A humble hero of postwar motoring, this black Dauphine represents a massive moment in U.S.-French automotive history
FORT WORTH, TX, December 23, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — A symbol of style, simplicity, and global ambition, the 1959 Renault Dauphine now takes its place among the European gems at the DFW Car & Toy Museum. With its rear-mounted engine and lithe styling, the Dauphine was France’s compact contender for international roads—and in 1959 alone, more than 100,000 Americans took one home.
This particular Dauphine, preserved in classic black, is powered by an 845cc inline-four fitted with a Solex carburetor. Factory-rated at 27 horsepower, the engine drives the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transaxle. It’s a modest performer by today’s standards, but one that delivered freedom and flair to postwar families on both sides of the Atlantic.
Inside, the well-worn cabin tells a story of time and travel. The two-spoke steering wheel shows cracking on the rim, while Jaeger instrumentation with a horizontal-sweep 75-mph speedometer and faded auxiliary gauges gives the dash an authentic, vintage patina. The five-digit odometer shows just 21,000 miles, further underscoring the car’s historical value.
“The Dauphine may not have been a powerhouse, but it was Renault’s passport to the American dream,” said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. “It helped lay the groundwork for European imports in the U.S., long before the world had heard of the Beetle or Mini. This car represents a quiet revolution in affordable mobility.”
Now on display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, the 1959 Renault Dauphine invites visitors to revisit an era when innovation came in small, charming packages.
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.
—
For the original version of this press release, please visit 24-7PressRelease.com here
Legal Disclaimer: This article was provided by an independent third-party content provider. Kyrion Media makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. All information is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. This content may not have been reviewed by our editorial staff and is published automatically. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kyrion Media. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. If you are affiliated with this article and would like it removed, please contact retract@kyrionmedia.com.
