1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4 Joins DFW Car & Toy Museum Collection

The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a restored 1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4 to its Ron Sturgeon Collection, celebrating a vehicle that helped establish Toyota's reputation for durability in the United States. The truck, known for its simple but tough engineering, is now on public 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 genuine four-wheel-drive capability. It 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 elements combine to offer both on-road control and off-road prowess.

Ron Sturgeon, founder of the museum, noted the cultural significance of these early Toyota pickups. "The early Toyota pickups earned a cult following for a reason—simple, tough, and unstoppable," he 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."

The interior remains authentically outfitted 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. Beyond preservation, the truck has 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 North Fort Worth, offers free admission and parking. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and additional information is available at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com. The museum's website, DFW Elite Toy Museum, remains a resource for toy and car enthusiasts worldwide.