The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a rare 1936 Tatra 75 Convertible to its exhibits, giving visitors a unique opportunity to explore prewar European automotive innovation. Part of the renowned Ron Sturgeon Collection, this vehicle is one of only about 4,100 produced and was previously housed at the Tampa Bay Automotive Museum, where its historical significance was carefully preserved.
At the heart of the Tatra 75 is an advanced air-cooled 1.7-liter flat-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. During the 1930s, Tatra distinguished itself with engineering solutions that were decades ahead of many competitors. Its innovative backbone chassis delivered exceptional rigidity while contributing to a smooth, comfortable ride, making the Type 75 a standout among luxury touring automobiles of its time.
Stepping inside reveals a beautifully preserved right-hand-drive interior trimmed in rich red leather with a body-color dashboard that reflects the elegance of European automotive design. A classic VDO 120 km/h speedometer with an integrated clock serves as the centerpiece of the instrument panel, while the odometer displays just 44,000 kilometers (approximately 27,000 miles), highlighting the vehicle's remarkably limited use throughout its lifetime.
Finished with a sophisticated beige convertible top, the 1936 Tatra 75 remains one of the finest surviving examples of this historically significant model. It also holds a special place in automotive history as the last front-engined passenger car introduced by Tatra before the company shifted toward its famous rear-engined designs that would later influence generations of automotive engineering.
"The Tatra 75 represents a level of creativity and innovation that continues to impress nearly 90 years later," said Ron Sturgeon. "It's automobiles like this that allow visitors to appreciate how engineering vision and craftsmanship have shaped the cars we drive today."
Visitors to the DFW Car & Toy Museum can experience this extraordinary piece of automotive history alongside more than 200 iconic automobiles and 3,000 vintage toys spanning over a century of innovation, design, and culture. Admission is free, making it one of the premier free attractions in Fort Worth for families, collectors, tourists, and classic car enthusiasts alike.
The museum is located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137, and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
