FORT WORTH, TX, July 28, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- At first glance, the 1961 Vespa 400 might seem more toy than transportation—but this baby blue microcar, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, is a true piece of automotive history. Designed by Italian manufacturer Piaggio and built in France by ACMA, the Vespa 400 was Piaggio's bold step from scooters to compact cars during the height of the microcar movement.

Produced between 1957 and 1961, the Vespa 400 was created for a European audience navigating postwar austerity and the rise of urban mobility. Roughly 30,000 units were made, and few remain in such lovingly restored condition. This example was imported from France in 2014 after a full refurbishment and retains its period-correct character with thoughtful upgrades.

Power comes from an air-cooled 400cc two-stroke Piaggio twin-cylinder engine producing 14 horsepower—sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual gearbox. At just over nine feet long, the Vespa 400 offers surprising engineering sophistication in a small package, featuring independent coil over suspension at all four corners and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

Distinctive details include rear-hinged doors, a louvered decklid, sliding windows, 10" steel wheels, and a pull-out drawer that houses the 12-volt battery in the front. The interior is minimalist and functional, with a two-spoke steering wheel and a Veglia 110-km/h speedometer flanked by simple warning lights. A spare tire is cleverly stowed beneath the passenger seat.

"What I love about the Vespa 400 is that it's unapologetically small, but it still feels like a complete car," says Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "It was built for a specific time, a specific need—and today, it stands as a symbol of design ingenuity and practicality."

Whether you're a fan of European engineering, vintage design, or rare vehicles with big personalities, the 1961 Vespa 400 offers a unique window into automotive history on a miniature scale.

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.

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