The 1967 Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia Campmobile, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, offers a tangible connection to the golden age of road trips. This SO42 edition, powered by a 1.6-liter flat-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transaxle, prioritizes the journey over the destination. Its pop-top fiberglass roof, louvered vent windows, and wood roof rack are not just nostalgic touches but functional features that made these vans a staple of 1960s adventure.
The restoration preserves the vehicle's original character while ensuring reliability. A 2024 steering column replacement and updated wiring for turn signals, brake lights, and headlights make it road-ready. The interior, with Birch plywood cabinetry, a functional kitchenette, folding table, spice rack, water pump, and ice box, reflects the era's camping ethos. Tan-patterned cloth and beige vinyl upholstery, along with a children's hammock, add to the vintage warmth.
This Campmobile is more than a vehicle; it's a cultural artifact. It represents a time when travel was about experience, not efficiency. Ron Sturgeon, founder of the museum, notes, "They're not about getting somewhere fast—they're about taking the long way and making memories." The van joins over 200 collectible vehicles and 3,000 toys and artifacts at the museum, which offers free admission and climate-controlled storage.
The museum's location at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth provides an accessible venue for enthusiasts. The 1967 Westfalia, with its exterior electrical hookup, camp-side awning, picnic set, and vintage Coleman stove, invites visitors to imagine the open road. Its presence underscores the enduring appeal of the VW Type 2 as a symbol of freedom and simplicity in an increasingly fast-paced world.
