The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a 1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4 to its collection, showcasing a vehicle that helped cement Toyota's reputation for reliability in the United States. The truck, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, is now on public display alongside over 200 rare vehicles and 3,000 toys and collectibles.
Powered by the 2.4-liter 22R inline-four engine, the SR5 features a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case, providing genuine four-wheel-drive capability. The truck is finished with Toyota's 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 features reflect the no-nonsense engineering that made early Toyota pickups popular among off-road enthusiasts and working professionals alike.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the truck's significance. "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 authentic, 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. The truck has undergone thoughtful updates, including a refinished frame, a new clutch slave cylinder, and an upgraded exhaust system, ensuring its legendary longevity continues.
Sturgeon, a car collector for over 30 years, founded the museum, which was previously known as DFW Elite Toy Museum. The museum is now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137, offering free parking and admission. It provides secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities for events, including car clubs and board meetings. The museum is dog-friendly and encourages pictures. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. More information is available at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
Whether remembered from trails, farms, or the big screen, the 1981 Toyota SR5 4x4 represents an era of durable, go-anywhere vehicles. Its placement in the museum allows visitors to appreciate a piece of automotive history that continues to inspire enthusiasts.
