The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a legendary piece of automotive history to its collection: a restored 1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4. This truck, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, is celebrated for its role in building Toyota's reputation for reliability and off-road capability in the United States.
Powered by the renowned 2.4-liter 22R inline-four engine, the SR5 is paired with a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case, providing true four-wheel-drive capability. The truck features Toyota's desirable Black Package, which includes 15-inch six-spoke steel wheels, manually locking front hubs, a sliding rear window, and power-assisted front disc brakes. These features combine to deliver the no-nonsense engineering and go-anywhere performance that made the early Toyota pickups a cult favorite.
"The early Toyota pickups earned a cult following for a reason—simple, tough, and unstoppable," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "This 1981 SR5 is the kind of truck people still dream about owning, and now fans can see it up close in all its restored glory."
Inside, the truck remains authentically equipped with an AM/FM radio, hand-crank windows, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, and a heater. The dashboard includes an 85-mph speedometer, tachometer, and gauges for fuel and coolant temperature, while voltage and oil pressure readouts are mounted below. The truck has also received thoughtful updates, including a refinished frame, a new clutch slave cylinder, and an upgraded exhaust system, ensuring its legendary longevity continues.
The 1981 Toyota SR5 4x4 is more than a truck—it represents an era of simple, tough, and reliable vehicles. It now joins over 200 rare vehicles and 3,000 toys and collectibles on display at the museum, with new additions introduced throughout the year. The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, offers free admission and parking, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visitors can explore the collection and learn more at the museum's website: dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
For those interested in the history of Toyota's pickup trucks, the DFW Car & Toy Museum's website also provides resources through DFW Elite Toy Museum, which remains a go-to source for toy and car enthusiasts worldwide. The museum's new facility is 150,000 square feet and includes secure climate-controlled car storage, event spaces, and is dog-friendly.
