The 1967 Volkswagen Beetle Jolly-style from the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, represents a unique intersection of automotive history, customization, and leisure culture. Originally a Brazilian-market Beetle, this vehicle was transformed by a previous owner into a Jolly-style convertible, inspired by the Ghia-built Fiat Jolly and similar conversions that gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. These cars were designed for carefree, resort-style driving, often seen in tropical beach towns and on golf course paths. The Beetle’s modification into a Jolly-style car not only pays homage to that tradition but also demonstrates how a ubiquitous platform like the Volkswagen Beetle can be reimagined to embody a relaxed, luxurious aesthetic.
The interior of this Beetle features wicker seats and wood plank flooring, creating a breezy, open-air feel. Additional personalized touches include walnut dashboard trim, rubber floor mats, seat belts, a dashboard-mounted figurine, and a three-spoke steering wheel. Functional upgrades such as a replacement fuel-level gauge and ABS wiring loom wrap blend practicality with polish. Under the rear hood, the car retains its 1.3-liter air-cooled flat-four engine, fed by a single downdraft carburetor and topped with a classic oil bath air cleaner. The engine tins are painted to match the body color, and the intake manifold has had its heat riser tubes removed, simplifying the appearance in line with the car’s leisure-focused design. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission that has been refreshed with new outer gaskets. The five-digit odometer on the 140-km/h speedometer reads 97,000 kilometers (approximately 60,000 miles), and the car presents with the character of a summer classic reimagined for warm-weather wanderings.
This Beetle is more than just a quirky vehicle; it is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Volkswagen Beetle as a canvas for personal expression. The Jolly-style conversion, while rare, captures a specific moment in automotive history when utilitarian vehicles were transformed into symbols of leisure and status. By adding this car to his collection, Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, underscores the importance of preserving such whimsical pieces. "There's a joy to this Beetle that's hard to describe—it doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's what makes it great," said Sturgeon. "It's a one-of-a-kind piece that makes you want to throw on your sunglasses and hit the coast." The vehicle is one of more than 200 unique vehicles in the Ron Sturgeon Collection, displayed alongside 3,000 vintage toys and cultural artifacts that celebrate design, innovation, and automotive history.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum, formerly known as the DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Ron Sturgeon in the 1980s. Until recently, it was located in Haltom City, Texas, and its website DFW Elite Toy Museum remains a go-to source for toy and car enthusiasts worldwide. The museum is now situated in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137, at the intersection of Meacham and I-35W. The new 150,000-square-foot facility offers free parking and admission, and promises an entertaining visit. It also provides secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities for events, including car clubs and board meetings. The museum is dog friendly and encourages photography. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
