The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a rare and unconventional vehicle to its collection: a 1937 Tempo E200 three-wheeled utility truck. Manufactured by Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werke in Hamburg, Germany, only about 9,600 units of the E200 were produced between 1936 and 1937. This particular model, painted in classic green, is part of the museum's Ron Sturgeon Collection and showcases the inventive engineering of pre-war utility vehicles.
The Tempo E200 was designed for urban work, emphasizing maneuverability in tight spaces. Its most distinctive feature is the entire front wheel assembly—including the engine, transmission, and chain drive—mounted as a single pivoting sub-assembly. This design allowed the front wheel to turn independently, providing surprising agility for a vehicle of its era. Powered by a 197cc water-cooled, two-stroke single-cylinder engine producing a modest seven horsepower, the E200 was never built for speed but for practicality.
The truck 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 handle stopping duties. The body includes reverse-hinged doors, B-pillar trafficators (turn signal indicators), a drop-down tailgate, and a functional cargo bed, emphasizing its utilitarian purpose. Inside, the spartan dashboard features a starter button, trafficator switch, ignition key, and warning lamps. The three-spoke steering wheel is positioned in front of a centrally mounted gear shifter, giving drivers a hands-on experience typical of 1930s motoring.
According to Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, the Tempo E200 is a rare survivor that demonstrates pre-war ingenuity. Sturgeon, a longtime car collector with over 30 years of experience, started his automotive career repairing Volkswagens as a teenager and later built one of the largest auto salvage operations in the country. His collection now includes over 200 rare cars and 3,000 collectibles on display at the museum.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth, offers free admission and parking. The facility spans 150,000 square feet and also provides secure climate-controlled car storage and event spaces. The museum is dog-friendly and encourages photography. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
The addition of the 1937 Tempo E200 underscores the museum's commitment to preserving unusual and historically significant vehicles. As one of the most intriguing three-wheeled vehicles ever built, it offers visitors a glimpse into the innovative, if eccentric, engineering solutions of the pre-war era. The museum continues to add new exhibits throughout the year, making it a destination for automotive enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
