The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a fully restored 1965 Volkswagen Type 2 Single Cab Pickup to its Ron Sturgeon Collection, signaling a continued commitment to preserving automotive history that spans both rare exotics and humble workhorses. The truck, finished in green with a white roof and bumpers, is now on display among more than 200 vehicles and thousands of toys at the museum’s 150,000-square-foot facility in North Fort Worth.
Originally designed as a practical workhorse, this single-cab pickup is anything but ordinary. Its bed is lined with polished wood strips and features removable countertop surfaces with rails, previously used to support rows of vibrant potted flowers. The canvas bed canopy, fold-down tailgate and bedsides, and under-bed storage compartment add both function and vintage flair. According to the museum, the vehicle’s blend of form and function makes it a crowd favorite among guests.
“This VW pickup is a beautiful blend of form and function,” said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the museum. “It’s one of those vehicles that makes people smile—whether they remember seeing one on the road or wish they had one in their driveway.” The acquisition underscores the museum’s broader mission to celebrate the everyday vehicles that shaped car culture, not just high-end collectibles.
Powered by a Brazilian-market air-cooled flat-four and paired with a four-speed manual transaxle featuring gear reduction boxes, the 1965 Single Cab delivers the classic VW driving feel. Inside, brown vinyl upholstery and coordinating panels bring period-correct charm, while sliding windows, lap belts, and Wolfsburg-branded touches highlight its authenticity. The odometer reads 91,000 miles, and the truck is equipped with modern H4 headlights and practical features like mud flaps, a split front windshield, and a heel protector for the throttle pedal.
The vehicle’s addition is significant because it represents a growing trend among collectors to value utilitarian classics that tell stories of daily life and work. For enthusiasts, the 1965 Volkswagen Type 2 Single Cab Pickup offers a nostalgic journey into classic automotive design and craftsmanship, standing alongside other rare and character-filled classics curated by Sturgeon. The museum, formerly known as the DFW Elite Toy Museum, has long been a destination for toy and car lovers worldwide, and this latest acquisition reinforces its role as a hub for diverse automotive interests.
Visitors can view the pickup and the rest of the collection at the museum’s new location, which offers free parking and admission, secure climate-controlled car storage, and event facilities. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and more information is available at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com. The 1965 VW Single Cab’s arrival not only enriches the museum’s offerings but also highlights the enduring appeal of vintage utility vehicles in the collector community.
