FORT WORTH, TX, October 07, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A dazzling fusion of automotive craftsmanship and fine art, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220A Cabriolet by Hiro Yamagata captures the imagination like few vehicles can. Proudly displayed as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, this one-of-a-kind work is more than a car—it's a rolling canvas born from the mind of one of the world's most vibrant contemporary artists.

One of only 1,278 Cabriolet A models bodied by Sindelfingen between 1951 and 1955, this particular chassis, 3503688, was hand-selected by Hiro Yamagata for his celebrated Earthly Paradise series. In preparation for its transformation, the car was meticulously refurbished in 1996 before being coated in a roughened matte white acrylic, ready for Yamagata's vivid brushstrokes. Inspired by the natural beauty of Fiji, Yamagata adorned the car with a midnight blue base and intricate, tropical-themed imagery, including a Scarlet Macaw on the hood, a peacock along the rear bodywork, vibrant hibiscus flowers, palm trees, a rainbow, and a burst of multicolored birds. His signature graces the left-rear fender, marking it unmistakably as a piece of living art.

Earthly Paradise debuted at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery in 1994 and captivated audiences in museums across Los Angeles, Austria, Italy, and Japan. Out of the 24 cars envisioned for the series, only a select few were completed, making this 220A an exceptionally rare and significant artifact.

Beneath its artistic exterior lies the engineering excellence of the W187 platform, featuring a 2.2-liter M180 inline-six engine producing 80 horsepower, paired with a column-shifted four-speed manual transmission. Luxurious details such as a three-piece fitted luggage set in the trunk, VDO instrumentation framed by a three-spoke steering wheel, and classic Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship reinforce that this is as much a car as it is a creation.

Today, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220A Cabriolet art car stands as a celebration of creativity, beauty, and engineering—a vibrant reminder that even the finest machines can be reborn as masterpieces.

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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