The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, is offering visitors a glimpse of mid-century motoring elegance with a striking 1965 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe from the Ron Sturgeon Collection. Finished in classic red, this coupe exemplifies the blend of sculptural design and reliable engineering that made the Karmann Ghia a standout model for Volkswagen. As part of a display featuring over 200 collectible vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys, the Ghia serves as a reminder of how accessible style and innovation once converged on the road.
The Karmann Ghia was Volkswagen’s response to buyers seeking more flair than the utilitarian Beetle could provide, without sacrificing dependability. Built by coachbuilder Karmann and styled by Italy’s renowned Ghia design house, the coupe featured refined curves and detailing reminiscent of European sports cars. This particular example is powered by a freshly serviced 1.2-liter air-cooled flat-four engine, paired with a four-speed manual transaxle and rear-wheel drive. Recent mechanical updates include a rebuilt carburetor, fuel pump overhaul, valve adjustment, and replacement of the clutch system, motor and transmission mounts, and spark plugs. The engine tins have been refinished in gloss black, giving the engine bay a clean, polished look.
Classic design elements abound, such as bullet-style front turn indicators, pop-out rear quarter windows, dual pea shooter exhaust outlets, and polished chrome trim. Inside, a two-spoke steering wheel with a Wolfsburg crest horn bar frames a VDO instrument suite with a 90-mph speedometer, analog clock, and fuel gauge. The five-digit odometer shows 55,000 miles. A Volkswagen Delivery Status certificate confirms the car’s original identification numbers, factory colors, and manufacturing date of January 2, 1965.
“The Karmann Ghia has always stood out as a car that makes you smile before you even start it,” said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. “This red coupe is a beautiful representation of Volkswagen’s most stylish era—accessible, fun, and absolutely timeless.” Sturgeon’s passion for automobiles began in his teenage years when he taught himself to repair Volkswagens, eventually leading to a career in the automotive industry and the creation of the museum.
The museum, formerly known as the DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded in the 1980s and recently relocated to a 150,000-square-foot facility in North Fort Worth. It offers free parking and admission, secure climate-controlled car storage, and event spaces. For more information, visit dfwcarandtoymuseum.com. The 1965 Karmann Ghia Coupe, detailed on the museum’s site as the 1965 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe, is a highlight of the collection, underscoring the museum’s dedication to preserving automotive culture and design heritage.
