Rare 1936 Tatra 75 Convertible Now on Display at DFW Car & Toy Museum

The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth has added an exceptionally rare 1936 Tatra 75 Convertible to its collection, offering visitors a glimpse into one of Europe's most innovative prewar automobiles. Part of the renowned Ron Sturgeon Collection, this vehicle underscores the groundbreaking engineering that made Tatra a forward-thinking manufacturer of its era.

With only approximately 4,100 examples produced, the 1936 Tatra 75 Convertible is a rare sight worldwide. Before joining the Ron Sturgeon Collection, it was housed at the Tampa Bay Automotive Museum, where its historical significance and originality were preserved.

Powering the Tatra 75 is an advanced air-cooled 1.7-liter flat-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. During the 1930s, Tatra embraced engineering solutions ahead of its time, including an innovative backbone chassis that provided rigidity and a smooth ride, making the Type 75 a standout among luxury touring automobiles.

The interior features a right-hand-drive layout trimmed in rich red leather with a body-color dashboard. A classic VDO 120 km/h speedometer with an integrated clock is the centerpiece, while the odometer shows just 44,000 kilometers (approximately 27,000 miles), indicating limited use. The beige convertible top adds to its elegance.

This 1936 Tatra 75 is one of the finest surviving examples and holds historical significance as the last front-engined passenger car from Tatra before the company shifted to rear-engined designs that influenced generations of automotive engineering.

"The Tatra 75 represents a level of creativity and innovation that continues to impress nearly 90 years later," said Ron Sturgeon. "It's automobiles like this that allow visitors to appreciate how engineering vision and craftsmanship have shaped the cars we drive today."

The DFW Car & Toy Museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, offers free admission and houses over 200 iconic automobiles and 3,000 vintage toys. Visitors can explore this rare Tatra alongside other exhibits spanning over a century of innovation. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and more information is available at their website: dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.

The addition of the Tatra 75 Convertible not only enriches the museum's collection but also provides a unique educational opportunity for automotive enthusiasts, historians, and families to appreciate prewar engineering that continues to influence modern car design.