The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a unique vehicle to its collection: a 1996 Subaru Sambar that has been converted to resemble a classic Volkswagen Microbus. This kei-class van, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, blends Japanese engineering with retro styling, offering visitors a glimpse into the world of JDM imports and camper culture.
Finished in a soft cream hue, the Sambar features VW-style badges, a roof rack, headlight visors, and other retro cues. Underneath the nostalgic exterior lies a 658cc fuel-injected inline-four engine (EN07F) with push-button four-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission. A removable rear panel provides access to the compact engine in the cargo area, a hallmark of kei-class efficiency. Inside, the van offers crank windows, air conditioning, and a Pioneer Mixtrax multimedia stereo, blending practicality with fun.
This Sambar is part of the museum's ongoing effort to showcase the unusual and unexpected. Ron Sturgeon, founder of the museum, noted, "This Sambar is absolutely irresistible. It's proof that fun and function can fit into a very tiny package." The vehicle joins over 200 rare cars and 3,000 toys and collectibles at the facility, which is located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137. The museum offers free parking and admission, and new vehicles are added regularly.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Ron Sturgeon in the 1980s. The museum's website remains a resource for collectors worldwide. For more information, visit dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
