👉The Matador: Origins and Evolution
The Harburger Transporter, affectionately referred to as the Matador, had a fascinating journey from its inception. Here are the key points:
➡️Early Days and Vidal & Sohn:
- The first Harburger Transporter, initially called the Tempo Matador, emerged in 1949. It was designed by Vidal & Sohn.
- The Matador featured a low-slung, front-wheel-drive (FWD) cab-over-engine layout. Its original powerplant was a Volkswagen flat-4 engine.
- Later, Heinkel engines replaced the VW units, but sales declined due to reliability issues.
➡️Matador’s Siblings:
- The Matador was part of the Tempo lineup, which included other models like the Boy, Hanseat trikes, and the 2-cylinder 500cc microvan called the Wiking.
- Vidal & Sohn faced financial difficulties, leading them to seek a partnership.
➡️Hanomag Takes the Reins:
- In 1955, Hanomag acquired half of Tempo, and the Matador found new life.
- The second-generation Matador arrived in 1956, featuring a distinctive “fish-mouth” design.
- Engine options expanded to include an Austin A50 gasoline engine and a 1.8-liter Hanomag Diesel.
- Jensen in the UK and Bajaj-Tempo in India licensed the design for local production.
➡️Harburger Transporter Emerges:
- The Matador underwent a facelift and became the Harburger Transporter.
- Hanomag, now based in Hannover, continued production, eventually moving it to the Bremen works.
- The Harburger Transporter retained the Austin 1.6-liter petrol engine but switched to Mercedes-Benz’s OM 615 Diesel engine.
- Interestingly, both Hanomag and Mercedes-Benz versions coexisted during this period.
➡️Legacy and Beyond:
- The Harburger Transporter embodied practicality and versatility.
- Although it lost the Hanomag Diesel, it continued to serve as a reliable workhorse.
- The Bremen works became its home, and the Harburger Transporter left its mark on the road.
For those curious about this unique piece of automotive history, the Harburger Transporter stands as a testament to innovation and adaptation. 🚚✨