A pint-sized Japanese van with retro charm, Microbus vibes, and 4WD capability joins the Ron Sturgeon Collection
FORT WORTH, TX, June 23, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — Part nostalgia, part novelty, and 100% charm—the DFW Car & Toy Museum is thrilled to showcase one of the most eye-catching oddities in its collection: a 1996 Subaru Sambar, cleverly converted to resemble a vintage Volkswagen Microbus. This quirky kei-class van is more than just a conversation starter—it’s a rolling tribute to classic camper culture with a Japanese twist.
Finished in a soft cream hue and adorned with VW-style badges, a roof rack, headlight visors, and retro styling cues, this Subaru Sambar has all the charm of a 1960s Microbus—with the added benefit of push-button four-wheel drive, a five-speed manual, and the reliability of a modern(ish) JDM powertrain.
Originally built for the Japanese domestic market, the van is powered by a 658cc fuel-injected inline-four (the EN07F), which sends power to the rear or all four wheels via a manual transmission and selectable 4WD. A removable rear panel allows access to the compact engine in the cargo area—a hallmark of kei-class efficiency.
Inside, the Sambar delivers practicality with a dash of fun. Crank windows, air conditioning, and a Pioneer Mixtrax multimedia stereo make for a surprisingly enjoyable ride. The aftermarket steering wheel sits in front of a simple gauge cluster with a 140 km/h speedometer and standard fuel and coolant temp gauges.
“This Sambar is absolutely irresistible,” said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. “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.”
With its microbus styling, practical features, and unmistakable character, this 1996 Subaru Sambar continues the museum’s tradition of celebrating the unique, the unexpected, and the unforgettable.
On display now as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, this kei van joins over 200 rare cars and 3,000 toys and collectibles at the DFW Car & Toy Museum. New vehicles are added regularly, making every visit a fresh experience.
About Ron Sturgeon
The visionary behind DFW Car & Toy Museum has been a dedicated car collector for over 30 years. His passion for automobiles began in his teenage years when he taught himself to repair Volkswagens, eventually leading to a successful career in the automotive industry. From building one of the largest auto salvage operations in the country to restoring and collecting classic and exotic cars, Ron’s love for all things automotive has never wavered.
About DFW Car & Toy Museum
DFW Car and Toy Museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Ron Sturgeon in the 1980s collecting automobile toys and cars. Until recently, it was in Haltom City, TX, and its website DFW Elite Toy Museum is still the go-to source for toy and car lovers worldwide. The museum is now located in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137. (at Meacham and I35w) The new facility is 150,000 square feet with free parking & admission. It promises an entertaining visit. They offer secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities for events, including car clubs, board meetings etc. The museum is also dog friendly and encourages pictures. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 am- 6:00 pm, visit the museum’s website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
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