Black Tie Elegance Meets Air-Cooled Simplicity: 1960 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe
Press Release April 14, 2026
An icon of postwar automotive design, this sleek 1960 Karmann Ghia blends Italian-inspired styling with Volkswagen's legendary simplicity—rebuilt, refreshed, and ready to turn heads
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"The Karmann Ghia was never about horsepower—it was about elegance, approachability, and design you didn't expect from a Volkswagen," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum.

FORT WORTH, TX, April 14, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Sculpted curves, understated refinement, and a heritage rooted in both German engineering and Italian design make the 1960 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe a standout in the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum. Finished in timeless black and meticulously refreshed inside and out, this early Karmann Ghia is as much a style statement as it is a piece of engineering history.

Originally refinished in black approximately 23 years ago, the car was placed into storage before receiving a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic revitalization in 2016. The restoration included a rebuild of the air-cooled 1,192cc flat-four engine, fresh interior upholstery, a refinished floor pan with rust inhibitor, and refreshed brake and suspension systems. Other updates included a new clutch, windshield, seals, trim, and a full fuel system flush, ensuring the car is both visually stunning and mechanically solid.

The engine—delivering 36 horsepower—is paired with a split-case four-speed manual transaxle, and features a single downdraft carburetor, oil bath air cleaner, and Abarth-style four-tip exhaust, adding a touch of sportiness to its otherwise refined persona. An adjustable front axle beam allows for enhanced stance and handling, while drum brakes at all four corners maintain the car's period-correct character.

Subtle yet stylish exterior cues include bullet-style turn signals, pop-out rear quarter windows, and gleaming chrome accents. Inside, classic features like a fuel reserve flap, foot-operated high/low-beam switch, and hand-crank windows speak to a simpler era of motoring. The two-spoke steering wheel with Wolfsburg crest frames a beautifully aged dashboard with a 90-mph speedometer, analog clock, and fuel-level gauge. The odometer reads just 32,000 miles on its five-digit counter.

"The Karmann Ghia was never about horsepower—it was about elegance, approachability, and design you didn't expect from a Volkswagen," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "This coupe is proof that great style doesn't need to shout to make a statement."

This 1960 Karmann Ghia is on display alongside over 200 rare and historic vehicles and more than 3,000 vintage toys at the museum—a destination for design lovers and gearheads alike.

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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DFW Car and Toy Museum

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