A rare right-hand-drive, five-speed, 4WD fuel hauler straight from Japan brings utilitarian charm and global character to the Ron Sturgeon Collection

FORT WORTH, TX, February 03, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A true one-of-a-kind utility vehicle has touched down at the DFW Car & Toy Museum: the 1996 Toyota TownAce 4×4 Fuel Truck, freshly imported from Japan and now on display as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection. With its compact size, right-hand-drive layout, and fully functional 450-liter aluminum fuel tank, this TownAce blends practical function with global flair.

Originally built for the Japanese domestic market, this rugged little hauler is powered by a 1.8-liter 2Y inline-four producing 77 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. The power plant is paired with a column-shifted five-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and a push-button 4WD system, making it as trail-capable as it is utilitarian.

"This is the kind of vehicle you'd expect to see refueling machines deep in a mountainside village—not turning heads at a Texas car museum," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "But that's exactly why we love it. It's a workhorse with personality, and a reminder of how Toyota builds trucks to do anything, anywhere."

Out back, the M.K Lorry 450-liter fuel tank is constructed of aluminum and fitted with a pump and its own fuel-level gauge—ready for duty. Inside, the right-hand-drive cab features a split bench seat trimmed in gray vinyl with patterned cloth inserts, and the functional, no-frills dash includes a two-spoke steering wheel, 160-km/h speedometer, and gauges for coolant temp and fuel level.

The TownAce is accessible, reliable, and unique—an ideal representative of Toyota's legacy in global light-duty trucks. Whether you're a JDM enthusiast, overlanding fan, or just intrigued by the weird and wonderful, this 4x4 tank truck is a must-see.

The 1996 Toyota TownAce is now on display alongside over 200 classic vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys and collectibles at the DFW Car & Toy Museum. With new additions rolling in throughout the year, the collection continues to offer rare finds for every kind of car lover.

Come see the Toyota that hauls more than just nostalgia. Plan your visit today!

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.

Read the full story here: https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/524143/from-the-streets-of-japan-to-the-heart-of-texas-1996-toyota-townace-44-fuel-truck-joins-the-dfw-car-toy-museum

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