The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a legendary vehicle to its collection: a 1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4. This truck, which played a significant role in establishing Toyota's reputation for durability in the United States, is now on public display as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection. The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, features over 200 rare vehicles and 3,000 toys and collectibles, with free admission and parking.
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, providing true four-wheel-drive capability. The truck is finished with Toyota's desirable Black Package, which includes 15-inch six-spoke steel wheels, manually locking front hubs, a sliding rear window, and power-assisted front disc brakes. These features made it a capable off-road vehicle and a favorite among enthusiasts.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, noted the significance of early Toyota pickups. "The early Toyota pickups earned a cult following for a reason—simple, tough, and unstoppable," he said. "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 interior 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 just below. The truck has also 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 highlights the museum's commitment to preserving automotive history. The DFW Car & Toy Museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Ron Sturgeon in the 1980s. Sturgeon, a dedicated car collector for over 30 years, built one of the largest auto salvage operations in the country before turning his attention to restoring and collecting classic and exotic cars. The museum's website, dfwcarandtoymuseum.com, provides information on hours and events.
For enthusiasts and the general public, this display offers a tangible connection to an era when trucks were built for simplicity and reliability. The 1981 Toyota SR5 4x4 is more than a vehicle; it represents a philosophy of no-nonsense engineering that continues to influence the automotive industry today. Whether visitors remember it from trails, farms, or the big screen, this truck stands as a reminder of durable design and go-anywhere performance.
