Toyota’s First Supercar: A Look Back at the Iconic 2000GT

When you think of classic supercars, your mind probably wanders to the sweeping curves of a Ferrari or the thunderous roar of a Shelby Cobra. But nestled quietly in the pages of automotive history is a car that redefined what Japan could offer the world: the Toyota 2000GT.

It was sleek. It was fast. And it was decades ahead of its time. So why isn’t it mentioned in the same breath as its European contemporaries?

Let’s take a drive back in time.

The Birth of a Legend

By the mid-1960s, Toyota was known for reliability, not performance. But the company had ambitions beyond being a practical brand. With the help of Yamaha—who engineered much of the car’s chassis and engine—Toyota unveiled the 2000GT in 1967, and with it, changed global perceptions of Japanese automobiles.

This was no tuner car or hot rod. The 2000GT was a refined, handcrafted machine built to challenge the best that Europe had to offer.

Design That Stole the Spotlight

One look at the 2000GT and it’s easy to see why it turned heads. Its long nose, fastback roofline, and pop-up headlights gave it an exotic silhouette that felt more Italian than Japanese. Many compared it to the Jaguar E-Type, and for good reason—it shared a similar grace and presence.

Inside, it was just as sophisticated. The dashboard was trimmed with rosewood, the gauges looked like they belonged in an aircraft, and everything felt intentionally placed. This wasn’t a mass-produced commuter—it was a statement.

Performance That Delivered

Under the hood sat a 2.0-liter inline-six engine, modified by Yamaha to produce about 150 horsepower. That might not sound like much by today’s standards, but for 1967, it was impressive—especially paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, fully independent suspension, and a low center of gravity.

The result? 0 to 60 in 8.4 seconds and a top speed of around 135 mph. It could go toe-to-toe with the Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-Type, and it did so with a distinct Japanese character.

A Star On and Off the Screen

You might recognize the 2000GT from its role in You Only Live Twice, where it appeared in a specially made convertible version driven by James Bond’s female counterpart. The car looked futuristic, sleek, and perfectly at home next to 007’s gadgetry.

But despite the movie fame, production numbers stayed low—only 351 units were ever built between 1967 and 1970. It was more a halo project than a profit-maker. And because of that, it became an instant collector’s item.

Legacy and Value Today

In today’s classic car world, the Toyota 2000GT is a crown jewel. Rarely seen in public, and almost never on the road, surviving models can fetch well over $1 million at auction.

In 2022, a pristine Toyota 2000GT sold for a staggering $2.535 million, setting a record as the most expensive Japanese car ever sold at auction. This jaw-dropping price not only reflects its rarity but also its growing recognition as a cornerstone of Japan’s automotive heritage.

Beyond the dollar value, its impact is even greater. The 2000GT proved that Japanese automakers could do more than build economy cars. It paved the way for legends like the Nissan Z, the Toyota Supra, and even the Acura NSX.

Conclusion: A Quiet Revolution of the Toyota 2000GT

The 2000GT never roared. It whispered. It didn’t try to out-muscle the competition—it outclassed them. In many ways, it was a supercar built for the thoughtful driver: one who appreciated precision, balance, and beauty.

It may not have the same name recognition as the Ferraris and Lamborghinis of its era, but to true car enthusiasts, the 2000GT is a legend—a symbol of what happens when a company dares to dream differently.

Have you ever seen a Toyota 2000GT in person—or is it still on your dream car bucket list?