The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a unique vehicle to its collection: a 1996 Subaru Sambar kei van that has been converted to resemble a vintage Volkswagen Microbus. The vehicle, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, is now on display alongside over 200 rare cars and thousands of toys and collectibles at the museum.
The Subaru Sambar, originally built for the Japanese domestic market, features a 658cc fuel-injected inline-four engine (the EN07F) that sends power to the rear or all four wheels via a manual transmission and selectable 4WD. The van's compact size and push-button four-wheel drive make it a practical yet quirky vehicle, with a removable rear panel providing access to the engine in the cargo area.
In terms of styling, the Sambar has been finished in a soft cream hue and adorned with VW-style badges, a roof rack, headlight visors, and other retro cues that give it the appearance of a 1960s Microbus. Inside, the vehicle retains its original practicality with crank windows, air conditioning, and a Pioneer Mixtrax multimedia stereo, along with an aftermarket steering wheel and a simple gauge cluster that includes a 140 km/h speedometer and standard fuel and coolant temperature gauges.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, said of the vehicle: "This Sambar is absolutely irresistible. It's proof that fun and function can fit into a very tiny package. Whether you're into vintage VWs, JDM imports, or just love the unusual, this van puts a smile on every face that sees it." The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth, offers free admission and parking, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The addition of the Subaru Sambar continues the museum's tradition of showcasing unusual and unexpected vehicles. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com or the original toy museum site at DFW Elite Toy Museum.
