1996 Daihatsu Midget II Pickup Showcases Japan's Micro-Truck Innovation at DFW Car & Toy Museum
The 1996 Daihatsu Midget II Pickup, now part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, highlights Japan's micro-truck innovation and its growing appeal in the U.S., especially in Texas where recent law changes have made such vehicles road-legal.
The 1996 Daihatsu Midget II Pickup, a compact yet capable right-hand drive vehicle, is drawing attention at the DFW Car & Toy Museum. This micro-truck, featuring a 659 cc, 3-cylinder engine and a 4-speed manual transmission, represents a significant piece of Japan's automotive innovation. With only 56,717 kilometers on its odometer, the Midget II combines quirky retro styling with practical utility, making it a rare find for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Recent changes in Texas law have made mini vehicles manufactured outside the U.S., like the Daihatsu Midget II, eligible for title and registration. This legislative shift has increased the accessibility and desirability of such unique imports, marking a notable moment for automotive culture in the state. Ron Sturgeon, founder of the museum, notes the growing popularity of micro-trucks in the U.S., attributing it to their cult classic status in Japan and their newfound legality on Texas roads.
The Midget II's display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum not only offers visitors a glimpse into Japan's micro-truck innovation but also underscores the evolving landscape of vehicle collection and appreciation in the U.S. Its presence in the museum's collection, which includes over 200 collector cars and 3,000 vintage toys, highlights the cultural and historical significance of micro-trucks and their impact on automotive design and utility.