Fiberglass-bodied Ventura coupe joins the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum

FORT WORTH, TX, October 27, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A gleaming gold rarity from Brazil has joined the diverse lineup of international vehicles on display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum. The 1971 L'Automobile Ventura, built on a Volkswagen Type 3 chassis and powered by a rear-mounted, air-cooled 1.6L flat-four, is now part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection and turning heads for its sleek design and unique lineage.

Produced by L'Automobile Distribuidora de Veículos Ltda. of Brazil and assembled around 1980, this Ventura features lightweight fiberglass bodywork over classic VW mechanicals. The vehicle's drivetrain has been thoroughly updated, with a rebuilt four-speed manual transaxle completed by Rancho Performance Transaxles in 2021 and performance upgrades including dual Weber 34 ICT carburetors, a PerTronix distributor, and a glass-pack muffler—all installed in 2022 and 2024 by specialists in California.

"This Ventura is a rare blend of South American flair and German engineering," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the museum and passionate collector. "It's a wonderful reminder of how far-reaching the VW legacy really is—this isn't just a car, it's a conversation piece."

The three-spoke steering wheel sits in front of VDO gauges, including a 200-km/h speedometer, a tachometer with a 5,000-rpm redline, and readouts for temperature, fuel, and amperage. With only 4,000 kilometers (~3,000 miles) showing on the five-digit odometer, this coupe is a time capsule of niche automotive design.

Now on display alongside over 200 vehicles and thousands of vintage toys, the 1971 L'Automobile Ventura is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the global influence of Volkswagen and the artistry of boutique carmakers.

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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