The DFW Car & Toy Museum has enhanced its Ron Sturgeon Collection with a distinctive 1996 Toyota TownAce 4×4 Fuel Truck imported directly from Japan, adding a functional piece of automotive history that demonstrates engineering for demanding environments. This compact right-hand-drive utility vehicle features a fully operational 450-liter aluminum fuel tank and represents Toyota's approach to building vehicles capable of operating in challenging terrain where such trucks would typically refuel machinery in remote locations.
Originally manufactured for the Japanese domestic market, the TownAce is powered by a 1.8-liter 2Y inline-four engine producing 77 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle's utilitarian design includes a column-shifted five-speed manual transmission, dual-range transfer case, and push-button four-wheel-drive system. These features make it capable of navigating difficult landscapes, reflecting engineering solutions developed for specific industrial needs.
"This is the kind of vehicle you'd expect to see refueling machines deep in a mountainside village—not turning heads at a Texas car museum," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "But that's exactly why we love it. It's a workhorse with personality, and a reminder of how Toyota builds trucks to do anything, anywhere." The vehicle's functional components include an M.K Lorry 450-liter aluminum fuel tank equipped with its own pump and fuel-level gauge, maintaining its original industrial purpose.
The right-hand-drive cab preserves its original interior with a split bench seat trimmed in gray vinyl with patterned cloth inserts and a no-frills dashboard featuring a two-spoke steering wheel, 160-km/h speedometer, and gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level. This acquisition underscores the museum's commitment to preserving diverse automotive artifacts that demonstrate engineering solutions across different cultures and applications, as detailed on their website at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
The TownAce joins over 200 classic vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys and collectibles at the museum, which continues to expand its offerings throughout the year. For enthusiasts of Japanese domestic market vehicles, overlanding equipment, or unique automotive designs, this functional fuel truck provides insight into vehicle adaptation for specific industrial needs. The vehicle represents more than just transportation—it embodies a practical approach to vehicle design that prioritizes reliability and functionality in demanding conditions, reflecting Toyota's global reputation for durable light-duty trucks.
This acquisition matters because it highlights how automotive museums in Texas are expanding beyond traditional American and European vehicles to showcase global engineering solutions. The TownAce demonstrates how vehicles are designed for specific practical applications rather than consumer appeal, offering visitors insight into industrial vehicle adaptation. For the automotive industry, such acquisitions emphasize the importance of preserving functional history that illustrates engineering evolution across different markets and purposes. The museum's focus on diverse artifacts enriches Texas' cultural landscape by providing educational opportunities about how vehicles serve specialized roles worldwide, ultimately fostering greater appreciation for utilitarian design and international automotive heritage.
