The Tempo Corvette was the most popular moped made by the Norwegian firm Jonas Øglænd. It was produced from 1960, when the first model 240 appeared, until 1994, when the last 380p left the factory.
Tempo Corvette at a glance
| Maker | Jonas Øglænd, Norway |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tempo |
| Production | 1960–1994 |
| Models | 240, 280, 290, 300, 310 Sport, 320 Sport, 380, 380p, 390 |
| Engine | Sachs MLKA X or ABE X, 47 cm³, four-speed |
| Frame | same as the Tempo Comet motorcycle |
| Electrics | 6 V, no battery |
| Top speed | about 50 km/h as built |
| Storage | tool compartment under the seat |
| Rear rack | luggage carrier, stronger than a bicycle rack |
The Corvette is described in a section of the Norwegian Wikipedia article on Tempo; this page is based on that section (based on one source).
History of the Tempo Corvette
The most popular Tempo moped
The Corvette was the best-selling of the Tempo mopeds. It was offered in the models 240, 280, 290, 300, 310 Sport, 320 Sport, 380, 380p and 390. The first, the 240, was produced from 1960; the last, the 380p, remained in production until 1994.
The same engine for every model
Every Corvette used the same type of engine throughout its long life: the Sachs MLKA X, also known as the ABE X, a four-speed unit of 47 cm³. The frame was the same as that of the Comet motorcycle, so fitting a Comet engine was described as plug and play. Under the seat there was a small tool compartment, and at the rear a luggage rack stronger than a bicycle carrier.
The 6 V electrical system had no battery and was not known for strong output, so the headlight could be dim. The speedometer was also optimistic: according to the Norwegian source, readings 30 per cent too high were not unusual. As built, the moped could legally do about 50 km/h, which made it an attractive alternative to later mopeds restricted to 45 km/h.
Design and features
- Sachs four-speed engine: the 47 cm³ MLKA X / ABE X used in every model.
- Comet frame: shared with the Tempo Comet motorcycle.
- Tool compartment: a small locker under the seat.
- Luggage rack: a reinforced carrier at the rear.
- Long production: 34 years, from 1960 to 1994.
Tempo Corvette versions
- 240: the first Corvette, produced from 1960.
- 280, 290, 300: later standard models.
- 310 Sport, 320 Sport: sport versions of the range.
- 380, 380p: the final models, the 380p built until 1994.
- 390: the last model in the list.
The Corvette was one of many Tempo models from Jonas Øglænd; the Tempo Sport was the motorcycle of the same brand. More vehicles are in the Tempo collection.
Video: Tempo Corvette 1983 #1
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Tempo (motorsykkel), Norwegian Wikipedia: Corvette models, engine, frame, equipment
