1967 Toyota 2000GT


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.


The interior of the 2000GT was a major departure from other Toyota products. Although it was rather cramped compared to similar European products, it did provide some comfort and featured luxury amenities previously unseen in a Toyota. These included a rosewood veneer dashboard, wood frames for the center stack and center console, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel. It also had an auto-seeking radio tuner and noteworthy fit and finish. On the other hand, the 2000GT did not receive an air conditioning system until 1969.

Under the hood, the 2000GT had a 2.0-liter straight-six unit based on the engine from the Toyota Crown sedan. The mill was modified by Yamaha, who added a new double overhead camshaft head and three, two-barrel Solex carburetors, into a sportier powerplant that delivered 150 Hp and 130 pound-feet of torque. Nine cars were built with a larger 2.3-liter engine, also based on the Crown’s, rated at 140 horses and 148 pound-feet. All 2.3-liter cars were shipped to the U.S. Originally offered with a five-speed manual transmission only, the 2000GT received an optional three-speed automatic in 1969.



The 2000GT wasn’t cheap. Model imported to the U.S. sold for more than US$ 7,000, which was about US$ 1,000 more than the Jaguar E-Type and Porsche 911 , and over US$ 2,500 more than a C2-generation Chevrolet Corvette. Only 351 cars were produced until 1970, of which only about 60 examples reached North America.