The Tempo Hanseat was founded by Oscar Vidal, who established the German automobile manufacturer Tempo in 1924. Designed as an affordable transport solution for small businessmen and farmers in post-war Germany, the Hanseat addressed the need for an economical, no-frills vehicle to replace traditional horse-drawn carriages.
Initially a three-wheeled motorcycle with a front load bay, the design evolved into a rear-load configuration while retaining its unique three-wheel layout.
In India, the Hanseat was introduced in the 1960s by Bajaj Auto (later Force Motors) under a licensing agreement with Vidal und Sohn Tempo Werke. Production began in Goregaon, Mumbai, with an initial 396cc two-stroke engine producing 15 HP, mounted above the single front wheel and chain-driven. Its compact, robust design made it ideal for urban congestion and rural roads.
After 1978, it was fitted with a 500cc single-cylinder Lombardini diesel engine. Despite its modest power, the Hanseat remained popular for its affordability and utility. Often noisy and polluting, these vehicles were nonetheless reliable and became iconic in rural India, frequently adorned with humorous or religious slogans, adding to their enduring charm.
The Bajaj Tempo Hanseat in the images was featured in the 1987 Tamil movie 'Nayakan'.
Note : Images are property of movie companies owner of the respective movies.
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