DFW Car & Toy Museum Showcases 1965 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe, a Mid-Century Icon with North Texas Roots
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FORT WORTH — A classic red 1965 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe from the Ron Sturgeon Collection is now on display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, offering a window into mid-century automotive design and the economic potential of heritage tourism in North Texas.
The 1965 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe blends Italian styling by Ghia with German engineering by Karmann, powered by a freshly serviced 1.2-liter air-cooled flat-four engine and a four-speed manual transaxle. Recent mechanical updates include a rebuilt carburetor, fuel pump overhaul, valve adjustment, and replacement of the clutch system, motor and transmission mounts, and spark plugs. The engine tins have been refinished in gloss black for a clean engine bay.
The car retains signature details such as bullet-style front turn indicators, pop-out rear quarter windows, dual pea shooter exhaust outlets, and polished chrome trim. Inside, a two-spoke steering wheel with the Wolfsburg crest horn bar frames a VDO instrument suite with a 90-mph speedometer, analog clock, and fuel gauge. The five-digit odometer shows 55,000 miles, and a Volkswagen Delivery Status certificate confirms its original identification numbers, factory colors, and manufacturing date of January 2, 1965.
“The Karmann Ghia has always stood out as a car that makes you smile before you even start it,” said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. “This red coupe is a beautiful representation of Volkswagen’s most stylish era—accessible, fun, and absolutely timeless.”
The vehicle is one of more than 200 collectible vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys on display at the museum, which moved from Haltom City to a 150,000-square-foot facility in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway. The museum offers free parking and admission, secure climate-controlled car storage, and event facilities for car clubs and board meetings. It is dog friendly and encourages pictures. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The museum’s evolution from its earlier identity as the DFW Elite Toy Museum reflects a broader trend of niche attractions driving foot traffic and supporting local businesses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. For the automotive industry, the Karmann Ghia’s enduring appeal highlights the value of design heritage and the collector market’s role in preserving mechanical history.
For visitors and enthusiasts, the exhibit provides a tangible connection to an era when style and reliability converged. More information about the museum and its collection is available at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.