Toyota 2000GT for Sale : An Icon That Defined Japanese Performance Cars
When discussing the most desirable Japanese classic cars ever built, the Toyota 2000GT stands firmly at the top. Widely regarded as Japan’s first true supercar, the 2000GT changed global perceptions of what Japanese automakers were capable of in the 1960s. Now, a rare opportunity has emerged, as a beautifully preserved example is officially up for sale on Bring a Trailer.
Toyota 2000GT for Sale : Owned by Racing Legend Bobby Rahal
What makes this listing even more special is its ownership history. The car is currently associated with Bobby Rahal, a three-time CART champion and American motorsport icon. Provenance matters deeply in the collector-car world, and having Rahal’s name attached significantly enhances this Toyota 2000GT’s appeal.
Toyota 2000GT for Sale : A Hand-Built Masterpiece with Yamaha Roots
Despite wearing a Toyota badge, the 2000GT was not mass-produced in the traditional sense. Instead, it was handcrafted in collaboration with Yamaha, a partnership that would later influence some of Toyota’s most celebrated performance models. This same lineage eventually led to engineering highlights found in cars like the Lexus LFA, especially its legendary engine sound and precision tuning.
Toyota 2000GT for Sale : Advanced Engineering Ahead of Its Time
For the 1960s, the Toyota 2000GT was remarkably sophisticated. It featured:
- Independent suspension with control arms at all four wheels
- Disc brakes on every corner
- Lightweight magnesium alloy wheels
- Rack-and-pinion steering, a first for Toyota
These features placed it in the same league as European legends such as the Jaguar E-Type, both visually and mechanically.
Toyota 2000GT for Sale : Smooth Inline-Six Performance
Under the long, sculpted hood sits a 2.0-liter inline-six engine, fed by triple carburetors. Producing around 150 horsepower, the engine focuses more on refinement than raw aggression. While rivals of the era roared, the 2000GT delivered its power with elegance and silk-like smoothness—an early sign of Toyota’s future engineering philosophy.
Compact Design with Famous Fitment Challenges
The Toyota 2000GT is famously low, standing just 46 inches tall. While this contributes to its stunning proportions, it also limits cabin space. Drivers over 5’10” may find the fit tight. In fact, when Sean Connery drove a 2000GT in You Only Live Twice, Toyota had to create special convertible versions just to accommodate his height.
A Global Journey and Award-Winning Condition
This particular example has lived an international life. Originally delivered to Mozambique, it later traveled through the United States before being restored in Costa Rica. Over the years, it has undergone extensive cosmetic and mechanical refinement, including work by a respected UK specialist. Its condition has been validated with a recent award from the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
Why the Toyota 2000GT Is the Ultimate JDM Collectible
With racing variants selling for multi-million-dollar figures, the Toyota 2000GT has firmly established itself as the most valuable and prestigious Japanese collector car. While other classics may come close, few match its rarity, craftsmanship, and historical importance.
Final Thoughts
The Toyota 2000GT for sale on Bring a Trailer is more than just a classic car—it’s a rolling piece of automotive history. For collectors seeking the crown jewel of Japanese engineering, this is as good as it gets. Whoever secures the winning bid will own not just a car, but the foundation of Japan’s performance legacy.
