One of the most sought-after early Beetles, this limited-production 1953 model captures a pivotal moment in Volkswagen history—with timeless charm and unmatched originality
FORT WORTH, TX, September 01, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The 1953 Volkswagen Beetle in the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum is no ordinary classic—it's an exceptionally rare piece of automotive history. As the first true "oval window" model and the lowest production year of its kind, this grey 1953 Beetle represents a transitional and highly collectible moment in the evolution of the world's most iconic car.
Produced for just a few months, the 1953 Beetle bridged the gap between the early split-window models and the smoother, more modern shapes that followed. Early versions from this year—often called "Zwitters"—shared mechanical and cosmetic features with earlier generations, making them unique among collectors. This example is a true oval, distinguished by its clean oval-shaped rear window and its period-correct mechanical details.
Powered by a 1131cc 25-horsepower flat-four engine, this Beetle pairs classic performance with factory accuracy. The engine is dressed with all the correct components for the era: a Solex 1-barrel carburetor, strap-over air filter, big-nut generator, 6-volt system, round voltage regulator, and flat-top distributor. Power is delivered through a split-case four-speed transaxle, true to original factory specification.
Finished in a dignified shade of grey, the car remains beautifully preserved and is described as one of the finest surviving examples of the 1953 oval Beetle. Not only does it run and drive smoothly, but it also tells a compelling story of innovation and global rebirth just a few short years after World War II.
"The 1953 oval window Beetle is a landmark car," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "Its rarity, mechanical integrity, and clean design make it a standout—even in a museum full of iconic cars. It's a jewel for anyone who appreciates Volkswagen history."
This 1953 Volkswagen Beetle is on display among more than 200 rare automobiles and 3,000 vintage toys and pop culture artifacts 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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