The DFW Car & Toy Museum has expanded its Ron Sturgeon Collection with a 1988 Suzuki Samurai, a vehicle that embodies the spirit of no-frills freedom and off-road capability from the 1980s. This particular example, which spent much of its life registered in South Carolina and North Carolina, features the original 1.3-liter inline-four engine producing 63 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed manual transmission and dual-range transfer case for serious trail performance.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the museum, emphasized the vehicle's significance, stating, "The Suzuki Samurai was the underdog that proved you don't need size to go big." This Samurai has been modified with a 4-inch suspension lift, 15-inch steel wheels, a tubular front bumper, auxiliary driving lights, step bars, and a Hurst shifter, enhancing both its functionality and rugged appearance. Practical features like a cowl-mounted high-lift jack and a rear tow ball further underscore its readiness for adventure, while removable doors and multiple roof configurations—including a hardtop, soft top, and Bimini top—make it adaptable for year-round use.
Inside, replacement bucket seats provide comfort, and the five-digit odometer shows 92,000 miles, reflecting a well-used history that aligns with the vehicle's purpose. Sturgeon added, "This one's got the lift, the gear, and the attitude. It's a time capsule from the golden age of affordable off-roading." The Samurai joins over 200 vehicles and 3,000 collectibles at the museum, which continuously updates its displays with new additions to offer a dynamic experience for visitors.
The museum, now located in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, operates from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with free parking and admission. For more details on exhibits and hours, visit https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com. This acquisition highlights the enduring appeal of compact off-roaders and their role in automotive culture, serving as a reminder of an era when adventure was accessible and uncomplicated.
The addition of this Suzuki Samurai to the museum's collection matters because it preserves a significant piece of automotive history that resonates with both enthusiasts and the general public. It represents a period in the 1980s when off-road capability became democratized through affordable, compact vehicles, allowing broader access to outdoor recreation and adventure tourism. For the automotive industry, this historical preservation underscores the lasting cultural impact of utilitarian vehicle design, which continues to influence modern compact SUV and crossover markets that prioritize versatility and capability.
For Texas businesses and the local economy, the museum's ongoing expansion with curated acquisitions like this Samurai contributes to cultural tourism in the North Fort Worth area. It attracts visitors interested in automotive heritage, supporting local businesses through increased foot traffic. The museum's focus on dynamically updated displays ensures repeat visitation, creating a sustainable cultural institution that celebrates innovation and nostalgia in equal measure. This specific vehicle, with its documented modifications and well-traveled history, provides educational value about automotive customization and mechanical simplicity, offering tangible connections to an era of hands-on engineering and accessible exploration.
