A rugged icon of '80s reliability and off-road capability joins the Ron Sturgeon Collection—refinished, preserved, and adventure-ready
FORT WORTH, TX, July 07, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- It's the truck that defined durability and helped build Toyota's reputation in the U.S.—and now the legendary 1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4 has found a new home at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, where it stands as a proud reminder of no-nonsense engineering and go-anywhere performance.
Powered by the bulletproof 2.4-liter 22R inline-four, this SR5 is paired with a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case, delivering true four-wheel-drive capability. Finished with Toyota's desirable Black Package, the truck exudes classic '80s attitude with 15" six-spoke steel wheels, manually locking front hubs, a sliding rear window, and power-assisted front disc brakes for added control on and off the road.
"The early Toyota pickups earned a cult following for a reason—simple, tough, and unstoppable," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "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."
Inside, the truck remains authentically outfitted with an AM/FM radio, hand-crank windows, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, and a heater to keep things warm on chilly trails. The dash features an 85-mph speedometer, tachometer, and gauges for fuel and coolant temp, while voltage and oil pressure readouts are mounted just below.
Not just preserved, this SR5 has also received thoughtful updates, including a refinished frame, a new clutch slave cylinder, and an upgraded exhaust system, ensuring its legendary longevity continues.
Whether you remember it from the trails, the farm, or the big screen, the 1981 Toyota SR5 4x4 is more than a truck—it's an era. Now part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, it joins over 200 rare vehicles and 3,000 toys and collectibles on display at the museum, with new additions introduced throughout the year.
About Ron Sturgeon
The visionary behind DFW Car & Toy Museum has been a dedicated car collector for over 30 years. His passion for automobiles began in his teenage years when he taught himself to repair Volkswagens, eventually leading to a successful career in the automotive industry. From building one of the largest auto salvage operations in the country to restoring and collecting classic and exotic cars, Ron's love for all things automotive has never wavered.
About DFW Car & Toy Museum
DFW Car and Toy Museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Ron Sturgeon in the 1980s collecting automobile toys and cars. Until recently, it was in Haltom City, TX, and its website DFW Elite Toy Museum is still the go-to source for toy and car lovers worldwide. The museum is now located in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137. (at Meacham and I35w) The new facility is 150,000 square feet with free parking & admission. It promises an entertaining visit. They offer secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities for events, including car clubs, board meetings etc. The museum is also dog friendly and encourages pictures. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 am- 6:00 pm, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
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