The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, is now showcasing an exceptionally rare 1936 Tatra 75 Convertible, part of the renowned Ron Sturgeon Collection. This vehicle gives visitors a unique opportunity to experience one of Europe's most innovative prewar automobiles, highlighting the groundbreaking engineering and timeless craftsmanship that made Tatra one of the most forward-thinking automotive manufacturers of its era.
With only approximately 4,100 examples produced, the 1936 Tatra 75 Convertible is an uncommon sight anywhere in the world. Before joining the Ron Sturgeon Collection, this rare automobile was housed at the respected Tampa Bay Automotive Museum, where its historical significance and remarkable originality were carefully preserved.
At the heart of 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 stood apart by embracing engineering solutions that were decades ahead of many competitors. Its innovative backbone chassis delivered exceptional rigidity while contributing to a smooth, comfortable ride, making the Type 75 a standout among luxury touring automobiles of its time.
Stepping inside reveals a beautifully preserved right-hand-drive interior trimmed in rich red leather with a body-color dashboard that perfectly reflects the elegance of European automotive design. A classic VDO 120 km/h speedometer with an integrated clock serves as the centerpiece of the instrument panel, while the odometer displays just 44,000 kilometers (approximately 27,000 miles), highlighting the vehicle's remarkably limited use throughout its lifetime.
Finished with a sophisticated beige convertible top, the 1936 Tatra 75 remains one of the finest surviving examples of this historically significant model. It also holds a special place in automotive history as the last front-engined passenger car introduced by Tatra before the company shifted toward its famous rear-engined designs that would later influence 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."
Visitors to the DFW Car & Toy Museum can experience this extraordinary piece of automotive history alongside more than 200 iconic automobiles and 3,000 vintage toys spanning over a century of innovation, design, and culture. The museum offers an unforgettable journey through the evolution of transportation, appealing to automotive enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike.
Admission to the museum is free, making it one of the premier free attractions in Fort Worth. Located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137, the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. More information is available at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
