The Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a truly exceptional piece of automotive history: a 1951 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by Karmann. This ultra-rare vehicle, built on July 17, 1951, in Osnabrück, Germany, is one of only 165 known surviving examples worldwide, making it a significant find for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The Beetle's origins date back to 1937, when the concept of a "people's car" was first envisioned. Although World War II disrupted production, the Beetle emerged as a postwar symbol of rebirth and optimism. By the late 1940s, Volkswagen expanded its lineup to include cabriolet models, offering open-air elegance alongside practicality. The Karmann Cabriolet, first prototyped in 1949, became a defining success, providing a true four-passenger configuration with rear legroom, expanded luggage capacity, and a neatly folding soft top—unlike the Hebmüller 2+2-seater design.
The vehicle on display is a first-series Type 15 A cabriolet, produced between 1949 and 1952. It is distinguished by its early split-rear window design and elegant pre-1953 detailing. Finished in an early-era color palette, it exemplifies the craftsmanship and coachbuilding finesse that established Karmann's legacy. This particular car has a documented build date and is a testament to the meticulous engineering of the era.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the car's significance: "This is one of those cars that stops collectors in their tracks. The 1951 Karmann Cabriolet is more than just a Beetle—it's a symbol of rebirth, optimism, and craftsmanship at a time when the world needed it most."
The 1951 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet is now on display alongside over 200 classic vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys and collectibles at the museum's expansive 150,000-square-foot facility. Visitors can experience this rare piece of history and explore the museum's ever-evolving collection, which also includes secure climate-controlled storage and event spaces. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and admission and parking are free. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
