The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a distinctive international vehicle to its Ron Sturgeon Collection with the acquisition of a 1996 Toyota TownAce 4×4 Fuel Truck imported directly from Japan. This compact utility vehicle features a right-hand-drive configuration and a fully functional 450-liter aluminum fuel tank, representing a blend of practical design and global automotive engineering that is rarely seen in American collections.
Originally manufactured for the Japanese domestic market, this TownAce model exemplifies Toyota's approach to building versatile work vehicles. Powered by a 1.8-liter 2Y inline-four engine producing 77 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque, the truck combines modest power with robust capability. The vehicle's drivetrain includes a column-shifted five-speed manual transmission, dual-range transfer case, and push-button four-wheel-drive system, making it suitable for both on-road transportation and off-road utility work in challenging environments.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, noted the vehicle's unique character, stating that it represents the kind of workhorse typically found performing essential tasks in remote locations rather than displayed in museum settings. The truck's functional design extends to its rear compartment, where the M.K Lorry 450-liter fuel tank constructed of aluminum includes an operational pump and fuel-level gauge, maintaining its readiness for service despite its new role as a museum exhibit.
The interior maintains the vehicle's utilitarian focus with a right-hand-drive cab featuring a split bench seat trimmed in gray vinyl with patterned cloth inserts. The dashboard presents a straightforward layout with a two-spoke steering wheel, 160-km/h speedometer, and gauges monitoring coolant temperature and fuel levels. This no-frills approach to vehicle design reflects Toyota's philosophy of creating reliable, accessible transportation solutions for commercial applications worldwide.
For automotive enthusiasts, this acquisition represents more than just another vehicle addition. It serves as a tangible example of Toyota's global light-duty truck legacy and offers insight into vehicle designs tailored for specific regional markets. The TownAce fuel truck joins over 200 classic vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys and collectibles at the museum, which continues to expand its offerings throughout the year. The museum's new facility at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth provides 150,000 square feet of exhibition space with free parking and admission during operating hours Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
This acquisition demonstrates how automotive museums can preserve not just luxury or performance vehicles, but also the working machines that have supported industries and communities globally. The TownAce fuel truck's presence in Texas highlights the growing appreciation for Japanese domestic market vehicles among American collectors and the importance of preserving diverse automotive heritage. Visitors can view this unique vehicle alongside the museum's extensive collection, which represents decades of automotive history and cultural significance. More information about the museum and its collections is available at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
