Legendary 'La Bestia del Norte' Racer Joins DFW Car & Toy Museum Collection

The legendary 1954 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Coupe, famously known as "La Bestia del Norte" (The Beast of the North), has found a new home at the DFW Car & Toy Museum as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection. This iconic racing machine boasts an extraordinary history, having competed in the grueling La Carrera Panamericana rally an impressive 11 times, serving as a powerful symbol of automotive engineering excellence and racing determination. Originally built as a race car in the 1970s, the vehicle underwent a comprehensive transformation around 2005 to meet modern rally specifications, featuring extensive upgrades to its drivetrain, braking system, electrical components, safety features, and suspension to withstand the extreme demands of one of the world's most challenging motorsport events.

The Carrera Panamericana holds a special place in automotive history, having been established in 1950 to celebrate the opening of the Pan-American Highway in Mexico. The event quickly gained recognition for its treacherous terrain and relentless pace, with Lincoln vehicles dominating the stock car division during the early 1950s by capturing the top four positions in both 1952 and 1953. After the original race concluded, it was revived in 1988 as a modern rally that honors the legacy of the original competition. Museum owner Ron Sturgeon emphasizes that this particular Lincoln represents everything that makes La Carrera Panamericana so thrilling—combining raw power, exceptional endurance, and a rich historical legacy that continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts and racing fans alike.

Visitors to the DFW Car & Toy Museum can now experience this magnificent machine up close, alongside more than 200 other classic and rare vehicles and over 3,000 collectible toys. The museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, has recently relocated to a massive 150,000-square-foot facility in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, offering free parking and admission. Founded by automotive enthusiast Ron Sturgeon, whose passion for cars began in his teenage years repairing Volkswagens, the institution has grown from humble beginnings into a world-class destination for toy and car lovers, featuring climate-controlled storage, event facilities, and dog-friendly policies. The museum's website remains the go-to source for enthusiasts worldwide, providing information about their rotating collection that offers fresh experiences throughout the year.