1996 Toyota TownAce 4×4 Fuel Truck from Japan Joins DFW Car & Toy Museum Collection

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has acquired a distinctive 1996 Toyota TownAce 4×4 Fuel Truck, imported directly from Japan and now displayed as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection. This compact right-hand-drive utility vehicle features a fully functional 450-liter aluminum fuel tank, blending practical capability with international automotive character. Originally manufactured for the Japanese domestic market, the TownAce represents Toyota's approach to building versatile light-duty trucks designed for demanding environments.

Mechanical specifications reveal the truck's utilitarian nature. Power comes from a 1.8-liter 2Y inline-four engine producing 77 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque, paired with a column-shifted five-speed manual transmission. The vehicle includes a dual-range transfer case and push-button four-wheel-drive system, providing trail capability alongside its workhorse functionality. Museum founder Ron Sturgeon noted the vehicle's unexpected presence in a Texas museum, stating it represents the kind of machine typically found refueling equipment in remote areas rather than displayed for public viewing.

The rear-mounted M.K Lorry 450-liter fuel tank, constructed of aluminum and equipped with its own pump and fuel-level gauge, remains operational. Interior features include a right-hand-drive cab with split bench seat trimmed in gray vinyl with patterned cloth inserts, along with a functional dashboard containing a two-spoke steering wheel, 160-km/h speedometer, and gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level. This configuration exemplifies the no-frills, purpose-built design common to Japanese commercial vehicles of the era.

The TownAce joins over 200 classic vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys and collectibles at the museum, which continues to expand its offerings throughout the year. The vehicle serves as an accessible example of Toyota's global light-duty truck legacy, appealing to Japanese domestic market enthusiasts, overlanding fans, and visitors interested in unique automotive engineering. The museum's location and operations can be explored through its official website at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com. Additional historical context about the institution is available through its previous online presence at https://dfwelitetoymuseum.com, which remains a resource for collectors worldwide.

This acquisition underscores the museum's commitment to presenting diverse automotive artifacts that demonstrate both historical significance and engineering innovation. The Toyota TownAce 4×4 Fuel Truck provides tangible insight into vehicle design priorities for specific markets and applications, making it an educational as well as visually interesting addition to the collection. Its display offers perspective on how automotive manufacturers tailor products to regional needs while maintaining reliability and functionality across different operating conditions.