The 1967 Volkswagen Beetle Jolly-style from the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum offers a playful reinterpretation of the classic German icon. Originally a Brazilian-market Beetle, this unique vehicle captures the carefree spirit of the famous Ghia-built Fiat Jolly conversions of the 1950s and 1960s. Its presence in the museum underscores the growing appreciation for niche automotive curiosities that blend utility with leisure.
Outfitted by a previous owner with wicker seats and wood plank flooring, the Beetle exudes a resort-like personality. Such Jolly-style cars were designed for leisurely drives in tropical beach towns or along golf course paths, offering a dash of luxury and relaxation. This Beetle brings that vibe to life in a uniquely Volkswagen package, making it a standout among the museum’s more than 200 vehicles.
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. These details reflect the meticulous care given to preserving the car’s whimsical character while ensuring modern usability.
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 a custom touch. The engine breathes through an intake manifold with heat riser tubes removed, simplifying its 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. Its condition suggests it has been cherished rather than merely driven, adding to its appeal as a collectible.
“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, now located in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137, offers free parking and admission. For more information, visit the museum’s website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
The addition of this Jolly-style Beetle highlights the broader significance of preserving automotive oddities that reflect specific cultural moments. While Volkswagen Beetles are ubiquitous, this Brazilian-market example with its beach-ready modifications tells a story of regional customization and the universal desire for leisure. It serves as a reminder that cars can be more than transportation—they can be expressions of joy and personality.
For collectors and enthusiasts, the car represents an accessible entry point into the world of unique classics, as it combines the reliability of a Beetle with the exotic flair of a Jolly. Its display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum ensures that this piece of automotive whimsy remains in the public eye, inspiring future generations to appreciate the lighter side of car culture.
