A classic workhorse has found a new home. The 1972 Toyota Hilux Pickup, refurbished in its original red and carefully preserved, 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 in Canada, has been re-imported to the U.S. and stands as a tribute to Toyota's early success in the American market.
Under the hood, the pickup features a 2.0-liter 18R-C inline-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission, delivering power to the rear wheels. Power-assisted drum brakes at all four corners provide stopping capability, while silver 14-inch steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and whitewall tires complete 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.” 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.
The museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth, houses over 200 vintage vehicles and 3,000 collectibles. New vehicles are added throughout the year, ensuring each visit brings something new to discover. The facility offers free parking and admission, secure climate-controlled car storage, and event spaces for car clubs and board meetings. The museum is dog-friendly and encourages photography. Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This addition underscores the museum's commitment to preserving automotive history and sharing it with the public, highlighting the importance of vehicles that defined an era. The 1972 Toyota Hilux, with its straightforward engineering and enduring appeal, serves as a tangible link to the past and a reminder of the qualities that made Toyota a global powerhouse in the truck market.
