The 1960s was a defining decade for the automotive industry, a period of revolutionary designs and innovative engineering. Among the standout cars of that era, the Toyota 2000GT holds a unique place in history. A car that was not only ahead of its time but also became a symbol of Japan’s rising presence in the global automotive scene.
The Birth of the Toyota 2000GT
The story of the Toyota 2000GT began in the mid-1960s when Toyota sought to create a car that could capture the growing Japanese interest in motorsport. The country, still recovering from the effects of World War II, was eager to showcase its advancements in technology and craftsmanship. Toyota’s goal was ambitious: to build a flagship sports car that combined beautiful design with high-performance engineering.
The 2000GT’s roots can be traced to a design study by Albrecht Goertz, which was initially rejected by Nissan. However, Toyota saw potential in the design, and it soon became the blueprint for what would become one of the most iconic cars in automotive history. The Toyota 2000GT was unveiled as a concept car at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show, a dramatic first step towards creating a legend.
Video
Watch this video as Jay Leno takes a closer look at the 1966 Toyota 2000GT on Jay Leno’s Garage!
Technical Specifications and Performance
When the Toyota 2000GT hit the production line in 1967, it immediately made waves with its stunning design and advanced engineering. The car featured a low, sleek body that stood just 45.7 inches tall—a height even lower than the famous Ford GT40, which was only 40 inches. The 2000GT’s aerodynamic body was complemented by a backbone chassis, inspired by the Lotus Elan, and an independent double-wishbone suspension system at all four corners. Additionally, the car boasted disc brakes on each wheel, a first for any Japanese car at the time.
Under the hood, the Toyota 2000GT was powered by a 2.0-liter, straight-six engine developed by Yamaha. This engine delivered 148 horsepower at 6,600 rpm, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.4 seconds and achieving a top speed of 137 mph. While these figures might seem modest by today’s standards, they were more than impressive for a car of its era. With some modifications from Toyota’s racing division, Tosco (now known as Toyota Racing Development), the 2000GT set 13 international speed and endurance records, including a remarkable 128.76 mph average speed over 72 hours.
The Toyota 2000GT in Motorsport
The 2000GT quickly caught the attention of racing legend Carroll Shelby, who saw its potential in competitive motorsport. Shelby prepared three special 2000GTs for the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) races. These cars were tuned to produce 200 horsepower and featured upgraded suspension systems and tires. In the 1968 SCCA C-Production championship, the 2000GTs performed admirably, with Shelby’s drivers finishing second and third in the competition. The first of these race-prepared 2000GTs was sold at auction in 2022 for an astounding $2,535,000, making it the most expensive Japanese car ever sold at that time.
The Toyota 2000GT in James Bond’s World
No discussion of the Toyota 2000GT would be complete without mentioning its iconic appearance in the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice. The producers wanted Bond, played by Sean Connery, to drive a sports car in the film, and the Toyota 2000GT was chosen for its sleek and exotic appeal. However, with Connery standing at 6’2″, the compact car’s roof had to be removed to accommodate him.
To ensure the car’s place in the film, Toyota created two custom convertibles for the movie. One of these rare convertibles was later discovered in Hawaii in 1977 by a Toyota employee and returned to Japan for restoration. Today, it is one of the most valuable cars in the Toyota Museum’s collection.
The fate of the second Bond 2000GT is shrouded in mystery. Reports suggest that it was wrecked in the 1970s, though rumors also indicate that it may have been sold to a private buyer after being disposed of by the company tasked with handling it.
A Minor Update and the End of Production
In 1969, Toyota introduced a minor update to the 2000GT, which included smaller driving lights, air conditioning as an option, and a three-speed automatic transmission alongside the standard five-speed manual. This was the only update the 2000GT would receive before production ceased in 1970. Just 351 units were produced, including the two famous Bond convertibles.
Rarity and Value Today
Despite its relatively low production numbers, the Toyota 2000GT has become one of the most sought-after classic cars in the world. Among the rarest of these are the left-hand-drive models, with only 62 examples exported to the United States. The Toyota 2000GT’s value has skyrocketed in recent years, with some models now commanding prices of over $1 million. In fact, a 2000GT was recently listed for sale in Germany for €790,000 ($834,000), while another model fetched £799,000 at a 2023 Bonhams auction.
The 2000GT’s rising value reflects not just its scarcity but also its status as a symbol of Japanese automotive excellence. Today, it’s recognized not only as a beautiful car but also as a milestone in the history of sports cars.
Conclusion
The Toyota 2000GT is not just a car—it’s a piece of automotive history. From its stunning design to its impressive performance on the race track, the 2000GT was ahead of its time and remains one of the most iconic cars ever built. Whether it was starring in a James Bond film or setting records on the racetrack, the Toyota 2000GT has proven to be far more than just another sports car. Today, it stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of Toyota and the lasting impact the 2000GT had on the automotive world.
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Watch this video on Revelations with Jason Cammisa to learn how the Toyota 2000GT became the fastest brand-building halo ever!
