The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a restored 1972 Toyota Hilux pickup to its permanent collection. The second-generation Hilux, originally ordered in factory Red (316) and refurbished in Canada before being re-imported to the U.S., stands as a testament to the model's early success in the American market.
Under the hood, the 1972 Hilux features a 2.0-liter 18R-C inline-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission, delivering power to the rear wheels. The truck retains its period-correct appearance with power-assisted drum brakes at all four corners, silver 14-inch steel wheels, chrome hubcaps, and whitewall tires. Inside, the reupholstered gray cloth bench seat, black dashboard, and matching door inserts maintain a clean, classic aesthetic. Amenities include lap belts, a Boman Astrosonix push-button radio, rubber floor liners, a carpeted dashboard cover, and a functional heater. The original two-spoke steering wheel frames a 100-mph speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, noted the significance of the Hilux in automotive history. "This Hilux is more than just a classic Toyota—it's a time machine that takes you straight back to the '70s," he said. "It's the kind of truck that worked hard during the week and cruised the backroads on the weekend. Seeing it restored and back on display is a real treat for fans of vintage Japanese pickups."
The 1972 Hilux helped lay the foundation for Toyota's truck dominance, combining simple design, reliable engineering, and timeless appeal. Its inclusion in the museum's collection underscores the vehicle's role as a workhorse that influenced the evolution of compact pickups globally. The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth, houses over 200 vintage vehicles and 3,000 collectibles, with new additions throughout the year. Admission and parking are free, and the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. More information can be found on the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This addition offers visitors a tangible connection to the early days of Japanese pickup trucks in the U.S., highlighting the qualities that made the Hilux an enduring icon. For enthusiasts and historians alike, the restored 1972 Hilux serves as a reminder of the engineering and design principles that propelled Toyota to become a leader in the truck segment.
