A Rugged and Reliable Classic from Japan’s Golden Era Joins the Ron Sturgeon Collection
FORT WORTH, TX, June 16, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — A hardworking classic with vintage character has arrived at the DFW Car & Toy Museum as part of the renowned Ron Sturgeon Collection. The 1978 Datsun Pickup is a no-frills, tough-as-nails workhorse that delivers old-school reliability and charm straight from the late ’70s.
Under the hood, this Datsun is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission, offering the kind of analog driving experience that’s become a rare delight in today’s automotive world. With power-assisted front disc brakes, this classic truck brings a surprisingly modern touch to its braking performance.
“The Datsun Pickup is the blueprint for durable, dependable small trucks. It’s a classic that never stopped being useful,” says museum founder Ron Sturgeon. “This one has just enough patina to prove it’s lived a life—and that’s part of what makes it special.”
Inside the cab, the pickup keeps things refreshingly simple with a stock AM radio, manual heater, and glove compartment—though the door may take some coaxing. The faux wood-rimmed steering wheel frames a 100-mph speedometer, along with gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature, providing a dashboard that’s all about function over flash.
Visible wear on the outer driver-side seat bolsters is a reminder that this truck was built to be used, not pampered—making it a favorite among vintage truck lovers who appreciate a ride with both grit and story.
See this classic Datsun up close at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, where more than 200 collector vehicles and 3,000 nostalgic toys are on display in a 150,000-square-foot celebration of automotive history. Admission is always free.
About Ron Sturgeon
The visionary behind DFW Car & Toy Museum has been a dedicated car collector for over 30 years. His passion for automobiles began in his teenage years when he taught himself to repair Volkswagens, eventually leading to a successful career in the automotive industry. From building one of the largest auto salvage operations in the country to restoring and collecting classic and exotic cars, Ron’s love for all things automotive has never wavered.
About DFW Car & Toy Museum
DFW Car and Toy Museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Ron Sturgeon in the 1980s collecting automobile toys and cars. Until recently, it was in Haltom City, TX, and its website DFW Elite Toy Museum is still the go-to source for toy and car lovers worldwide. The museum is now located in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137. (at Meacham and I35w) The new facility is 150,000 square feet with free parking & admission. It promises an entertaining visit. They offer secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities for events, including car clubs, board meetings etc. The museum is also dog friendly and encourages pictures. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 am- 6:00 pm, visit the museum’s website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
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