Tempo Matador : 1951

Just when you think craftsmanship is behind us, you quickly change your mind when to see this gorgeous vehicle and the loving hours it took to get it to look like it's original glory.

If this treat isn't good enough, at the time of this posting, you can actually buy it from Oldbug.

All of the images are from Oldbug, but visit the link above because there are many more to see, including the restoration process.

It is truly incredible. This truck is just so beautiful. Frankly, I can not imagine restoring this and then selling it. The satisfaction of the final product would out-weigh any financial return it could bring.

This is a very rare Volkswagen powered truck called a Tempo Matador, built in 1951 by a Hamburg Germany based company by the name of Vidal and Sohn.

These trucks were produced for a short period of time from 1949 through 1951 and used the well tested 25 horse Volkswagen powerplant and a ZF non-synchro 4 speed transmission.

But the placement of the drivetrain was in the front, rather than in the rear live the Volkswagen transporter making it a true front wheel drive vehicle.

They were built in a truck and a van format and only about 1300 were produced in total with roughly less than 10 known to exist today...making it a very rare machine.

One of the most interesting things about the history of the Tempo is that it was well on it's way to being a very successful delivery vehicle throughout Europe, but controversy got in the way. Since Volkswagen supplied the powerplants and they also had their own small truck in the works, eventually the leaders at Volkswagen realized that they were helping the competition. So in 1951 they pulled the plug on Tempo and refused to supply them with the engines so that they would have a clearer path to market with the new Volkswagen Transporter.

Tempo was forced to re-design their truck and then chose to go with a British Austin water cooled 4 cylinder for thier later models.

(source: Oldbug)

1951 Tempo Matador brochure cover.

pablo lugo426 days ago

tengo tempo matador 1951 para refaccionar cualquier ayuda me interesa mucho colombia

Agnaldo (Brazil)421 days ago

I have also an Tempo Matador years 1952 search (you tube) and enjoy.......

Eric Parsons356 days ago

I am the person who owned and restored this Matador. The truck is now in the VW Autostadt Museum in Wolfsburg, Germany for those who wonder if it is still for sale. I have since completed a full restoration of a 1958 Jeep FC150 (every nut and bolt), and am now doing a full restoration on a 1967 Cony Wide 360 cc Japanese micro Pickup truck. I'm interested in finding a DKW Pickup, or another Micro pickup, as my next project to fully restore. Take Care All, Eric

CT356 days ago

Eric, you have an amazing talent and loads of patience. Send us photos of your projects and we will share it with the world. Best.

Pete210 days ago

The restoration on the Tempo looked good but many parts are incorrect, such as speedo, ignition switch, indicatator switch, idiot lights, and so on and so on, I have 2 Tempos I am restoring an early 1951 Tempo so keep your eyes open, I have many NOS parts and it will be 100 percent correct... Sorry Eric...

ROYCE ASHLEY JAGGERS119 days ago

eric parsons that is one lovely matador i have a 1950 matador all complete having trouble with gear box i have had no sucses in trying to find a mechanical book on the matador especialy the box do you have a copy if so can i buy it or could you send me a copy if no go do you know where i may get a copy .do you know PETE who has 2 matadors so i may get in touch with him. he may have a copy of inside gear box. hoping you can help or PETE. I AM ROYCE JAGGERS OF NSW AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA PHONE 61 0266724212 or email love to hear from you royce

roman68 days ago

i have one Tempo Matador for sale , 1951, original condicion

ted godfrey28 days ago

Can remember seeing them new in Toowwoomba Queensland Australia as a child. One was quite strange, it had a very wide rear track and was powered by a BMC engine. Dont think they sold any.