A classic workhorse has found a new home. The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a 1972 Toyota Hilux pickup to its collection. This second-generation Hilux, originally ordered in factory Red (316) and later restored during its time in Canada, has been re-imported to the U.S. and now stands as a tribute to Toyota's early success in the American market. It is on display alongside over 200 vintage vehicles and 3,000 collectibles at the museum, located at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
Under the hood, the 1972 Hilux features a 2.0-liter 18R-C inline-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission, delivering power to the rear wheels. Power-assisted drum brakes at all four corners handle stopping duties, while silver 14-inch steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and whitewall tires complete the period-correct look. The interior has been reupholstered with a gray cloth bench seat, black dash, and matching door inserts, maintaining a clean, classic vibe. Amenities include lap belts, a Boman Astrosonix push-button radio, rubber floor liners, a carpeted dashboard cover, and a functional heater. The original two-spoke steering wheel frames a 100-mph speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, described the vehicle as a time machine that takes viewers back to the 1970s. He noted that the Hilux was a truck that worked hard during the week and cruised the backroads on weekends. The museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Sturgeon in the 1980s and has been collecting automobile toys and cars ever since. It is now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137, offering free parking and admission. The facility is 150,000 square feet and provides secure climate-controlled car storage, as well as space for events such as car club meetings and board meetings. The museum is dog-friendly and encourages photography.
The 1972 Hilux helped lay the foundation for Toyota's truck dominance, and this example reminds visitors why: simple design, reliable engineering, and timeless appeal. New vehicles are added throughout the year, ensuring each visit brings something new to discover.
