1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe: A Testament to Texas' Classic Car Legacy

FORT WORTH, Texas — The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a meticulously restored 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe to its Ron Sturgeon Collection, underscoring the role of classic car preservation in North Texas' economy and cultural tourism.

Acquired by its previous owner in 2006, the red coupe underwent a full body-off refurbishment, including right-front fender repair, a bare-metal repaint in a late-model Beetle shade of red, and numerous mechanical upgrades. It retains iconic Karmann Ghia design cues: pop-out rear quarter windows, a vented rear decklid, a Karmann body tag, and chrome bumpers with overriders. Featured in the June 2009 issue of Dune Buggies and Hot VWs, the car demonstrates the enduring appeal of thoughtful restoration.

Under the hood, a reliable air-cooled flat-four engine is fitted with a Solex carburetor, oil-bath air cleaner, Bosch ignition coil, and alternator. Power reaches the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transaxle rebuilt by Rancho Performance Transaxles in Fullerton, California. Front disc brakes and rear drums modernize stopping power, while new shocks and ball joints improve road manners. Inside, a two-spoke steering wheel, VDO instrumentation, square-weave carpeting, aftermarket speakers, a JVC CD stereo, and a black dash pad blend vintage character with contemporary usability. The five-digit odometer shows just 7,000 miles since refurbishment.

"The Karmann Ghia has always been one of those cars that merges art and engineering," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "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."

This coupe is part of a 200+ vehicle lineup at the museum, complemented by over 3,000 vintage toys and artifacts. The museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, moved from Haltom City to a 150,000-square-foot facility at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth. It offers free parking and admission, secure climate-controlled car storage, and event spaces for car clubs and board meetings. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the museum is dog friendly and encourages pictures. For more information, visit dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.

The Karmann Ghia's addition highlights how classic car restoration and display contribute to Texas' economy. The museum attracts enthusiasts and tourists, supporting local hospitality and automotive service businesses. As a free-admission attraction, it provides accessible cultural enrichment while preserving automotive history. For the classic car industry, this build showcases the value of blending originality with modern reliability—a trend that sustains demand for restoration services and parts. The museum's growth from a small toy collection to a major North Fort Worth destination reflects the economic potential of niche tourism and the enduring passion for automotive heritage in the Lone Star State.