Car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike have a rare opportunity to see a piece of automotive history that was never intended for American roads. The 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Type 34, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, is now on display. Known as the "Razor Edge Ghia," this model was never officially sold in the United States, making any sighting on American soil a noteworthy occasion.
Styled by Italian design house Carrozzeria Ghia and hand-built by Karmann, the Type 34 is a more luxurious and angular sibling to the familiar Karmann Ghia Type 14. Its distinctive styling, refined cabin, and exclusivity earned it admiration across Europe, though few made the transatlantic journey. This particular example was reportedly purchased new in Europe and later brought stateside by a U.S. military service member. Finished in elegant beige, it retains hallmark features such as a two-spoke steering wheel with a Wolfsburg horn ring, chrome accents, and a push-button AM/FM radio. The interior also boasts crank windows, a locking glovebox, passenger grab handle, and a full VDO gauge cluster, including a 100-mph speedometer, clock, and aftermarket 6k-rpm tachometer. The rear-mounted engine delivers power through a four-speed manual transaxle, while the front trunk houses the fuel tank and spare wheel, typical of VW's engineering layout. The odometer shows 54,000 miles, supporting its well-preserved status.
"Most people have never seen a Type 34 in person—let alone one this complete," says Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "It's a rare opportunity to experience a piece of VW history that was never meant for U.S. roads." With only around 42,000 Type 34s produced globally and far fewer surviving today, this 1967 coupe is one of the rarest air-cooled Volkswagens ever built. It's an integral part of a collection that celebrates not just automotive beauty, but the stories and people behind each vehicle.
The display of this rare Volkswagen is significant for several reasons. For collectors and historians, it represents a tangible link to a model that was largely absent from the American market, offering insight into Volkswagen's design evolution and the European luxury market of the 1960s. The Type 34's presence in the U.S. also highlights the role of military service members in bringing unique vehicles to American shores, enriching the country's automotive landscape. For the general public, it provides an educational and cultural experience, showcasing a piece of design and engineering that might otherwise remain unknown.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum, formerly known as the DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Ron Sturgeon in the 1980s and has recently relocated to a 150,000-square-foot facility in North Fort Worth. The museum offers free parking and admission, climate-controlled car storage, and event facilities, making it a accessible destination for car clubs, board meetings, and families. It is also dog friendly and encourages pictures. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
The exhibition of this rare Type 34 not only celebrates automotive heritage but also underscores the importance of preserving vehicles that tell unique stories. As the museum continues to grow, it promises to be a valuable resource for enthusiasts and the community, fostering appreciation for classic cars and the history they represent.
