The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, is showcasing a striking turquoise 1961 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection. The vehicle, which blends the reliable mechanics of the Volkswagen Beetle with the refined design of Ghia and the craftsmanship of Karmann, represents a significant chapter in automotive history.
First launched in 1955, the Karmann Ghia was marketed as “a Volkswagen for people who can’t stand the sight of a Volkswagen.” Its curvaceous, hand-shaped body and low-slung proportions brought Italian flair to German practicality. By 1961, the model had received subtle styling updates, including raised headlamps and enlarged front nose intakes, giving it a cleaner, more sculpted appearance.
Under the rear engine lid, the car features a 1192cc air-cooled flat-four engine producing 40 horsepower through a single-carburetor setup. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed gearbox with full-synchro updates borrowed from the Beetle. Up front, a spare tire and factory air-pressurized windshield washer system occupy the space where the engine would be in most cars—a clever, classic Volkswagen detail.
The exterior’s brilliant aqua paintwork evokes a sun-soaked era of style and optimism. Inside, the cabin is equally refined, with correct factory details such as a Wolfsburg-crest steering wheel, a transistor radio, a pristine headliner, and tastefully exposed sheet metal that proudly wears its turquoise finish. This 1961 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe is a standout example of automotive artistry.
“The Karmann Ghia isn’t about speed or flash—it’s about beauty in restraint,” said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. “This one, in particular, stands out because it reminds us how design alone can elevate even the most humble of platforms into something truly special.”
The museum, formerly known as the DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Sturgeon in the 1980s and has become a destination for car and toy enthusiasts. Its website, DFW Elite Toy Museum, remains a 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 150,000-square-foot facility offers free parking and admission, and displays more than 200 historic vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys and collectibles. The 1961 Karmann Ghia Coupe is a highlight of the museum’s ongoing celebration of design, engineering, and storytelling on wheels. Visitors can learn more at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
The museum also provides secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities for events, including car clubs and board meetings. It is dog friendly and encourages pictures. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
