The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a striking 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe to its renowned collection. Finished in a vibrant late-model Beetle shade of red, this classic coupe exemplifies how thoughtful restoration and tasteful modification can preserve an icon's soul while enhancing its drivability. The vehicle, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, was featured in the June 2009 issue of Dune Buggies and Hot VWs, underscoring its recognized quality and appeal among enthusiasts.
Acquired by its previous owner in 2006, the car underwent a comprehensive body-off refurbishment. This included right-front fender repair, a bare-metal repaint, and numerous mechanical upgrades. The result is a vehicle that retains essential Karmann Ghia design cues—pop-out rear quarter windows, a vented rear decklid, a Karmann body tag, and chrome bumpers with overriders—while benefiting from modern reliability. Under the hood, a dependable air-cooled flat-four engine, equipped with a Solex carburetor, oil-bath air cleaner, Bosch ignition coil, and alternator, delivers power through a four-speed manual transaxle rebuilt by Rancho Performance Transaxles in Fullerton, California.
Stopping power has been modernized with front disc brakes and rear drums, and the suspension features new shocks and ball joints for improved road manners. Inside, the cabin offers a blend of vintage and contemporary elements: a two-spoke steering wheel, VDO instrumentation (including a 90-mph speedometer, analog clock, and fuel gauge), square-weave carpeting, aftermarket speakers, a JVC CD stereo, and a black dash pad. The five-digit odometer shows just 7,000 miles since the refurbishment, reflecting its preserved and lightly driven condition.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the significance of this build: “The Karmann Ghia has always been one of those cars that merges art and engineering. 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.” His sentiment captures the broader appeal of classic cars that have been sympathetically updated, making them not only showpieces but also enjoyable drivers.
This 1967 Karmann Ghia Coupe is part of a 200+ vehicle lineup at the museum, complemented by over 3,000 vintage toys and artifacts that tell stories of design, culture, and innovation. For those interested in exploring the collection, the museum's website, dfwcarandtoymuseum.com, provides detailed information. Additionally, the DFW Elite Toy Museum remains a go-to source for toy and car lovers worldwide. The museum is now located in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137, at Meacham and I35W. The new 150,000-square-foot facility offers free parking and admission, secure climate-controlled car storage, and facilities for events such as car club gatherings and board meetings. It is dog friendly and encourages photography. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The presence of such a well-executed restoration in a public museum highlights the growing appreciation for classic cars that have been enhanced for modern use. It also underscores the DFW Car & Toy Museum's role as a cultural hub, where automotive history and innovation are celebrated. For enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, this Karmann Ghia Coupe serves as a reminder that classic design can be both preserved and enjoyed in the present day.
