The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a distinctive 1967 Volkswagen Beetle Jolly-style to the Ron Sturgeon Collection, a vehicle that captures the carefree spirit of 1950s and '60s coastal cruising. Originally a Brazilian-market Beetle, this custom build features wicker seats, wood plank flooring, and a host of personalized touches that evoke the famous Ghia-built Fiat Jolly conversions. Its presence in the museum signals a broader appreciation for automotive whimsy and the cultural history of leisure vehicles.
Jolly-style cars were designed for relaxed, luxurious drives in resort settings—from tropical beach towns to golf course paths. This Beetle brings that vibe to life in a uniquely Volkswagen package, blending the iconic German engineering with Brazilian flair. The interior includes walnut dashboard trim, rubber floor mats, seat belts, a dashboard-mounted figurine, and a three-spoke steering wheel. A replacement fuel-level gauge and ABS wiring loom wrap add modern functionality. Under the rear hood, the car retains a 1.3-liter air-cooled flat-four engine with a single downdraft carburetor and classic oil bath air cleaner. Painted engine tins match the body color, and the intake manifold has heat riser tubes removed for a simplified look. Power goes to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission with new outer gaskets. The five-digit odometer on the 140-km/h speedometer reads 97,000 kilometers (~60,000 miles).
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the car's emotional appeal: "There's a joy to this Beetle that's hard to describe—it doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's what makes it great. It's a one-of-a-kind piece that makes you want to throw on your sunglasses and hit the coast." The vehicle is one of more than 200 unique vehicles in the collection, displayed alongside 3,000 vintage toys and cultural artifacts.
The acquisition matters because it reflects a shifting trend in classic car collecting: a move away from strictly investment-grade machines toward vehicles that tell stories of fun, individuality, and regional customization. The Jolly-style Beetle, with its Brazilian roots and resort-town aesthetics, represents a niche within the Volkswagen community that has gained traction among enthusiasts seeking something different from the standard restoration. It also reinforces the DFW Car & Toy Museum's mission to celebrate design, innovation, and automotive history in an accessible way. The museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth, offers free parking and admission, making it a cultural asset for the region. For those interested in the museum's broader offerings, its website dfwcarandtoymuseum.com provides details on hours, events, and car storage. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and is dog friendly.
