A classic workhorse has found a new home at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. The museum, founded by Ron Sturgeon, has added a restored 1972 Toyota Hilux pickup to its collection of over 200 vintage vehicles and 3,000 collectibles. This second-generation Hilux, originally ordered in factory red (316) and later restored in Canada, has been re-imported to the U.S. and now stands as a testament to Toyota's early success in the American market.
Under the hood, the 1972 Hilux features a 2.0-liter 18R-C inline-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission, delivering power to the rear wheels. The truck retains its period-correct look with silver 14-inch steel wheels, chrome hubcaps, and whitewall tires. Power-assisted drum brakes at all four corners handle stopping duties. Inside, the reupholstered gray cloth bench seat, black dashboard, and matching door inserts maintain a classic vibe. Amenities include lap belts, a Boman Astrosonix push-button radio, rubber floor liners, a carpeted dashboard cover, and a functional heater. The original two-spoke steering wheel frames a 100-mph speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights.
According to Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, 'This Hilux is more than just a classic Toyota—it's a time machine that takes you straight back to the '70s. It's the kind of truck that worked hard during the week and cruised the backroads on the weekend.' The museum, located at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com, offers free admission and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The 1972 Hilux helped lay the foundation for Toyota's truck dominance, which continues today with models like the Tacoma and Tundra. Its simple design, reliable engineering, and timeless appeal remind enthusiasts why the Hilux became a global icon of indestructibility. The addition of this vehicle to the museum's collection underscores the importance of preserving automotive history for future generations.
Visitors to the DFW Car & Toy Museum can view the 1972 Hilux alongside other rare and meaningful machines. The museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum and still referenced at dfwelitetoymuseum.com, has been a destination for car and toy lovers worldwide. The new 150,000-square-foot facility at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth offers climate-controlled car storage and event spaces, and is dog-friendly.
The significance of this announcement lies in the preservation of a vehicle that represents a pivotal moment in automotive history. The 1972 Toyota Hilux is not just a classic car; it is a symbol of the dependability and efficiency that would define Toyota's truck lineup for decades. By showcasing this restored example, the DFW Car & Toy Museum provides a tangible connection to the past and educates visitors on the evolution of one of the world's most popular vehicle platforms.
