The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a unique vehicle to its collection: a 1996 Subaru Sambar that has been cleverly converted to resemble a vintage Volkswagen Microbus. This kei-class van, finished in a soft cream hue with VW-style badges, a roof rack, and headlight visors, offers a blend of Japanese engineering and nostalgic design. It is now on display as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the museum's location in North Fort Worth.
Originally built for the Japanese domestic market, the Sambar is powered by a 658cc fuel-injected inline-four engine (EN07F) and features push-button four-wheel drive, a five-speed manual transmission, and selectable 4WD. The compact engine is accessible via a removable rear panel in the cargo area, a hallmark of kei-class efficiency. Inside, the van includes crank windows, air conditioning, and a Pioneer Mixtrax multimedia stereo, offering a surprisingly enjoyable ride. The aftermarket steering wheel sits in front of a simple gauge cluster with a 140 km/h speedometer and standard fuel and coolant temperature gauges.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, described the vehicle as irresistible, noting that it proves fun and function can fit into a very tiny package. Whether one is into vintage VWs, JDM imports, or just loves the unusual, this van puts a smile on every face that sees it, he said. The museum, which features over 200 rare cars and 3,000 toys and collectibles, continues its tradition of celebrating the unique and unexpected with this addition.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Ron Sturgeon, a car collector for over 30 years. The museum is now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137, and offers free parking and admission. It provides secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities for events. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
