1971 Mercedes 280SL: The Car That Started a Museum Collection

At the heart of the DFW Car & Toy Museum's impressive collection lies a vehicle of profound personal significance: the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL in red, known affectionately as "the car that started it all." This stunning Pagoda SL represents the very beginning of owner Ron Sturgeon's collecting journey over 35 years ago, though it arrived in his possession under challenging circumstances. The car had suffered minor fire damage near the right rear quarter, reportedly caused by a smoker while fueling, leading Sturgeon to purchase it from the insurance company and meticulously restore it to its former glory. His restoration work was remarkably minimal, requiring only replacement of the taillight and rear bumper along with expert paint and bodywork, demonstrating both his skill and the car's inherent resilience.

Finished in a rich, factory-correct red, this 1971 280SL showcases Mercedes-Benz engineering at its finest, powered by a robust 2.8-liter inline-six engine featuring Bosch mechanical fuel injection and paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Often considered the last of the "classic" SLs, the W113 280SL holds a special place in automotive history for its combination of advanced engineering, refined styling, and timeless drivability. As Sturgeon himself notes, "This Mercedes isn't just a beautiful car—it's personal. It's the first collectible I ever bought, and I've driven it more than any other. It reminds me why I fell in love with cars in the first place." The car remains regularly driven and serves as a cornerstone of the museum's collection, embodying the themes of restoration, passion, and automotive heritage.

The DFW Car & Toy Museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, represents the culmination of Sturgeon's lifelong automotive passion that began when he taught himself to repair Volkswagens as a teenager. The museum's website at DFW Elite Toy Museum continues to serve as a valuable resource for enthusiasts worldwide. Now located in a massive 150,000-square-foot facility in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, the museum offers free parking and admission, secure climate-controlled car storage, event facilities, and dog-friendly policies. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, visitors can explore this world-class collection that began with a single, fire-damaged Mercedes that captured one man's imagination and launched a remarkable collecting legacy.