A classic workhorse has found a new home. The 1972 Toyota Hilux Pickup, refurbished in its original red and preserved with care, now joins the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. This second-generation Hilux, originally ordered in factory Red (316) and later restored during its time in Canada, has been re-imported to the U.S. and stands as a faithful example of a truck that built its legacy on dependability, efficiency, and understated charm.
Under the hood, a 2.0-liter 18R-C inline-four engine delivers power to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, offering a pure, analog driving experience true to its era. Power-assisted drum brakes at all four corners handle the stopping, while silver 14-inch steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and whitewall tires round out the period-correct look. Inside, the reupholstered gray cloth bench seat, black dash, and matching door inserts maintain a clean, classic vibe. Amenities include lap belts, a Boman Astrosonix push-button radio, rubber floor liners, a carpeted dashboard cover, and a functional heater. The original two-spoke steering wheel frames a 100-mph speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights.
'This Hilux is more than just a classic Toyota—it's a time machine that takes you straight back to the '70s,' said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. 'It's the kind of truck that worked hard during the week and cruised the backroads on the weekend. Seeing it restored and back on display is a real treat for fans of vintage Japanese pickups.'
Compact yet capable, the 1972 Hilux helped lay the foundation for Toyota's truck dominance, and this example reminds us why—simple design, reliable engineering, and timeless appeal. Now on display at the museum alongside over 200 vintage vehicles and 3,000 collectibles, the Hilux continues the museum's tradition of spotlighting rare and meaningful machines. New vehicles are added throughout the year, ensuring each visit brings something new to discover.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Ron Sturgeon in the 1980s collecting automobile toys and cars. The museum is now located in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137. It offers free parking and admission, secure climate-controlled car storage, and facilities for events. The museum is dog friendly and encourages pictures. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 am-6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
