The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a 1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4 to its collection, showcasing a vehicle that helped cement Toyota's reputation for reliability in the United States. The museum, which houses over 200 rare vehicles and 3,000 toys and collectibles, now features this restored example of the iconic pickup, known for its ruggedness and go-anywhere performance.
Powered by the legendary 2.4-liter 22R inline-four engine, the SR5 is paired with a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case, providing true four-wheel-drive capability. The truck is finished in Toyota's desirable Black Package, which includes 15-inch six-spoke steel wheels, manually locking front hubs, a sliding rear window, and power-assisted front disc brakes. These features, along with its no-nonsense design, have earned the early Toyota pickups a cult following among enthusiasts and collectors.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the truck's enduring appeal. "The early Toyota pickups earned a cult following for a reason—simple, tough, and unstoppable," he said. "This 1981 SR5 is the kind of truck people still dream about owning, and now fans can see it up close in all its restored glory."
The interior remains authentically outfitted with an AM/FM radio, hand-crank windows, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, and a heater. The dashboard features an 85-mph speedometer, tachometer, and gauges for fuel and coolant temperature, while voltage and oil pressure readouts are mounted below. The truck has received thoughtful updates, including a refinished frame, a new clutch slave cylinder, and an upgraded exhaust system, ensuring its legendary longevity continues.
This SR5 is now part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the museum, which is located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137. The museum offers free parking and admission, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Visitors can also explore the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com for more information. Additionally, the museum's original website, DFW Elite Toy Museum, remains a resource for toy and car enthusiasts worldwide.
The addition of the 1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4 underscores the museum's commitment to preserving automotive history and offers visitors a chance to see a vehicle that represents an era of simple, tough, and unstoppable engineering.
