1951 Tempo Matador Panel Van For Sale
This is perhaps one of the rarest and most obscure vehicles we have advertised on Oldbug
but we did actually sell an open bed version some years ago that ended up on the VW museum
in Germany (click here for pics)...so why not give it another go with this insanely cool vehicle.
This one is even rarer being an enclosed body version, and its top level restoration
makes it a stand out as well. The standard production Tempo with an open bed is rare enough
with only about 1400 made from 1949-1951. Anything other than an open bed truck
falls into the realm of coachbuilt, such as this van, and a couple campers that have surfaced over the years.
This example is thought to be the only low roof full steel Tempo panel van in existence today.
This example was originally delivered to Uruguay, where the coachbuilding was completed
and compared to most of the European coachbuilts of the era that used wood for an inner structure
this one was all done in steel, which might have something to do with how well it has survived all these years.
Obviously the Porsche theme of the build and restoration is a modern addition
but all is done with a wonderful period correct flair.
The restoration was done in the UK by the masters at Irv's Restorations
and was a truly no expense spared approach to it.
When there is only one in the world, you've got to do it right.
The paint color is Porsche Polyantha Red (code 604)
Fit and final finish is excellent, all new rubbers and seals and excellent brightwork.
Taillights are Porsche 356 "Beehive" units.
The Porsche Race Team Support graphics are all hand painted
and add an amazingly fun theme to the finished product.
The custom twin pipe exhaust out the back gives Porsche vibes as well
as Porsche sounds, as they connect to a true Porsche 356 engine !
Fantastic wheel choice using modified 16" Porsche 356 wheels with Tempo logo hubcaps and wrapped
with beefy all terrain style tires.
I can totally see this in a Porsche collection somewhere or in the pits at vintage racing events.
This is an absolutely awesome crowd pleaser of a vehicle wherever it goes.
Cool vent scoop on the roof
Fantastic mirrors
Reasonably silly wipers
And of course the fantastic Tempo Matador emblems
These are front wheel drive by the way, with the engine mounted below and behind the front seat.
This one is using a VW gearbox mated to the original Tempo axles. The Porsche 356 engine
has been built to a displacement of 1720cc which is a vast improvement performance wise
over the original factory installed 25hp VW unit and ZF gearbox.
Suicide front doors are another mega cool detail on these that is a part of the attraction.
The odd bulldog face of it as well is great fun.
Out back in the cargo area it is fully finished and cleanly done in wood.
Front cabin is superb and done in the original style materials and colors.
3 spoke steering wheel is similar to the early VW units.
Simple central dash panel with one gauge and an assortment of switches and lights.
This is simplicity at its finest yet with an elegant flowing vibe to it.
Access to the top of the engine is behind the front seat.
Mechanically all systems have been fully rebuilt, the engine being done by a Porsche specialist
and the whole rig has minimal miles since completion...it all remains quite fresh.
It was a very long and challenging restoration carried out by the crew at Irv's
as you can see from this "before" photo!
History wise it was originally delivered to Uruguay where it remained
until being shipped to the UK in 2007. The restoration was started in 2023
and was completed fairly recently. Its been shown a few times and photographed for the magazines.
The reaction to it in the world has been quite enthusiastic as one would expect.
Currently located in The UK, but shipping globally is not a problem.
It comes with current UK paperwork as well as historical papers from its like in Uruguay.
It will be very interesting to see where this jewel ends up next, but wherever it goes,
the new owner will be very happy with it and will most certainly be the only one on the block
with a Porsche powered coachbuilt Tempo Matador race support van!
Asking
$225,000 US
For More Info...CALL
951 795-1175
or Email oldbug@earthlink.net