The 1967 Volkswagen Beetle Jolly-style from the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum represents a unique blend of automotive history and whimsical design. Originally a Brazilian-market Beetle, this custom vehicle pays homage to the Ghia-built Fiat Jolly and similar conversions from the 1950s and 1960s, which were known for their wicker seats and open-air charm. The Jolly-style Beetle captures that same carefree spirit, offering a refreshing alternative to the standard classic car.
The car features a range of personalized upgrades that enhance its resort-like personality. Inside, occupants are treated to wicker seats and wood plank flooring, evoking tropical beach towns and golf course paths. Additional interior touches include walnut dashboard trim, rubber floor mats, seat belts, a dashboard-mounted figurine, and a three-spoke steering wheel. A replacement fuel-level gauge and ABS wiring loom wrap add modern functionality while maintaining the vintage aesthetic.
Under the rear hood, the Beetle retains its 1.3-liter air-cooled flat-four engine, fed by a single downdraft carburetor and topped with a classic oil bath air cleaner. The engine tins are painted to match the body color, a custom detail that sets it apart. The intake manifold has had its heat riser tubes removed, simplifying the engine bay and aligning with the car's leisure-focused design. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission that has been refreshed with new outer gaskets. The five-digit odometer on the 140-km/h speedometer reads 97,000 kilometers (about 60,000 miles), indicating the car has been enjoyed but remains in good condition.
This Beetle is more than just a quirky classic; it represents a specific moment in automotive culture when personalization and fun took precedence over pure performance. Jolly-style cars were often used as courtesy vehicles at luxury resorts, and their rarity today makes them highly collectible. By adding this Brazilian-market Beetle to his collection, Ron Sturgeon underscores the importance of preserving automotive diversity and the stories behind each vehicle.
"There's a joy to this Beetle that's hard to describe—it doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's what makes it great," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "It's a one-of-a-kind piece that makes you want to throw on your sunglasses and hit the coast."
The 1967 VW Jolly-style Beetle is just one of over 200 unique vehicles in the Ron Sturgeon Collection, displayed alongside 3,000 vintage toys and cultural artifacts at the museum's 150,000-square-foot facility in North Fort Worth. The museum, which offers free parking and admission, serves as a hub for car enthusiasts and historians alike. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
