Bajaj Tempo Matador F305 | Movie 'Mithunam'

The Matador always takes me on a nostalgic journey, reminding me of my childhood rides to school in these iconic vans: Bajaj Tempo Matador F305 (short wheelbase) & F307 (long wheelbase)

This front-wheel-drive van, often referred to as the "Indian Volkswagen Van," was a versatile workhorse. The Matador was widely used as school buses and ambulances. In fact, it frequently made appearances in old Bollywood movies, serving as police vans but primarily as ambulances.

Beyond its functional roles, the Matador was a familiar sight during family gatherings and picnics. Schools often relied on it for transporting children. The 10-seater Matador van was manufactured by Force Motors (then called Bajaj Tempo) in India under a license agreement with Tempo, Germany. Both van and pick-up variants were available, with the diesel version gaining immense popularity.

The Matador diesel engine became a favorite, especially among Hindustan Ambassador owners looking for better fuel efficiency. The F305 variant featured a robust 1.8-litre diesel engine that produced 50 bhp, paired with a four-speed all-synchromesh manual transmission. Its practicality and reliability cemented its place in Indian automotive history.

The Bajaj Tempo Matador F305 shown in the images was featured in the 1993 Malayalam movie 'Mithunam'.