The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a piece of automotive history to its collection: a restored 1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4. The truck, known for its durability and role in building Toyota's reputation in the U.S., is now on display as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, which includes over 200 rare vehicles and 3,000 toys and collectibles.
Powered by the bulletproof 2.4-liter 22R inline-four engine, the SR5 is paired with a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case, delivering true four-wheel-drive capability. Finished with Toyota's desirable Black Package, the truck features 15-inch six-spoke steel wheels, manually locking front hubs, a sliding rear window, and power-assisted front disc brakes for control on and off the road.
“The early Toyota pickups earned a cult following for a reason—simple, tough, and unstoppable,” said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the museum. “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.”
Inside, the truck remains authentically outfitted with an AM/FM radio, hand-crank windows, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, and a heater. The dash includes an 85-mph speedometer, tachometer, and gauges for fuel and coolant temperature, with voltage and oil pressure readouts mounted below. The truck has also received thoughtful updates, including a refinished frame, a new clutch slave cylinder, and an upgraded exhaust system, ensuring its legendary longevity continues.
This exhibition matters because it preserves a vehicle that represents a pivotal era in automotive history. The 1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 is not just a truck; it is a symbol of no-nonsense engineering and go-anywhere performance that helped shape the modern pickup market. Its inclusion in the museum offers visitors a tangible connection to the past and highlights the enduring appeal of simple, rugged design.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The museum offers free parking and admission, and visitors are encouraged to take pictures. More information can be found on the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com. For those interested in the museum's history, the original website DFW Elite Toy Museum remains a go-to source for toy and car enthusiasts worldwide.
