Australian Tempo Wrecks

Tempo Matadors first went on sale in Australia in 1949. The Volkswagen-engined Mk1 Matador was quite a popular vehicle and sold well. However, when the Volkswagen contract ended in 1952, exports to Australia stopped. Matador exports to Australia did not resume until the late 1950s when Tempo secured an engine contract with Austin.

Several surviving Volkswagen-engined Matadors exist and are under restoration in Australia. Some examples however are beyond saving. This example below was found in country Queensland. Some elements, such as the chassis and axles may be salvageable.




These two Austin engined Matador IIs are also located in country Queensland. Both have badly damaged by bushfire, but some trim elements, such as badges look to be useable.











This Matador II also lives in Queensland. It's had an interesting life. It was originally Austin engined but at some point the engine failed and a Holden 179 red motor was installed. This required a new radiator to be installed. It was used as a vehicle carrier so the rear axle was replaced with a double axle. The truck is in rough condition but still functional and the owner intends to restore it 'as is.'






Nigel - you can contact me on email paulyshell at hotmail.com

Two more Austin-engined Matadors available for salvage here:
https://tempohanseat.blogspot.com/2024/06/two-tempo-matador-wrecks-for-salvage-in.html

1952 Tempo Magazine

Land of work and the white
Australia is a land of empty spaces between modern cities. It is only through a large immigration of Europeans that it will be able to hold its own against the pressing masses of Asia. The high standard of living of Australians has been earned by hard work: wool, wheat and ore bring the money into the country, but it is time for Australian technology and industry to make the leap to the great nation. German technology can make a decisive contribution to this.

At the harbor bridge in Sydney is the new Tempo Matador, of which our agency, the company L B Clarkson, has already sold many. Sydney's harbor is world-famous, and Sydney's citizens are quite proud of the performance and beauty of their almost 2 million city.

Photo captions - (centre) In Australia, left is modeled on the British mother country. traffic is already heavy in the early morning. (right) In the hot north, the police ride on imported camels for the annual patrol and ensure that the law is upheld.