Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 24, 2025
DFW Museum Adds Iconic 1981 Mercedes 240D to Ron Sturgeon Collection
TLDR
- The DFW Car & Toy Museum gains a competitive edge by adding the legendary 1981 Mercedes-Benz 240D, known for its unmatched longevity and engineering superiority over other vehicles.
- The 1981 Mercedes-Benz 240D features a 2.4-liter OM616 diesel engine with 67 horsepower, four-speed automatic transmission, and disc brakes on all four wheels for enduring performance.
- The museum's acquisition preserves automotive history and makes quality engineering accessible to the public, inspiring appreciation for durable craftsmanship that stands the test of time.
- This 240D with only 61,000 miles on its replacement odometer offers a fascinating glimpse into 1980s German engineering that famously outlasted nearly every other car on the road.
Impact - Why it Matters
This acquisition matters because it preserves an important piece of automotive history that represents a turning point in vehicle reliability and engineering. The Mercedes-Benz W123 series, particularly the 240D, set new standards for durability that influenced car manufacturing for decades. For automotive enthusiasts and historians, this vehicle exemplifies an era when mechanical simplicity and robust construction created cars that could literally last a lifetime. The museum's preservation of such vehicles helps educate future generations about engineering excellence and serves as a tangible connection to automotive heritage. For the local community, the museum's growth and continued acquisitions strengthen Fort Worth's cultural offerings and provide educational opportunities about technological evolution in transportation.
Summary
The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has made a significant addition to its Ron Sturgeon Collection with the acquisition of a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 240D, a vehicle celebrated for its legendary reliability and engineering excellence. This iconic diesel sedan, part of the renowned W123 chassis series, represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's commitment to durability and timeless design. Museum founder Ron Sturgeon emphasizes that while the 240D may not embody flashy luxury, it defines quality through its unmatched dependability and understated confidence—qualities that have made it a global favorite among automotive enthusiasts.
This well-preserved example showcases the mechanical excellence that made the 240D famous, featuring a 2.4-liter OM616 diesel inline-four engine producing 67 horsepower and 97 lb-ft of torque, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle's interior maintains its original character with durable Sienna MB-Tex upholstery, classic analog gauges, and minimalist 1980s comforts including hand-crank windows and basic heating. Documentation reveals the car's well-maintained history, with a speedometer replacement in 1996 at approximately 50,000 miles and the current odometer reading 61,000 miles, offering insight into its carefully preserved journey.
The museum itself represents a significant cultural institution in North Texas, having evolved from the former DFW Elite Toy Museum to its current 150,000-square-foot facility at 2550 McMillan Parkway. The collection now includes over 200 classic vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys and collectibles, with free admission and parking available to visitors. The museum's website serves as a valuable resource for automotive and toy enthusiasts worldwide, while the facility also offers climate-controlled car storage and event hosting capabilities, maintaining its dog-friendly policy and encouraging photography during operating hours Tuesday through Saturday.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, DFW Museum Adds Iconic 1981 Mercedes 240D to Ron Sturgeon Collection
