The 1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4, a vehicle that helped cement Toyota's reputation for reliability in the U.S., has found a new home at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. The truck, which is part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, is now on display alongside over 200 rare vehicles and 3,000 toys and collectibles.
Powered by the bulletproof 2.4-liter 22R inline-four engine, the SR5 is paired with a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case, delivering true four-wheel-drive capability. The truck features Toyota's desirable Black Package, with 15-inch six-spoke steel wheels, manually locking front hubs, a sliding rear window, and power-assisted front disc brakes. The interior remains authentic, with an AM/FM radio, hand-crank windows, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, and a heater. The dash includes an 85-mph speedometer, tachometer, and gauges for fuel and coolant temperature, with voltage and oil pressure readouts mounted below.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the museum, noted that early Toyota pickups earned a cult following for being simple, tough, and unstoppable. This restored 1981 SR5 has also received thoughtful updates, including a refinished frame, a new clutch slave cylinder, and an upgraded exhaust system, ensuring its legendary longevity continues.
The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth, offers free parking and admission. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. More information can be found on the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This display matters because the 1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 represents a pivotal era in automotive history, when simplicity and durability defined the pickup truck market. Its presence at the museum allows enthusiasts and the general public alike to appreciate a vehicle that influenced Toyota's rise in the U.S. and remains a benchmark for reliability. The museum's collection of over 200 vehicles and thousands of toys provides a unique opportunity to see automotive history up close, with new additions introduced throughout the year.
