DFW Car & Toy Museum Showcases Rare 1996 Daihatsu Midget II Pickup, Highlighting Texas' Growing Interest in Micro-Trucks
Summary
The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, TX, has added a unique gem to its Ron Sturgeon Collection—the 1996 Daihatsu Midget II RHD Pickup. This small, silver micro-truck from Japan, now road-legal in Texas, showcases the country's innovation in compact vehicles. With a 659 cc engine and a 4-speed manual transmission, the Midget II is a rare find that combines quirky retro styling with practical utility. Ron Sturgeon, the museum's founder, highlights the growing popularity of such micro-trucks in the U.S., especially after Texas law changes made them eligible for title and registration.
The museum, which houses over 200 collector cars and 3,000+ vintage toys, offers free admission and is a must-visit for automotive and toy enthusiasts. The DFW Elite Toy Museum, now located in North Fort Worth, continues to be a global hub for collectors, featuring a 150,000 square foot facility with climate-controlled storage and event spaces. This addition not only enriches the museum's collection but also celebrates the cultural and historical significance of micro-trucks in automotive history.
Full Article
The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, is currently drawing attention with its display of the 1996 Daihatsu Midget II Pickup, a distinctive right-hand drive micro-truck from Japan. This vehicle, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, exemplifies Japan's innovative compact vehicle design, featuring a 659 cc, 3-cylinder engine and a 4-speed manual transmission. With just 56,717 kilometers on its odometer, the Midget II is not only a piece of automotive history but also a symbol of efficiency and practicality.
Micro-trucks such as the Midget II have been a staple in Japan for decades, prized for their ability to maneuver through tight urban spaces and handle light-duty tasks. Their popularity is now gaining traction in the United States, particularly in Texas, thanks to recent legislative changes that simplify the titling and registration process for these vehicles. This legal shift has significantly broadened the horizons for automotive enthusiasts and collectors in Texas, allowing them to explore and own a wider array of international vehicles.
Ron Sturgeon, the visionary behind the DFW Car & Toy Museum, has observed an increasing interest among American collectors in these mini vehicles. The Midget II, with its unique single-seat cabin and compact pickup bed, stands out not just as a functional vehicle but also as a coveted collector's item. It represents a perfect blend of quirky design and practical utility, appealing to a broad spectrum of automotive aficionados.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of over 200 collector cars and 3,000 vintage toys, offers visitors the unique opportunity to view the Daihatsu Midget II up close. The museum's commitment to free admission ensures that this and other rare exhibits are accessible to all, fostering a deeper appreciation for automotive diversity and history. The inclusion of the Midget II in the museum's collection is a testament to the changing dynamics of automotive appreciation in the U.S., where the stories behind the vehicles are as valued as their design and functionality.
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