The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a distinctive piece to its collection: a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle Jolly-style. Originally a Brazilian-market Beetle, this custom vehicle was modified by a previous owner with wicker seats and wood plank flooring, evoking the carefree spirit of the famous Ghia-built Fiat and Jolly-style conversions of the 1950s and ’60s.
Jolly-style cars were designed for leisurely drives in tropical beach towns and golf course paths, offering a dash of luxury. This Beetle brings that vibe to life in a uniquely Volkswagen package. The interior features personalized upgrades including walnut dashboard trim, rubber floor mats, seat belts, a dashboard-mounted figurine, and a three-spoke steering wheel. A replacement fuel-level gauge and ABS wiring loom wrap add both functionality and polish.
Under the rear hood, the car retains a 1.3-liter air-cooled flat-four engine, fed by a single downdraft carburetor and topped with a classic oil bath air cleaner. Painted engine tins match the body color for an added custom touch. The engine breathes through an intake manifold with heat riser tubes removed, giving the car a simplified appearance in line with its leisure-focused style. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, refreshed with new outer gaskets.
The five-digit odometer on the 140-km/h speedometer reads 97,000 kilometers (about 60,000 miles), and the car presents with all the character of a summer classic reimagined for warm weather wanderings. “There’s a joy to this Beetle that’s hard to describe—it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s what makes it great,” said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. “It’s a one-of-a-kind piece that makes you want to throw on your sunglasses and hit the coast.”
This 1967 VW Jolly-style Beetle is just one of more than 200 unique vehicles in the Ron Sturgeon Collection, displayed alongside 3,000 vintage toys and cultural artifacts celebrating design, innovation, and automotive history. The museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Ron Sturgeon in the 1980s. 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 and admission. It promises an entertaining visit and offers secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities for events, including car clubs and board meetings. The museum is also dog friendly and encourages pictures. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum’s website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
The addition of this Jolly-style Beetle underscores the museum’s commitment to preserving automotive diversity and whimsy. It serves as a reminder that car culture encompasses not only performance and luxury but also fun and relaxation. As the museum continues to grow, it offers enthusiasts a chance to explore the lighter side of automotive history.
