The 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe from the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, represents a careful balance between preserving automotive history and embracing modern usability. This red coupe, featured in the June 2009 issue of Dune Buggies and Hot VWs, showcases how a vintage icon can be refreshed without losing its essential character. Its presence in the museum's 200+ vehicle lineup highlights the enduring appeal of classic design and the growing trend of restomodding—where classic cars receive modern mechanical and aesthetic upgrades.
Acquired by its previous owner in 2006, the car underwent a full body-off refurbishment. This included right-front fender repair, a bare-metal repaint in a late-model Beetle shade of red, and numerous mechanical enhancements. The restoration retained signature Karmann Ghia details such as pop-out rear quarter windows, a vented rear decklid, a Karmann body tag, and chrome bumpers with overriders. These elements preserve the model's European elegance while the updated paint and mechanical components ensure it remains roadworthy and enjoyable by today's standards.
Under the hood, the car is powered by an air-cooled flat-four engine equipped with a Solex carburetor, oil-bath air cleaner, Bosch ignition coil, and alternator. Power is delivered through a four-speed manual transaxle rebuilt by Rancho Performance Transaxles in Fullerton, California. Stopping power benefits from front disc brakes and rear drums, while new shocks and ball joints improve handling. Inside, a two-spoke steering wheel, VDO instrumentation, square-weave carpeting, aftermarket speakers, a JVC CD stereo, and a black dash pad blend vintage charm with modern convenience. The five-digit odometer shows just 7,000 miles since the refurbishment, indicating a lightly driven, well-preserved machine. For enthusiasts interested in the specifics of this build, the museum provides a detailed listing for the 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, noted, “The Karmann Ghia has always been one of those cars that merges art and engineering. This '67 coupe is the kind of build that honors the past while embracing a bit of modern usability—exactly the kind of balance we love to showcase.” The car is part of a broader collection that includes over 3,000 vintage toys and artifacts, telling stories of design, culture, and innovation. The museum, now located in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, offers free parking and admission, and is dog friendly. It also provides secure climate-controlled car storage and event facilities. More information about the museum and its collections can be found at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
The significance of this Karmann Ghia extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. It exemplifies the growing restomod movement, where classic cars are updated with modern components to improve reliability, safety, and comfort without sacrificing their original spirit. This approach makes vintage vehicles more accessible to a new generation of enthusiasts who may be hesitant to drive fully original classics due to maintenance concerns. By showcasing such a build, the DFW Car & Toy Museum underscores the importance of preserving automotive heritage while adapting it for contemporary use. As the market for classic cars continues to evolve, vehicles like this 1967 Karmann Ghia demonstrate that thoughtful modifications can enhance both value and driving pleasure, ensuring that automotive history remains not just a static display but a living, drivable experience.
