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Showing posts with label Indonesia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indonesia. Show all posts

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Behind the Design: Sanca GT and Its Inspirations

Happy 79th Indonesian Independence Day!
Happy 79th birthday, Indonesia! Let's encourage one another, as Indonesian, to achieve our dreams. Develop the skills needed to compete on the global stage and show the world that Indonesians are the best!
'Always maintain the spirit of patriotism, let it shine within you, and be proud to be Indonesian.'
It's been a great pleasure being with you on this journey.

📢Just on Paper🇮🇩 - In the ever-evolving world of automobiles, capturing the public's imagination with a perfect blend of power, speed, and captivating design is essential for each new car model. Legendary sports cars often serve as benchmarks for these creations. The era of supercars has introduced models that deliver stunning performance and come with substantial price tags. Among these, the Ferrari Enzo has long been a favorite among car enthusiasts for its exceptional performance and design. This legendary car has inspired a new creation: the Sanca GT.
The Sanca GT is a two-seater, mid-engine sports car concept inspired by the Ferrari Enzo, but designed to surpass it in every way. (Picture from: Coroflot)
The Sanca GT project began in April 2007, spearheaded by an Indonesian designer Arifin Santoso and a team of European engineers. By 2008, a 1:4 scale model was ready, and over the years, nearly 19,000 hours of meticulous work have been dedicated to perfecting this concept car. Extensive tests and refinements have shaped the Sanca GT into the masterpiece it is today.
Designed by Indonesian designer Arifin Santoso and a team of European engineers, the Sanca GT seamlessly integrates aesthetics, performance, technology, and safety. (Picture from: MotorAdictos)
This 2-seats, mid-engine sportcar concept is a product of the combined efforts of three highly experienced international automotive designers. The Sanca GT seamlessly integrates aesthetics, performance, technology, and safety. Its construction features a carbon hull, a chrome-molybdenum space frame, and independent suspension, making it an engineering marvel.
Measuring 4.33 meters in length and weighing 1,350 kilograms dry, the Sanca GT presents a futuristic and novel appearance. (Picture from: Coroflot)
Measuring 4.33 meters in length and weighing 1,350 kilograms dry, the Sanca GT is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Its lightweight monocoque chassis and impressive 647 horsepower, which can be increased to 720 hp, give it a futuristic and novel appearance.
The Sanca GT's construction features a carbon hull, a chrome-molybdenum space frame, and independent suspension, making it an engineering marvel. (Picture from: Coroflot)
The car boasts 819 Nm of torque, with power delivered to the rear wheels via a 6-speed Xtrac gearbox. Carbon-ceramic brakes further enhance its appeal. The creators estimate that the Sanca GT can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, reach 161 km/h in exactly 7 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 330 km/h.
In April 2011, the scaled model of the Sanca GT made its debut at the Top Marques Monaco, an exclusive car show featuring renowned designs. This event aimed to attract potential investors. The basic version of the Sanca GT, labeled the S650, is estimated to cost €300,000, excluding VAT.
The scaled model of the Sanca GT made its debut at the Top Marques Monaco 2011, an exclusive car show featuring renowned designs, aiming to attract potential investors. (Picture from: Coroflot)
However, despite its promising design and specifications, there has been no further news about the Sanca concept car. It appears that this exceptional vehicle may remain a concept unless serious investors come forward to bring it to production. For those passionate about speed and performance and willing to invest in a piece of automotive brilliance, the Sanca GT holds immense promise.
The Sanca GT boasts a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, delivering up to 720 hp with its lightweight monocoque chassis, imparting a futuristic and novel appearance. (Picture from: Coroflot)
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the Sanca GT represents a beacon of innovation and creativity. It embodies the spirit of legendary sports cars while introducing new levels of performance and design. The future of supercars looks bright, and the Sanca GT could be at the forefront of this exciting era. This car not only pays homage to its inspirations but also paves the way for future innovations in the supercar world, promising an exhilarating ride for those fortunate enough to experience it.
The Sanca GT boasts 819 Nm of torque, delivering power to the rear wheels through a 6-speed Xtrac gearbox, enhanced further by carbon-ceramic brakes. (Picture from: Coroflot)
The world of supercars is continually advancing, and with each new model, enthusiasts are treated to cutting-edge technology and unparalleled performance. The Sanca GT is a testament to the dedication and passion of its creators. Should it ever reach production, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the automotive landscape, captivating the hearts of car lovers worldwide. The journey of the Sanca GT is a thrilling reminder of what is possible when visionaries push the boundaries of automotive design and engineering. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ARIFCONCEPT | COROFLOT | SUPERSPORTCARS | MOTORADICTOS | TEAMSPEED | ALLCARINDEX ]
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Monday, November 6, 2023

Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce: An Indonesian Scarce Scooters of the 1970s

In Memmoriam: MALELA - Today, we delve into the fascinating world of classic Vespa scooters from the 1970s in Indonesia, a relic of the past that remains a cherished rarity. Our focus is on the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce, a scooter with a unique charm that has left an indelible mark on enthusiasts. I am fortunate to be among the proud owners of this vintage gem, and I will share some insights and images of my own prized Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce.
My 1974 Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce (right) posed along with another Indonesian's Vespa model, 2003 Vespa Exclusive 2. (Picture from: My Private Scooters)
The Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce, a scooter briefly introduced in Indonesia during the 1970s, holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. Recognizable by its round headlights, this model is commonly referred to in Indonesia as the Vespa Sprint Bagol, although some units feature square headlights. What sets this kind of Vespa apart is its distinctive appearance, with those round headlights and a sleek, elongated rear body section that exudes elegance.
What sets this Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce apart is its distinctive appearance, with those round headlights and a sleek, elongated rear body section that exudes elegance. (Picture from: My Private Scooters)
One of the standout features of the Vespa Sprint Bagol is its eye-catching jade green indicator light on the front. This indicator illuminates when the lights and other electrical components are in use, adding a unique touch to this already captivating Vespa.

Interestingly, the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce's headlights bear a striking resemblance to those of the Vespa GL (Gran Lusso) 150 (VLA), making it like as if a successor to these renowned models. In other part of the world, the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce enjoyed a decade-long production run from 1965 to 1976, captivating riders worldwide.
One of the standout features of the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce is its eye-catching jade green indicator light on the front. (Picture from: My Private Scooters)
In contrast, in Indonesia, PT. Danmotors Vespa Indonesia, the custodian of the Vespa brand at the time, only produced the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce for a brief period, specifically in 1974-1975. This marked the end of Vespa Sprint production in the country, replaced by Vespa PX150. The Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce quickly became a trendsetter in the local scooter scene, even commanding premium prices compared to other classic Vespas.
The Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce, or Vespa Bagol powered by a 2-stroke, 145.45cc engine with a single-cylinder air-cooled design, it churn out 7.7 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, propelling this kind of Vespa to a top speed of 97 kph. (Picture from: GridOto)
A curious fact about the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce with round headlights, or bagol, is that it initially faced resistance on the island of Java. The rounded headlight shape was seen as old-fashioned, leading many Sprint buyers to replace their round headlights with square ones. Some even went the extra mile, opting to modify their scooters to have square headlights. As a result, the remaining stock of units with round headlights found its way to other regions, including Sumatra, where both round and square headlight versions were embraced.
Admire the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce's beauty and elegance from an overhead perspective. (Picture from: Pinterest)
On the right side of the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce, or Vespa Bagol, nests a 2-stroke, 145.45cc engine with a single-cylinder air-cooled design. This powerhouse churns out 7.7 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, propelling this kind of Vespa to a top speed of 97 kilometers per hour.
Another typical features of this kind of Vespa is the headlight composition, Vespa incorporated parts from Aprilia or Siem. Worth noting is that Vespa models released in 1974 sport crankcases with a Piaggio's spade logo (Indonesian called cung or waru), whereas previous model of 1960s most crankcases have a crossed out 'P' logo.
As the years have passed, classic Vespas like the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce with round headlights have grown increasingly scarce. Consequently, these gems have become highly sought-after, with their prices steadily rising. If you're considering owning a Vespa Sprint Bagol of your own, it's essential to be well-informed about its distinct characteristics before making a purchase. Exercise caution and don't hesitate to seek guidance from trusted experts in the field. Owning and maintaining a Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce is not just a passion; it's a journey into the history of these iconic scooters in Indonesia.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA ]
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Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Sneak Peek into Tomorrow's Racing: Nissan's Ariya Single Seater Concept at GIIAS 2023

NEXT EV Racer - Stepping into the exhibition arena of the 2023 GIIAS Indonesian Auto Show at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) - BSD City, Tangerang, visitors were greeted by an extraordinary sight at the Nissan booth – the Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept.
The Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept which was introduced at the GIIAS Indonesia Auto Show 2023 expo in August 10, 2023, at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) - BSD City, Tangerang. (Picture from: Antara)
This groundbreaking racing concept car was designed to provide a glimpse into the future of Nissan's electric vehicle development. Born from an intricate blend of cutting-edge innovation and engineering prowess, the Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept represents a pioneering project that explores the integration of an electric car powertrain into the chassis of a single-seater racing vehicle, a concept introduced back in late 2021.
The Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept represents a pioneering project that explores the integration of an electric car powertrain into the chassis of a single-seater racing vehicle. (Picture from: TribunNews)
In essence, this initiative by Nissan serves as an experimental venture, aimed at seamlessly fusing the powertrain of their electric crossover onto the frame of a single-seat racing car. Through this bold concept, Nissan not only showcases a captivating and stylish design reminiscent of Formula E racing cars but also introduces a new standard for electric vehicle (EV) performance – one that combines dynamic power with exceptional efficiency.
The Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept bears a striking resemblance to the sleek and aerodynamic design language of Formula E racing cars, seamlessly integrating aesthetics with high-performance capabilities, and featuring with Nissan's signature V-motion front design. (Picture from: CarBodyDesign)
At first glance, the Nissan Ariya Single Seater bears a striking resemblance to the sleek and aerodynamic design language of Formula E racing cars, seamlessly integrating aesthetics with high-performance capabilities. Embracing Nissan's signature V-motion front design, the central body curves inward, defined by robust lines crafted from lightweight carbon fiber material, further enhanced by the addition of a rear wheel body cover. Although specific performance specifications remain undisclosed, the car's visual cues promise an exhilarating driving experience.
The Nissan Ariya Single Seater's central body curves inward, defined by robust lines crafted from lightweight carbon fiber material, further enhanced by the addition of a rear wheel body cover. (Picture from: CarBodyDesign)
In its entirety, the Nissan Ariya Single Seater epitomizes the envisioned form of future sports cars. Undoubtedly influenced by Nissan's active participation in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, this concept car embodies the brand's commitment to electrification. By engaging in the all-electric world championship, Nissan aims to deliver the excitement and joy of zero-emission electric vehicles to a global audience while leading the charge in EV research and design.
Meanwhile, the Ariya Single Seater concept car made its debut during the Nissan Futures 2021 event, serving as a potential realization of the Ariya powertrain's capabilities. This same event provided a glimpse into Nissan's electric future, unveiling several renderings of the concept vehicle and outlining the direction the company envisions as a trailblazer in the realm of electric vehicles. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NISSAN | MOTORTREND | CARBODYDESIGN ]
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Monday, July 3, 2023

Other unique wooden scooters made in Indonesia artisans

Rare ONES - Among the various modifications to scooters around the world, wooden scooters stand out as the most unique. In a previous article, we discussed the Vespa MP6 scooter replica made from discarded wood by Eri Ashari
Two wooden scooters made by an Indonesian craftsman named Eri Ashari. (Picture from: Gudeg.net)
Now, we shift our focus to another set of wooden scooters crafted by talented Indonesian artisans. Now we head to a small city in Central Java named Jepara, this city has been known for a long time for the beauty of its wood carving.
Jepara, a small city in Central Java which been known for a long time for the beauty of its wood carving. (Picture from: JeparaHariInion Facebook)
Surprisingly, this city is also home to teak wood scooters. Let's take a closer look at two remarkable examples:

1. 1973 Vespa Super by Ruli Wood Custom
Ruli Wood Custom, a workshop based in Jepara, meticulously crafted this extraordinary wooden scooter. The modification process for this unique piece took approximately 3 to 4 months. The base material used was a 1973 Vespa Super scooter. 
1973 Vespa scooter made of teak wood by Ruli Wood Custom shown off at the ISF 2017 in Yogyakarta. (Picture from: Otomotif-Tempo)
To maintain durability, the scooter's body is not entirely made of wood. Ruli Krisnawan, the artisan behind Ruli Wood Custom, explained that an all-wood body would increase the risk of breakage, endangering the rider. 
As You can see on several body parts of the 1973 Vespa Super scooter were decorated with a beautiful Jepara carving. (Picture from: Otomotif-Tempo)
Therefore, they decided to retain the original body and adorn it with a layer of intricately carved teak wood. Selected parts of the 1973 Vespa Super scooter received exquisite Jepara carvings, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
The 1973 Vespa Super scooter's handlebar and mirrors were also decorated with a beautiful Jepara carving. (Picture from: Otomotif-Tempo)
It's worth noting that the components related to the driving system, such as the engine and rims, remained in their original condition without any wooden layering.

2. A wooden replica of Lambretta LI 125 by Taufiq Qurrohman
Jepara, known for its wood carving, is also the birthplace of another wooden scooter such as this replica of the Lambretta LI 125. This remarkable creation is the work of Taufiq Qurrohman, a skilled wood craftsman. 
A wooden replica of Lambretta LI 125 scooter made by a Jepara craftsman named Taufiq Qurrohman. (Picture from: Surabaya-Kompas)
Taufiq Qurrahman was riding
on the wooden replica of the
Lambretta LI 125 of his-owned.
 
(Picture from: Surabaya-Kompas)
Unlike the previous scooters, Taufiq's creation boasts a full teak wood frame and body, and according to Taufiq, the idea for this wooden scooter was entirely his own, and he personally crafted both the frame and body. 

However, he sought the assistance of a mechanic for engine mounting. The entire construction process, from concept to completion, and it took approximately nine weeks.

This unique wooden scooter features automatic machines, though specific machine names and types were not disclosed. These machines were chosen to enhance maintenance ease and driving comfort, making it suitable for anyone, including women.

Although both these wooden scooters function like any other two-wheeled vehicles, it remains unknown whether they possess the necessary roadworthy permits from the authorities.

Before concluding, it's worth mentioning another exceptional modified scooter crafted by an Indonesian scooter builder named Komando.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops..... *** [EKA [12122019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTOMOTIF-TEMPO | SURABAYA-KOMPAS]
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Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Dakodok: The Wild VW Dakota-Beetle Hybrid from Indonesia

Unique Breed - The name is unique and immediately prompts the question: What is this? It's one of the standout automotive creations by Indonesian car builder Denny Kusumah. This is Dakodoka custom hybrid of the Volkswagen Type 2 (known in Indonesia as the VW Dakota) and the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, locally nicknamed the VW Kodok. And that’s exactly where the name Dakodok comes from.
The Dakodok is a 'cross-breeding' result custom car between VW Dakota and VW Kodok built by Indonesian car builder Denny Kusumah. (Picture from: Era.id)
As quoted from AirCooledSyndicatethe creator shared that his inspiration for Dakodok came from a unique custom toy he saw at the 2016 Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show in Japan. The toy featured two interchangeable parts: a VW Split Bus and a VW Split Bug. But after returning from Japan, the toy ended up forgotten—until the idea resurfaced later as a real-life build. 
The Dakodok made by an Indonesia auto builder named Denny Kusumah will be made into one of Hot Wheels Legend Tour diecast series models. (Picture from: Kompas)
When Denny Kusumah set out to build a custom VW for one of Indonesia’s VW shows, the toy idea came back to him—and this time, he brought it to life. He began a unique modification process by cutting the VW Beetle at the B-pillar, removing the entire front section and keeping only the rear half, from the B-pillar backward.
The Dakodok's door has extreme changes, by adopting the suicide door types with no handle, so to open the door from the outside, you must use a remote system key that will open it automatically. (Picture from: TheGasPol)
Interestingly, this crossbreeding process didn’t involve an original VW Dakota. So, where did the Dakota’s front end come from? Denny built it himself—from the front roof section to the iconic face and nose, complete with the signature split windshield
The Dakodok has an extreme looks by adopting from the Volkswagen Type-2 with its distinctive split windshield. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
The same approach was applied to the chassis. The rear half of the VW Beetle’s chassis was retained, while the front section was custom-built to match the proportions of the VW Dakota’s face. This is where the builder’s true craftsmanship comes in—carefully calculating the length and structural integrity needed to seamlessly connect the new front chassis to the Beetle’s original rear section. 
The Dakodok has extreme looks of crossbreeding between VW Beetle from the B-pillar to the rear and VW Dakota in front. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
Another challenge was matching the large front end of the VW Dakota with the much smaller rear of the VW Beetle. To make it work, the roof, doors, and front section had to be custom-built with entirely new dimensions. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the Dakota’s front end is actually smaller than the original—scaled down to match the proportions of the Beetle’s tail. 

The Dakodok’s doors also underwent extreme modifications, adopting a suicide-door style. Uniquely, they have no exterior handles—so to open them from the outside, you need a remote key system that triggers the doors to open automatically.
The Dakodok's legs are installed adjusters so that the car looks low and pinned with 17-inches Iron Cross alloy wheels wrapped in 205/40 Achilles tires. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
On the other exterior, the fender looks wider than the usual VW Beetle and the fender cover is added. On the exterior, the fenders are noticeably wider than those of a typical VW Beetle, with additional fender flares added to visually balance the proportions with the VW Dakota front end. The rear window frame was also modified, replacing the large 1962 Beetle glass with a smaller window—sourced either from a VW Dakota or an earlier Beetle model. Attention to detail continues with the rear hood, which features a classic W-shape design, commonly found on 1950s VW Beetles
The Dakodok's cabin is filled with the dashboard panels follow the original VW Dakota coupled with two 'Jump Seat' type custom seats made of aluminum alloy. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
As for the interior, the dashboard design follows the original VW Dakota, paired with two custom-made aluminum alloy jump seats. At the rear, space was too limited to install a standard VW gas tank, so the builder fitted a custom-sized fuel tank in place of the rear seat.
At the rear, due to the narrow space, it was not possible to place VW's real gas tank, so the automaker put sufficient custom gas tank in the position of rear seat. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
The suspension setup features adjusters that allow the car to sit low, enhancing its aggressive stance. It rides on 17-inch Iron Cross alloy wheels, wrapped in 205/40 Achilles tires, giving it a bold yet balanced look. Given the compact proportions of the Dakodok, the drivetrain remains true to its rootsit still uses the original 1200cc VW Beetle engine, paired with the factory Beetle transmission. This setup maintains the car’s classic mechanical character while supporting its unique body transformation. 
The Dakodok still uses the original VW Beetle 1200 drivetrain which is connected to the original Beetle transmission as well. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
For the finishing touch, the Dakodok was painted in a striking red-and-white color scheme, symbolizing the Indonesian flag. Given the complexity of the build, the project demanded an extraordinary level of dedication. The builder worked meticulously in his Bandung workshop over the course of six yearsfrom 2016 to 2022—to bring this one-of-a-kind creation to life. 

After its completion, the Dakodok was entered into several custom car competitions both locally and internationally. It went on to earn multiple prestigious awards, including 1st place at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Indonesia 2022, and 1st place in the Hot Wheels Fan Favorite Asia Pacific, organized by World Hot Wheels Legend
The Dakodok's rear section also follows the car's year, namely with the W-shaped hood that was commonly used on the VW Beetle of the 1950s. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
It was also selected as one of the Top 10 Finalists in the Hot Wheels Legends Global Grand Final, held virtually in the U.S. on November 12, 2022. As a result, the Dakodokbuilt by an Indonesian car builderis set to be produced as part of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour 1:64 scale diecast series*** [EKA [31052023] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AIRCOOLEDSYNDICATE | MEDIA INDONESIA | ERA.ID | THEGASPOL | KOMPAS | WARTA EKONOMI | REPUBLIKA ]
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Friday, May 26, 2023

Can You Believe Only 10 Units of This Rare Tempo Matador Truck Still Exist Worldwide?

OLD-School - It is easy to scroll past old photographs of forgotten machines without giving them much thought, yet every now and then an image stops you cold and forces you to reconsider automotive history. That moment often comes when something truly uncommon appears on a modern timeline, quietly challenging today’s mass-produced vehicles. The Tempo Matador does exactly that, reminding us how inventive and daring commercial vehicle design once was.
Did you know that this old-school Tempo Matador truck is now one of the rarest vehicles in the world, with fewer than 10 units surviving today? (Picture from: the Twitter timeline of QuirkyRides)
The Tempo Matador is an old-school light truck from Germany, instantly recognizable by its relaxed, almost sleepy facial expression formed by round headlights and a split windshield. Built by Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werk, a Hamburg-based manufacturer that no longer exists, this truck carried Volkswagen DNA at its core. Its mechanical heart came from Volkswagen, making it a fascinating hybrid of commercial practicality and passenger-car engineering.
The Tempo Matador is a 1-ton class light truck that was popular in Europe during the 1940s and 1950s, produced by Hamburg-based Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werk in partnership with Volkswagen as the engine supplier. (Picture from: Oldbug)
Introduced to the public in 1949, the Matador was designed by Dietrich Bergst, a long-time Tempo employee who had been with the company since 1930. Bergst was tasked with refreshing Tempo’s aging lineup, and the Matador became his bold answer. At the time, Europe was rebuilding after the war, and there was a strong demand for compact, efficient work vehicles that could handle urban logistics without excessive cost or complexity.
The 1951 Tempo Matador truck during its daily routine of delivering bottled mineral water to customers in Bandung. (Picture from: Otomotifnet)
Technically, the Matador broke away from Tempo’s earlier trucks in several meaningful ways. It used a front-mounted cabin and a 1,131 cc four-cylinder Volkswagen boxer engine placed under the seat, connected to a Volkswagen gearbox that drove the front wheels. This configuration was highly unusual for a commercial truck of its era and placed the Matador among the earliest trucks to adopt a front-wheel-drive layout.
The 1951 Tempo Matador truck unit found in Bandung belongs to Terror Garage, a well-known Volkswagen specialist workshop based in the city. (Picture from: Otomotifnet)
Despite its modern drivetrain concept, the Matador did not completely abandon old construction methods. It retained a tubular chassis and floating axles derived from the earlier Tempo Hanseat models. Inside, the cabin remained deliberately simple, featuring Spartan wooden floors and basic fittings that reflected its utilitarian purpose rather than any luxury ambition.
The 1951 Tempo Matador truck unit found in Bandung features a centrally positioned steering wheel, a unique layout that sets it apart from most commercial vehicles of its era. (Picture from: Otomotifnet)
In Europe during the late 1940s and early 1950s, the Tempo Matador belonged to the popular one-ton light truck class. Roughly 1,300 units were produced in Hamburg before production ended, yet time has not been kind to most of them. Today, fewer than ten units are believed to have survived worldwide, placing the Matador among the rarest surviving post-war commercial vehicles.
The 1952 Tempo Matador 1400 promotional prospect, showcasing the truck’s distinctive front design and its practical commercial layout. (Picture from: Motor-Lit-Berlin.de)
One of those survivors lives far from its birthplace, in Bandung, Indonesia. A 1951 Tempo Matador is known to belong to Terror Garage, a Volkswagen specialist workshop. Its existence there proves that German commercial vehicles once traveled much farther than many people assume, reaching Southeast Asia and serving practical roles in cities like Jakarta and Bandung decades ago.
The 1952 Tempo Matador 1400 unit found on Belitung Island is now owned by an automotive enthusiast based in Jakarta, adding another chapter to the truck’s long journey. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
Indonesia has offered more clues to the Matador’s quiet global journey. Beyond the Bandung truck, a Tempo Matador 1400 delivery van was discovered on Belitung Island and is now owned by an automotive enthusiast in Jakarta. These findings suggest that the Matador was available not only as a pickup but also as a minibus or delivery van, adapting to different commercial needs. 
The 1952 Tempo Matador 1400 unit while on display at the 2022 Jogjakarta Rame Volkswagen event, held in September 2022, where it drew attention from classic VW enthusiasts. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)
What makes the Matador even more memorable is its unusual layout and detailing. The steering wheel sits in the center, allowing up to three people to sit across the front. Twin windshield wipers rest above the split glass, suicide-style doors open access to the cabin, and the suspension combines independent mono-leaf springs at the front with a rigid rear axle.
Seen through a modern lens, the Tempo Matador is not just an old truck—it is a rolling reminder of an era when innovation often came wrapped in humble, hardworking forms, now reduced to fewer than ten surviving witnesses worldwide.😉 *** [EKA [26052023] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | QUIRKYRIDES | OLDBUG | AIRCOOLEDSYNDICATE ]
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