Off-Road Icon with East Coast Roots: 1988 Suzuki Samurai Now on Display at DFW Car & Toy Museum
Press Release January 20, 2026
A lifted, rugged, and ready-for-anything Suzuki joins the Ron Sturgeon Collection, reminding visitors of when adventure came in small, scrappy packages
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"The Suzuki Samurai was the underdog that proved you don't need size to go big," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum.

FORT WORTH, TX, January 20, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Adventure has a new zip code at the DFW Car & Toy Museum. The 1988 Suzuki Samurai, a compact off-roader with a cult following and serious trail cred, is now part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection. With its bold stance, removable tops, and backroads heritage, this Samurai stands as a symbol of no-frills freedom and '80s-era adventure.

Registered in South Carolina and North Carolina dating back to at least 1993, this Samurai has lived much of its life on the East Coast—and clearly lived it well. It's powered by a peppy 1.3-liter inline-four producing 63 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque, paired to a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case, giving it legitimate off-road chops.

This example has been upgraded with a 4-inch suspension lift and 15" steel wheels, along with practical modifications for both function and flair: a tubular front bumper, cowl-mounted high-lift jack, auxiliary driving lights, step bars, rear tow ball, and a Hurst shifter for added control on the trails. The removable doors and multiple roof configurations—removable hardtop, soft top, and Bimini top—make it a year-round outdoor companion.

Inside, replacement bucket seats enhance comfort, while the five-digit odometer shows 92,000 miles—just the right amount of road-worn history for a vehicle built to get dirty and keep going.

"The Suzuki Samurai was the underdog that proved you don't need size to go big," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "This one's got the lift, the gear, and the attitude. It's a time capsule from the golden age of affordable off-roading."

Compact, capable, and undeniably cool, the 1988 Suzuki Samurai joins over 200 vehicles and 3,000 collectibles on display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum. New cars and rare finds like this are added throughout the year, offering visitors a dynamic and ever-changing experience.

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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