1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4 Joins DFW Car & Toy Museum Collection, Showcasing Texas’ Love for Classic Durability

The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a restored 1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4 to its Ron Sturgeon Collection, offering enthusiasts and the public a chance to see a vehicle that defined durability and helped build Toyota’s reputation in the United States. The truck is now on display at the museum’s location at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137, where it joins over 200 rare vehicles and 3,000 toys and collectibles.

Powered by the bulletproof 2.4-liter 22R inline-four engine, the SR5 is paired with a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case, delivering true four-wheel-drive capability. The truck features Toyota’s desirable Black Package, including 15-inch six-spoke steel wheels, manually locking front hubs, a sliding rear window, and power-assisted front disc brakes for added control on and off the road. Inside, it remains authentically outfitted with an AM/FM radio, hand-crank windows, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, and a heater. The dash includes an 85-mph speedometer, tachometer, and gauges for fuel and coolant temperature, with voltage and oil pressure readouts mounted below.

“The early Toyota pickups earned a cult following for a reason—simple, tough, and unstoppable,” said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. “This 1981 SR5 is the kind of truck people still dream about owning, and now fans can see it up close in all its restored glory.” The truck has received thoughtful updates, including a refinished frame, a new clutch slave cylinder, and an upgraded exhaust system, ensuring its legendary longevity continues.

The addition of this vehicle is significant for Texas, where trucks are a staple of both work and recreation. The 1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4 represents an era of no-nonsense engineering that resonates with industries such as agriculture, construction, and off-road recreation—key sectors in the Texas economy. For collectors and enthusiasts, the museum offers free parking and admission, and is dog friendly, encouraging visitors to take pictures. The museum also provides secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities for events, including car clubs and board meetings.

Ron Sturgeon, a dedicated car collector for over 30 years, started the museum in the 1980s by collecting automobile toys and cars. The museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, moved from Haltom City to its current North Fort Worth location. For more information on the museum and its collection, visit dfwcarandtoymuseum.com or the original toy museum site at DFW Elite Toy Museum.

This acquisition not only preserves a piece of automotive history but also underscores the museum’s role in highlighting vehicles that have made an economic and cultural impact. The 1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4 is more than a truck—it is a symbol of durability that continues to influence vehicle design and consumer expectations in Texas and beyond.