1966 Toyota 2000GT

The Toyota 2000GT is a limited-production front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, two-door, two-seat sports car/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 by Yamaha between 1967 and 1970. The 2000GT revolutionized the automotive world’s view of Japan, then viewed as a producer of imitative and stodgily practical vehicles.

Interestingly enough, the 2000GT was not Toyota’s idea. Yamaha, known for its motorcycles at the time, decided to begin work on a sports car, its first venture into the automotive industry. After Yamaha had completed the initial designs for the car, the 2000GT found its home with Toyota, which was, interestingly enough, Yamaha’s second choice for a manufacturer. Designed by Raymond Loewy, it was intended as a product for Nissan, who later decided not to take on the project. As a result, Yamaha brought the plans for the 2000GT before Toyota. Toyota, who had a reputation for producing rather conservatively designed cars, saw this new creation as an opportunity to prove that their engineers and designers could compete on the world stage.

Unlike Japanese automotive design trends of that period, the Toyota 2000GT had typically European lines. Its 1988cc 6-cylinder engine, designed by Yamaha, developed an output of approximately 150 horsepower. Three Mikuni-Solex 40PHH carburetors controlled the fuel mixture. The engine was rated at 148 hp @ 6,600 rpm with torque measuring 129 lb/ft torque @ 5,000 rpm.

Finished to a high standard, this 2000GT has a very authentic and proper look, with correct finishes to the engine bay and well-fitted bodywork. The interior is largely tight and crisp, with only minor patina, and the dashboard fascia and wooden steering wheel are both beautiful.

Prestige car makers are delighted when a high-profile movie director offers to use their vehicle in a new production. Such was the case when the James Bond movie, “You Only Live Twice,” starring Sean Connery, was beginning production in 1967.