The 1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4, a vehicle that helped define durability and establish Toyota's reputation in the United States, has been added to the collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. The truck, which is part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, is now on display alongside over 200 rare vehicles and 3,000 toys and collectibles.
Powered by the bulletproof 2.4-liter 22R inline-four engine, this SR5 is paired with a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case, delivering true four-wheel-drive capability. Finished with Toyota's desirable Black Package, the truck features 15-inch six-spoke steel wheels, manually locking front hubs, a sliding rear window, and power-assisted front disc brakes for enhanced control on and off the road.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the significance of the early Toyota pickups. "The early Toyota pickups earned a cult following for a reason—simple, tough, and unstoppable," Sturgeon said. "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 outfitted with an AM/FM radio, hand-crank windows, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, and a heater. The dash features 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 museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, offers free parking and admission. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. More information is available on the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
