A unique 1996 Toyota TownAce 4×4 Fuel Truck has arrived at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection. Imported from Japan, this compact utility vehicle features a right-hand-drive layout and a fully functional 450-liter aluminum fuel tank, blending practical function with global appeal.
Originally built for the Japanese domestic market, the TownAce is powered by a 1.8-liter 2Y inline-four engine producing 77 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a column-shifted five-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and a push-button 4WD system, making it capable off-road as well as on pavement.
“This is the kind of vehicle you'd expect to see refueling machines deep in a mountainside village—not turning heads at a Texas car museum,” said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. “But that's exactly why we love it. It's a workhorse with personality, and a reminder of how Toyota builds trucks to do anything, anywhere.”
Out back, the M.K Lorry 450-liter fuel tank is constructed of aluminum and fitted with a pump and its own fuel-level gauge, ready for duty. Inside, the right-hand-drive cab features a split bench seat trimmed in gray vinyl with patterned cloth inserts, and the functional, no-frills dash includes a two-spoke steering wheel, 160-km/h speedometer, and gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level.
The TownAce is accessible, reliable, and unique—an ideal representative of Toyota's legacy in global light-duty trucks. Whether for JDM enthusiasts, overlanding fans, or those intrigued by the unusual, this 4x4 tank truck is a must-see.
The 1996 Toyota TownAce is now on display alongside over 200 classic vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys and collectibles at the DFW Car & Toy Museum. With new additions arriving throughout the year, the collection continues to offer rare finds for every kind of car lover. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
