war German engineering and design. Whether you're a fan of vintage European vehicles, three-wheeled oddities, or simply appreciate rare automotive design, the Tempo E200 is a must-see.
