The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a rare 1937 Tempo E200 three-wheeled utility truck to its Ron Sturgeon Collection, offering visitors a glimpse into pre-war German automotive ingenuity. Manufactured by Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werke of Hamburg, the Tempo E200 was produced in various body styles from 1936 to 1937, with only about 9,600 units ever made. Designed for urban work, the E200 features a 197cc water-cooled, two-stroke single-cylinder engine producing seven horsepower, with front-wheel drive and a unique pivoting front sub-assembly that includes the wheel, engine, transmission, and chain drive.
The truck's unconventional design allowed for agile maneuvering in tight European alleyways. 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, and a functional cargo bed with drop-down tailgate complete its utilitarian features. Inside, the spartan dash includes a starter button, trafficator switch, ignition key, and warning lamps, with a centrally mounted gear shifter operated via a three-spoke steering wheel.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the museum, noted the vehicle's rarity and character. “From the moment you see it, you know this isn't your average truck,” Sturgeon 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 museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth, houses over 200 rare cars and 3,000 collectibles, with free admission and parking. The facility also offers secure climate-controlled car storage and event spaces for car clubs and board meetings.
For business and technology leaders, the Tempo E200 represents an era of innovative engineering driven by practical needs. Its compact, efficient design echoes modern trends in urban mobility and last-mile delivery solutions. The truck's three-wheeled configuration and lightweight construction highlight early attempts to create nimble commercial vehicles, a concept that resonates with today's focus on electric micro-mobility and autonomous delivery robots. The museum's collection, including this rare survivor, provides historical context for current innovations in vehicle design and urban logistics.
Visitors can view the Tempo E200 and other exhibits Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The museum is dog-friendly and encourages photography. More information is available at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com and the original toy museum website at DFW Elite Toy Museum.
