The Toyota 2000GT is a limited-production, front-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-seat, hardtop coupé grand tourer designed by Toyota in collaboration with Yamaha. First displayed to the public at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1965, the 2000GT was manufactured under contract byYamaha between 1967 and 1970.
The 2000GT revolutionized the automotive world's view of Japan. The 2000GT demonstrated that Japanese auto manufacturers could produce a sports car to rival those of Europe, in contrast to Japan's image at the time as a producer of imitative and stodgily practical vehicles. Reviewing apre-production 2000GT in 1967, Road & Track magazine summed up the car as "one of the most exciting and enjoyable cars we've driven", and compared it favorably to the Porsche 911. Today, the 2000GT is seen as the first seriously collectible Japanese car and the first "Japanesesupercar". Examples of the 2000GT have sold at auction for as much as US$375,000
Much of the work was done by Yamaha, which in addition to its wide product range of the time also did much work for other Japanese manufacturers. Many credit the German-American designer Albrecht Goertz, a protégé of Raymond Loewy, as inspiration for the car. He had gone to Yamaha in Japan in the early 1960s to develop a two-seater sports car for Nissan. A prototype was built, but Nissan decided eventually not to pursue the project. Yamaha also worked for Toyota, then perceived as the most conservative of the Japanese auto makers. Wishing to improve their image, Toyota accepted the proposal, but employed a design of their own penned by Toyota designer Satoru Nozaki.
The 2000GT design is widely considered a classic in its own right. Its smoothly flowing bodywork was executed in aluminium and featured pop-up headlights, as well as large plexiglas covered driving lamps on either side of the grille similar to those on the Toyota Sports 800. The design scarcely featured bumpers at all, and the plexiglas driving lamp covers in particular are rather easily damaged. The car was extremely low, just 45.7 in (116 cm) to the highest point of the roof. In 1969, the front was modified slightly, making the driving lamps smaller and changing the shape of the turn signals. The rear turn signals were enlarged at the same time, and some alterations were made to modernise the interior. The last few vehicles were fitted with air conditioning and had automatic transmission as an option. These cars had an additional scoop fitted underneath the grille to supply air to the A/C unit. Two custom open-top models were built for the James Bond film You Only Live Twice, but a factory-produced convertible was never offered during the car's production run.
The interior offered comfortable, if cramped, accommodation and luxury touches like a rosewood-veneer dashboard and an auto-seeking radio tuner. At the time, Road & Track felt that the interior was up to par for a "luxurious GT", calling it an impressive car "in which to sit or ride - or simply admire."
The engine was a 2.0 L (121 in³) straight-6 (the 3M) based on the engine in the top-of-the-line Toyota Crownsedan. It was transformed by Yamaha with new double overhead camshaft heads into a 112 kW (150 hp) sports car engine. Carburation was through three two-barrel Solex 40 PHH units. Nine special MF-12 models were also built with the larger but SOHC 2.3 L 2M engine. The car was available with three different final drives. Fitted with a 4.375 ratio axle, the car was said to be capable of reaching 135 mph (217 km/h). It could get 31mpg[3].
The engine was longitudinally mounted and drove the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. A limited slip differential was fitted, and in a first for a Japanese car, all-round power-assisted disc brakes. The atypical emergency brake gripped the rear disc directly.
Only 351 (regular production cars) of the 2000GT were built, figures comparable to elite Italian supercar production of the day. According to Toyota and Yamaha data, there were 233 MF10s, 109 MF10Ls, and nine MF12Ls. All were actually built by Yamaha; it took two years for production vehicles to emerge. In America, the 2000GT sold for about $6,800, much more than contemporary Porsches and Jaguars. It is believed that no profit was made on the cars despite their high price; they were more concept cars and a demonstration of ability than a true production vehicle. About 60 cars reached North America and the others were similarly thinly spread worldwide. Most 2000GTs were painted either red or white.
Toyota entered the 2000GT in competition at home, coming third in the 1966 Japanese Grand Prix and winning the Fuji 24-Hour Race in 1967. In addition, the car set several FIA world records for speed and endurance in a 72-hour test. Unfortunately, the record car was destroyed in a pace car accident and eventually scrapped. These records shortly prompted Porsche to prepare a 911R especially to beat this record.
Carroll Shelby would also enter a pair of 2000GTs to compete in the SCCA production car races competing in the CP category. Initially Shelby built three cars, including one spare. Although performing well, 1968 was the only season the car competed in the US. Toyota took back one of the cars and rebuilt it into a replica of their record car, which still resides in Japan. The two remaining Shelby cars still reside in the United States.
The 2000GT made its most famous screen appearance in the 1967 James Bond movie You Only Live Twice, most of which was filmed in Japan. Even though the car was never commercially available as a convertible, two were made specially for the film. However, they did not have roofs, just an upholstered hump at the rear of the cabin to simulate a folded top, and therefore were not really true convertibles. Prior to the decision to make fully roofless cars, building the car as a targa was tried, allegedly due to Sean Connery's height not allowing him to fit into the ultra-low coupé version. This retained the hatchback of the original car, but eliminated the rear side windows. However, when the Targa was completed, Connery's head stuck out of the top to such an extent that it was decided it looked too ridiculous and that roofless versions would have to be made if the car was to be featured in the film. The car was mainly driven by his girlfriend Aki (Akiko Wakabayashi) in the film.[4]
Although not quite as well known to the general public as later Japanese sports cars like the Nissan Z, the 2000GT is regarded by many collectors as possibly the first highly collectible Japanese car. As of 2010, good examples can reach very high auction prices, though parts availability is a problem. Some combination of interesting provenance (particularly the first and second owners) and cosmetic perfection seems to be the formula for the highest auction values.
The world first saw the Toyota 2000 GT at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show. Production began two years later and continued in limited numbers until 1970. This vehicle was very important for the Toyota Motor Company because it proved to the world that they could produce sports cars and not just economical and practical vehicles.
Raymond Loewy of Yamaha was responsible for the design. The product was originally intended for Nissan but the company decided not to implement the design. The design was proposed to Toyota who accepted the design. The vehicle is visually similar to the Jaguar E-Type. Light was provided by driving lamps and pop-up lights. To protect the exposed driving lamps, a Plexiglas cover were installed. There were bumpers on the car though they provided little in the way of protection. The body is comprised of aluminum and located under the hood was a potent six-cylinder engine in 2 or 2.3 liter size.
During its short production lifespan only 337 were produced. The final versions featured air-conditioning and some were given an additional scoop located underneath the grille which helped provided air to the AC unit.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2006
Raymond Loewy of Yamaha was responsible for the design. The product was originally intended for Nissan but the company decided not to implement the design. The design was proposed to Toyota who accepted the design. The vehicle is visually similar to the Jaguar E-Type. Light was provided by driving lamps and pop-up lights. To protect the exposed driving lamps, a Plexiglas cover were installed. There were bumpers on the car though they provided little in the way of protection. The body is comprised of aluminum and located under the hood was a potent six-cylinder engine in 2 or 2.3 liter size.
During its short production lifespan only 337 were produced. The final versions featured air-conditioning and some were given an additional scoop located underneath the grille which helped provided air to the AC unit.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2006
The Toyota 2000GT was a sports car produced in very limited numbers by Toyota in Japan. First seen at the Tokyo Motor Show of 1965, production vehicles were built between 1967 and 1970. It revolutionized the automotive world's view of Japan. Reviewing a pre-production car in 1967, 'Road & Track' magazine summed up the 2000 GT as 'one of the most exciting and enjoyable cars we've driven.' 351 regular production cars were manufactured, with most being painted either red or white, and selling for approximately $6,800.
The engine was a 2.0-Litre straight-6; transformed by Yamaha with new double overhead camshaft heads to produce 150 horsepower.
- The Toyota 2000GT appeared as a prototype at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show and was introduced as a production model in 1967.
- Model number: MF10L; Frame: 10122; Engine Number; 10157; production date: 10-12-67; Color code: 2309W (Pegasus White); Serial number: P-112.
- This vehicle is a left-hand-drive model.
- A high-performance grand touring car, only 337 Toyota 2000GTs were produced. Only 54 were imported to North America.
The engine was a 2.0-Litre straight-6; transformed by Yamaha with new double overhead camshaft heads to produce 150 horsepower.
- The Toyota 2000GT appeared as a prototype at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show and was introduced as a production model in 1967.
- Model number: MF10L; Frame: 10122; Engine Number; 10157; production date: 10-12-67; Color code: 2309W (Pegasus White); Serial number: P-112.
- This vehicle is a left-hand-drive model.
- A high-performance grand touring car, only 337 Toyota 2000GTs were produced. Only 54 were imported to North America.
After the Ford racing contracts ended, Carroll Shelby took on a contract from Toyota to develop their 2000GT sports car.
In 1967, Toyota entered into an agreement with Shelby American Racing, Inc., to develop the 2000GT for SCCA Production Competition. The terms of the deal were simple: The manufacturer was to ship three cars (chassis $10001, 10005, 10006) to Shelby in California, where they would be modified to current SCCA regulations and developed for the 1968 series.
In the summer of 1967, Shelby received the three chassis, which had already been prepared for racing in Japan. On September 6th of 1967, chassis #10001 (used as the R&D car) took to the track for the first time at Riverside Raceway in California with former Formula One driver Ronnie Bucknum piloting. After the only two testing outings and several Shelby suspension and engine modifications, Dave Jordan took to the track for a third test and shaved over four seconds off the lap times. The Toyota 2000GT had arrived and was about to make an imprint on the American racing scene.
When the 1968 SCCA season began, Dave Jordan became the driver of this car, #23. The freshmen Shelby 2000GT's showed true potential and starring in the SCCA C-Production series. All told this car racked up two 1st place, four 2nd place, and three 3rd place finishes. Scooter Patrick finished 4th in the overall points championship. In the end the two cars had an overall finishing record above 80%. This not only proved the already famous reliability of Toyota and development skills of Shelby American, but also the inherent speed of the 2000GT itself.
Chassis #10005 and #10006 were eventually restored by Bob Tkacik and Peter Starr. They still own the #10006 car today.
In the summer of 1967, Shelby received the three chassis, which had already been prepared for racing in Japan. On September 6th of 1967, chassis #10001 (used as the R&D car) took to the track for the first time at Riverside Raceway in California with former Formula One driver Ronnie Bucknum piloting. After the only two testing outings and several Shelby suspension and engine modifications, Dave Jordan took to the track for a third test and shaved over four seconds off the lap times. The Toyota 2000GT had arrived and was about to make an imprint on the American racing scene.
When the 1968 SCCA season began, Dave Jordan became the driver of this car, #23. The freshmen Shelby 2000GT's showed true potential and starring in the SCCA C-Production series. All told this car racked up two 1st place, four 2nd place, and three 3rd place finishes. Scooter Patrick finished 4th in the overall points championship. In the end the two cars had an overall finishing record above 80%. This not only proved the already famous reliability of Toyota and development skills of Shelby American, but also the inherent speed of the 2000GT itself.
Chassis #10005 and #10006 were eventually restored by Bob Tkacik and Peter Starr. They still own the #10006 car today.
Toyota Shelby 2000 GT
In the summer of 1967, Shelby received the three chassis, which had already been prepared for racing in Japan. On September 6, 1967, chassis number 10001 took to the track for the first time at Riverside Raceway in California with Formula One driver Ronnie Bucknum piloting. After only two test outings and several Shelby suspension and engine modifications, Dave Jordan took to the track for a third test and shaved over 4 seconds off the lap times. The Toyota 2000 GT had arrived and was about to make an imprint on the American racing scene forever.
When this 1968 season began, SCCA ace Scooter Patrick was assigned to the number 33 car, while Dave Jordan became the official driver for the number 23 car. The freshman 2000 GTs showed true potential and stamina in the SCCA C-Production class, famously scoring three 1-2 finishes. All told, the pair racked up four wins, eight 2nd place finishes, and six 3rd place finishes, with an overall finishing record above 80%. This not only proved the already famous reliability of Toyota and development skills of Shelby American, but also the inherent speed of the 2000 GT itself.
Inspired to design a sports car that would rival those in Europe, Japanese designers unveiled the Toyota 2000 GT at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1965 and went on sale during the spring of 1967.
Produced in Tokyo Japan, production vehicles were built between 1967 and 1970 in very limited numbers.
The Toyota 2000 GT is considered the first 'Japanese Supercar' as it revolutionized the way Japanese car manufacturers were viewed in regards to their skill.
In the production of this car, Toyota proved to the world that Japan had a lucrative future in the auto industry.
During the 1960's the Japanese were known for building family cars, or economy sedans modeled after English and French versions, but most definitely not for their sports or GT cars.
After the postwar period, it was the Germans and Italians that designed the more exotic GT cars, and the British with the sports car market.
This is why it came as such a startling surprise when the 2000 GT was produced by the most conservative of Japanese Auto makers.
Today, many collectors consider the 2000 GT as the first highly collectable Japanese car.
The 2000 GT has achieved celebrity status and was featured in James Bond films ‘You Only Live Twice', as well as appearing in several the TV series including Hawaii 5-0.
Perceived as the most conservative of Japanese auto makers, much of the work on 2000 GT was done by Yamaha.
German-American designer Count Albrecht Goertz, a protégé of Raymond Loewy was responsible for much of the design. Count Goertz is also credited to the design style behind the BMW 503 and 507.
The lines composing the vehicle were distinct and smooth, compound curves at every panel and window, and a rosewood dash on the interior with full instrumentation and signal-seeking radio
The 2000 GT had pop-up headlights and large driving lamps on both sides of the grille that were eventually modified to smaller design in 1969. Air conditioning and an additional scoop were later modified to newer versions, as well as larger rear turn signals.
An extremely low car, at just 45.7 in (116 cm) at the roof, the bodywork was smoothly flowing and executed in aluminum. With a 2,329-mm wheelbase and a length of 4,176 mm, the two-seater 2000 GT had a slight hint of the Jaguar E-type as well as being very technologically advanced.
With 2.0 L engine, the 2000 GT was capable of reaching 135 mph (217 km/h).
Though only 337 models were built in the three years in the market, only about 60 GT's ever made it to North America and were sold for around $6,800.
During the 1966 Japanese Grand Prix the 2000GT came in third, as well as crunching the Fuji 24-Hour race in 1967.
Produced in Tokyo Japan, production vehicles were built between 1967 and 1970 in very limited numbers.
The Toyota 2000 GT is considered the first 'Japanese Supercar' as it revolutionized the way Japanese car manufacturers were viewed in regards to their skill.
In the production of this car, Toyota proved to the world that Japan had a lucrative future in the auto industry.
During the 1960's the Japanese were known for building family cars, or economy sedans modeled after English and French versions, but most definitely not for their sports or GT cars.
After the postwar period, it was the Germans and Italians that designed the more exotic GT cars, and the British with the sports car market.
This is why it came as such a startling surprise when the 2000 GT was produced by the most conservative of Japanese Auto makers.
Today, many collectors consider the 2000 GT as the first highly collectable Japanese car.
The 2000 GT has achieved celebrity status and was featured in James Bond films ‘You Only Live Twice', as well as appearing in several the TV series including Hawaii 5-0.
Perceived as the most conservative of Japanese auto makers, much of the work on 2000 GT was done by Yamaha.
German-American designer Count Albrecht Goertz, a protégé of Raymond Loewy was responsible for much of the design. Count Goertz is also credited to the design style behind the BMW 503 and 507.
The lines composing the vehicle were distinct and smooth, compound curves at every panel and window, and a rosewood dash on the interior with full instrumentation and signal-seeking radio
The 2000 GT had pop-up headlights and large driving lamps on both sides of the grille that were eventually modified to smaller design in 1969. Air conditioning and an additional scoop were later modified to newer versions, as well as larger rear turn signals.
An extremely low car, at just 45.7 in (116 cm) at the roof, the bodywork was smoothly flowing and executed in aluminum. With a 2,329-mm wheelbase and a length of 4,176 mm, the two-seater 2000 GT had a slight hint of the Jaguar E-type as well as being very technologically advanced.
With 2.0 L engine, the 2000 GT was capable of reaching 135 mph (217 km/h).
Though only 337 models were built in the three years in the market, only about 60 GT's ever made it to North America and were sold for around $6,800.
During the 1966 Japanese Grand Prix the 2000GT came in third, as well as crunching the Fuji 24-Hour race in 1967.
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