Volkswagen Unleashed: One-of-a-Kind V8-Powered 1974 VW Thing Turns Heads in Fort Worth

Heavily modified off-road beast now on display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum

FORT WORTH, TX, May 19, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A 1974 Volkswagen Thing unlike any other has found its home in the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum. This isn't your average VW—this radically customized off-road build features a 215ci Buick V8 engine tucked into the rear, a custom tubular chassis, and Wilwood disc brakes on all four corners.

With a five-inch body lift, widened fenders, tubular bumpers, auxiliary lighting, and a fold-down windshield, this machine is built to conquer terrain—and steal the show while doing it. The transaxle, sourced from a VW Bus, was rebuilt to handle the extra horsepower and torque delivered by the aluminum V8 and Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor. Supporting upgrades include rear air shocks, suspension limit straps, and an aluminum radiator mounted in the front trunk with electric fans for optimal cooling.

"This Thing is pure attitude," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the museum and longtime collector. "It's a wild engineering statement, built for the desert but ready for display. You won't see another VW like this one."

Inside, the customized dash is outfitted with auxiliary gauges to monitor performance, while 16-inch Fuchs-style wheels and removable doors add both flair and function.

Visitors can see the 1974 VW Thing V8 and hundreds of other rare and exotic vehicles on display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum.

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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