THE TOYOTA 2000GT: THE CAR THAT PROVED JAPAN

1967 · Toyota · 6 min

When Japan's carmakers were dismissed as imitators, one sleek coupé silenced the critics.

THE DOUBT

In the early 1960s the world saw Japan as a maker of cheap, unremarkable cars. The 2000GT was Toyota's answer to that perception.

Designed with input from Yamaha, the car was developed for the grand touring market with real ambition and a lot to prove.

THE MACHINE

Powered by a 2.0-litre straight-six and clothed in a stunning fastback body, the 2000GT delivered genuine performance and exotic looks.

It gained international fame — including a starring role in a James Bond film — and forced observers to take Japanese engineering seriously.

THE LEGACY

Only 351 were built, making it among the rarest and most valuable Japanese cars ever. It laid the groundwork for every Japanese sports car that followed.

Timeline

1965 — FIRST SHOWING: 2000GT debuts at Tokyo.
1967 — PRODUCTION: A limited, landmark run begins.
1970 — THE LEGEND: Just 351 built; a collector grail.