Desert Warrior Meets Streaming Star: 1965 Baja-Style Volkswagen Beetle
Built for the dirt and born for the screen, this Ecotec-powered Beetle blends off-road aggression with custom craftsmanship—and a Netflix credit to match
FORT WORTH, TX, March 24, 2026 -- Bold, loud, and unmistakably Baja, the 1965 Volkswagen Beetle in the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum trades classic curves for off-road grit. Featured in the Netflix series Tex Mex Motors, this high-performance, green Baja-style Beetle is a running and driving project that captures the rebellious spirit of the desert and the creativity of custom culture.
At the heart of this build is a 2.4-liter Ecotec inline-four engine, replacing the original air-cooled flat-four for serious modern power. Paired with a VW Bus-sourced 091 six-rib four-speed manual transaxle and a hydraulic clutch setup, this Beetle is built to move—and built to take a beating.
The chassis has been extensively reworked for off-road duty, featuring a rack-and-pinion steering system, long-travel suspension, widened front axle beam, extended front trailing arms, boxed rear trailing arms, Fox Racing shocks, and Jamar Performance hubs. Braking is equally upgraded, with four-wheel disc brakes and directional rotors paired with Jamar Performance calipers.
Inside the cabin, function meets form. A pair of Aces Racing seats with harnesses, a full roll cage, and a relocated shifter provide driver-focused ergonomics. A fiberglass dash houses a 3.5-inch Konnwei multi-function LCD display, while a three-spoke aftermarket steering wheel completes the race-ready look.
In the rear cargo area, a body-color shrouded radiator with dual electric fans handles cooling duties, reflecting the car's off-road engineering ethos. Rugged, raw, and designed for action, this custom Beetle is more than just a showpiece—it's a statement.
"Out of all the Beetles in the collection, this one might be the wildest," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "It's fast, loud, and completely reimagined—but it still honors the spirit of the original Volkswagen. And having a starring role on Tex Mex Motors just adds to its character."
The 1965 Baja Beetle is one of over 200 vehicles on display at the museum, surrounded by thousands of vintage toys and collectibles that celebrate automotive passion in all its forms.
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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DFW Car and Toy MuseumDFW Car and Toy Museum
Fort Worth, TX
United States
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