Rare 1971 L'Automobile Ventura Joins the Prestigious DFW Car and Toy Museum

GTTP

Unique 1971 L'Automobile Ventura features a rare Brazilian fiberglass body and VW Type 3 chassis.
Equipped with significant performance upgrades including dual Weber carburetors and a rebuilt manual transaxle.
The vehicle is a low-mileage survivor with only 4,000 kilometers on the odometer.
Now on public display at the 150,000-square-foot DFW Car and Toy Museum in Fort Worth.

Impact - Why it Matters

This acquisition highlights the importance of preserving boutique, low-production vehicles that represent global automotive history. By showcasing the L'Automobile Ventura, the DFW Car and Toy Museum educates the public on the versatility of the Volkswagen platform, ultimately fostering a deeper appreciation for international design and mechanical ingenuity.

Summary

The DFW Car and Toy Museum has unveiled a spectacular addition to its international collection: a stunning 1971 L'Automobile Ventura. This Brazilian rarity, known for its striking gold finish and lightweight fiberglass bodywork, showcases the innovative fusion of South American design and reliable German engineering. Built upon a Volkswagen Type 3 chassis, the vehicle stands as a testament to the global reach of the VW brand, offering museum visitors a rare glimpse into niche, boutique automotive history.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this Ventura features a meticulously upgraded drivetrain. Recent mechanical enhancements include a rebuilt four-speed manual transaxle from Rancho Performance Transaxles, complemented by performance-driven Weber 34 ICT carburetors and a PerTronix ignition system. With an exceptionally low mileage of only 4,000 kilometers, the coupe serves as a pristine time capsule, perfectly preserving the unique craftsmanship of its era for modern automotive enthusiasts to admire.

Founder Ron Sturgeon, a lifelong collector with deep roots in Volkswagen restoration, emphasizes that this vehicle is more than just a display piece; it is an important conversation starter. The museum, now located in a sprawling 150,000-square-foot facility in North Fort Worth, continues to celebrate automotive artistry by providing free, dog-friendly access to its vast array of vintage toys and rare, world-class automobiles.

Rare 1971 L'Automobile Ventura Joins the Prestigious DFW Car and Toy Museum

GTTP

Unique 1971 L'Automobile Ventura features a rare Brazilian fiberglass body and VW Type 3 chassis.
Equipped with significant performance upgrades including dual Weber carburetors and a rebuilt manual transaxle.
The vehicle is a low-mileage survivor with only 4,000 kilometers on the odometer.
Now on public display at the 150,000-square-foot DFW Car and Toy Museum in Fort Worth.