The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a rare 1936 Tatra 75 Convertible to its collection, offering visitors a chance to see one of Europe's most innovative prewar automobiles. Part of the renowned Ron Sturgeon Collection, the vehicle exemplifies the advanced engineering and craftsmanship that distinguished Tatra as a forward-thinking manufacturer during the 1930s.
With only about 4,100 examples ever produced, the 1936 Tatra 75 Convertible is an uncommon sight worldwide. Before joining the Ron Sturgeon Collection, this particular car was housed at the Tampa Bay Automotive Museum, where its historical significance and originality were carefully preserved. The vehicle's rarity and condition make it a standout piece in the DFW Car & Toy Museum's extensive lineup.
Under the hood, the Tatra 75 features an advanced air-cooled 1.7-liter flat-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. During the 1930s, Tatra distinguished itself by embracing engineering solutions that were decades ahead of many competitors, such as its innovative backbone chassis that delivered exceptional rigidity and a smooth, comfortable ride. These features made the Type 75 a standout among luxury touring automobiles of its era.
Inside, the car boasts 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 shows just 44,000 kilometers (approximately 27,000 miles), highlighting the vehicle's remarkably limited use over its lifetime. Finished with a sophisticated beige convertible top, this 1936 Tatra 75 remains one of the finest surviving examples of the model.
The Tatra 75 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, which 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. The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth, offers free admission 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.
