Rare 1951 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann Joins Ron Sturgeon Collection at DFW Car & Toy Museum

Among the standout vehicles in the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, few carry the historical weight and rarity of the 1951 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet. Built on July 17, 1951, in Osnabrück by legendary coachbuilder Karmann, this early Type 15 Cabriolet represents one of the most sought-after milestones in the evolution of the world's most iconic car.

The Beetle's roots trace back to 1937, when the vision of a "people's car" took form under the original name Gesellschaft zur Vorbereitung des Deutschen Volkswagens mbH. Though WWII disrupted its intended mass production, the Beetle emerged from the ashes of war to become a postwar phenomenon. By the late 1940s, Volkswagen offered the public not just practicality, but also luxury—through the open-air elegance of the cabriolet models.

Karmann's cabriolet, first prototyped in 1949, became a defining success. Unlike the Hebmüller 2+2-seater design, the Karmann Cabriolet offered a true four-passenger configuration, boasting rear legroom, expanded luggage capacity, and a neatly folding soft top. Volkswagen formally approved the model, ordering chassis from Wolfsburg for Osnabrück-based production.

The vehicle on display is a first-series Type 15 A cabriolet—produced between 1949 and 1952—distinguished by its early split-rear window design and elegant pre-1953 detailing. With only 165 known surviving examples worldwide, this car is not only historically significant but also exceptionally rare. Finished in a stunning early-era color palette, it embodies the craftsmanship and coachbuilding finesse that defined Karmann's legacy.

"This is one of those cars that stops collectors in their tracks," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "The 1951 Karmann Cabriolet is more than just a Beetle—it's a symbol of rebirth, optimism, and craftsmanship at a time when the world needed it most."

From chrome accents and the signature split-window design to the purposeful usability of the four-seat layout, this Beetle Cabriolet is a piece of automotive history that continues to inspire admiration.

Visitors can experience this rare 1951 Volkswagen Cabriolet alongside over 200 classic vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys and collectibles as part of the museum's expansive and ever-evolving collection. The museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, offers free admission and parking. For more information on hours and exhibits, visit dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.