The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, is now showcasing a rare 1936 Tatra 75 Convertible from the Ron Sturgeon Collection, offering visitors a glimpse into prewar European automotive innovation. This exceptionally well-preserved vehicle, previously housed at the Tampa Bay Automotive Museum, is one of only approximately 4,100 examples produced, making it a rare sight worldwide.
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 with forward-thinking engineering, including a backbone chassis that provided exceptional rigidity and a smooth ride, setting it apart from competitors. This model is historically significant as the last front-engined passenger car introduced by Tatra before the company shifted to its renowned rear-engined designs.
The interior is beautifully preserved with right-hand drive, rich red leather upholstery, and a body-color dashboard. A classic VDO 120 km/h speedometer with an integrated clock anchors the instrument panel, while the odometer reads just 44,000 kilometers (approximately 27,000 miles), reflecting the vehicle's limited use. The beige convertible top adds to its sophisticated appearance.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, noted, "The Tatra 75 represents a level of creativity and innovation that continues to impress nearly 90 years later." The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137, offers free admission and houses over 200 iconic automobiles and 3,000 vintage toys. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
This display underscores the importance of preserving automotive history and allows visitors to appreciate how engineering vision and craftsmanship have shaped modern cars. The Tatra 75's innovative features, such as its air-cooled engine and backbone chassis, were decades ahead of their time and influenced future automotive design.
