Currently the biggest carmaker in the world, Toyota is mostly known for its family sedans and capable SUVs. But in recent decades, the Japanese have built themselves a solid name in sports car manufacturing and racing through vehicles such as the Celica, Supra,, GT 86, the Le Mans-prepped TS lineage, and the Lexus LFA. Five decades ago, however, Toyota was still had the sober image of an econobox carmaker. This changed with the tiny Sports 800 in 1965, and, two years later, with the 2000GT, widely regarded as the first Japanese supercar.
Initially designed for Nissan by Yamaha, the project was adopted by Toyota after the Yokohama-based company refused the idea and started working on what would become the Fairlady Z (Datsun 240Z). Realizing how the bold two-seat design would change its image globally, Toyota immediately approved the program. Production began in 1967, when the 2000GT would revolutionize Japan’s view on the automotive industry, with a sports car to rival offerings from the more famous European marques.
The 2000GT was built for only three years and in just 351 units, but its impact was huge. It was not only the first supercar to come from Japan, but also the only Japanese car to have been featured prominently in a James Bond film. Also, it is the most expensive Asian car ever sold at auction as of 2015.
Updated 08/22/2016: Gooding & Company brought a fully restored 1967 Toyota 2000 GT at a auction event in Pebble Beach during the 2016 Monterey Car Week. Check out the "Prices" section to see for how much it was sold and the "Pictures" tab for some shots taken during the event.
Continue reading to find out more about the Toyota 2000GT.
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