FORT WORTH, TX – A 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe from the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum demonstrates how a vintage sports car can be updated for modern driving without sacrificing its iconic design. The red coupe, featured in the June 2009 issue of Dune Buggies and Hot VWs, represents a careful balance of restoration and modification that highlights the enduring appeal of the Karmann Ghia.
Acquired by its previous owner in 2006, the car underwent a full body-off refurbishment. This included repairing the right-front fender, applying a bare-metal repaint in a late-model Beetle shade of red, and performing numerous mechanical upgrades. The result is a classic that retains essential Karmann Ghia cues—pop-out rear quarter windows, a vented rear decklid, a Karmann body tag, and chrome bumpers with overriders—while offering improved performance and usability.
Under the hood, the car is powered by an air-cooled flat-four engine equipped with a Solex carburetor, oil-bath air cleaner, Bosch ignition coil, and alternator. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transaxle rebuilt by Rancho Performance Transaxles in Fullerton, California. Stopping power benefits from front disc brakes and rear drums, while new shocks and ball joints enhance road manners.
Inside, the cabin mixes vintage and modern elements: a two-spoke steering wheel, VDO instrumentation (90-mph speedometer, analog clock, and fuel gauge), square-weave carpeting, aftermarket speakers, a JVC CD stereo, and a black dash pad that preserves original character. The five-digit odometer shows just 7,000 miles since the refurbishment, indicating a lightly driven, well-preserved condition.
“The Karmann Ghia has always been one of those cars that merges art and engineering,” said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. “This ’67 coupe is the kind of build that honors the past while embracing a bit of modern usability—exactly the kind of balance we love to showcase.”
The car is part of a 200+ vehicle lineup at the museum, complemented by over 3,000 vintage toys and artifacts. The museum, formerly known as the DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Ron Sturgeon in the 1980s and recently relocated to North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway. The new 150,000-square-foot facility offers free parking and admission, secure climate-controlled car storage, and event spaces for car clubs and board meetings. It is dog friendly and encourages photography. Hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00 am–6:00 pm. For more information, visit dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This Karmann Ghia exemplifies how thoughtful restoration can preserve automotive history while making classic cars enjoyable for contemporary drivers. Its presence at the museum underscores the importance of celebrating design and engineering heritage, offering enthusiasts a chance to appreciate a piece of motoring art that continues to inspire.
