The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a whimsical and rare 1967 Volkswagen Beetle Jolly-style to the Ron Sturgeon Collection, offering a playful reinterpretation of the iconic German car. Originally a Brazilian-market Beetle, this custom vehicle pays homage to the Jolly-style conversions popularized by Ghia for Fiat in the 1950s and 1960s, which were designed for leisurely drives in resort settings. The acquisition underscores the museum's commitment to preserving automotive history and celebrating design innovation.
The Beetle features wicker seats and wood plank flooring, evoking a breezy, tropical atmosphere. Personalized upgrades include walnut dashboard trim, rubber floor mats, seat belts, a dashboard-mounted figurine, and a three-spoke steering wheel. A replacement fuel-level gauge and ABS wiring loom wrap add modern functionality. Under the rear hood, a 1.3-liter air-cooled flat-four engine with a single downdraft carburetor and classic oil bath air cleaner powers the car, with painted engine tins matching the body color. The engine's intake manifold has heat riser tubes removed, simplifying its appearance. Power goes to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission with new outer gaskets. The odometer reads 97,000 kilometers (about 60,000 miles) on a 140-km/h speedometer.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the car's unique appeal: "There's a joy to this Beetle that's hard to describe—it doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's what makes it great. It's a one-of-a-kind piece that makes you want to throw on your sunglasses and hit the coast." The Jolly-style Beetle is one of over 200 unique vehicles in the collection, displayed alongside 3,000 vintage toys and cultural artifacts.
The museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth, spans 150,000 square feet with free parking and admission. It offers secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities for events, including car clubs and board meetings. The museum is dog friendly and encourages photography. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This addition highlights the museum's role in showcasing automotive diversity, from rare classics to quirky customs. The Jolly-style Beetle not only represents a niche in automotive history but also exemplifies how cultural exchanges—like Brazilian modifications inspired by Italian design—can create enduring icons. Its presence in the collection invites visitors to explore the lighter side of car culture, where fun and relaxation meet craftsmanship.
