Toyota 2000GT MF10
The Toyota 2000GT is the most important Japanese car ever made. When it debuted in 1967, it shattered the Western world's perception that Japan could only produce cheap, disposable economy cars. Here was a car with a DOHC inline-six, all-independent suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, a 5-speed manual gearbox, and styling that rivaled the most beautiful European GTs — and it was made in Japan.
The 2000GT was a joint venture between Toyota and Yamaha. Originally proposed by Yamaha as a Nissan project (which Nissan rejected), the 2000GT was developed with Yamaha engineering the DOHC twin-cam head for Toyota's 3M inline-six engine and assembling the cars at Yamaha's Iwata factory. Each car was essentially hand-built, with Yamaha's musical instrument craftsmen applying their wood-working skills to the rosewood dashboard and center console.
Styling was overseen by Toyota's Satoru Nozaki, with influence from the Jaguar E-Type and other European GTs. The low, curvaceous body with its retractable headlights, long hood, and fastback roofline created a shape of remarkable beauty. At just 1,160mm (45.7 inches) tall, the 2000GT was lower than a contemporary Porsche 911.
Performance was competitive with European sports cars. The 2.0-liter DOHC six produced 150 hp — impressive for its displacement — and the car's lightweight construction (1,120 kg) gave it lively performance. It set speed and endurance records at Yatabe, Japan, averaging over 128 mph for 72 hours.
The 2000GT appeared in the James Bond film 'You Only Live Twice' (1967), giving it global exposure. Two convertible 2000GTs were specially built for the film because Sean Connery was too tall to fit under the coupe's low roofline.
With only 351 produced (337 coupes, 2 Bond convertibles, and a handful of prototypes/race cars), the 2000GT is the rarest production Toyota and one of the most valuable Japanese cars in existence, with auction prices regularly exceeding $1 million.
The 2000GT is a blue-chip collector car. With only 351 built, every car is known and documented through the Toyota 2000GT Registry. Authentication is straightforward but essential — counterfeits are virtually impossible due to the car's unique construction. Key checks: corrosion in the body structure (steel monocoque), DOHC engine condition (head work is specialized), and correct fitment of rosewood interior trim. Parts are extremely scarce — Toyota itself maintains a parts support program for 2000GT owners. Original, unrestored cars command the highest prices. The two Bond convertibles are essentially priceless.
Total production: 351 units (1967-70). Of these, approximately 54 were exported to the United States (left-hand drive). Two convertibles were built specifically for the James Bond film. Several competition variants were produced for racing, including a supercharged version. Each car took approximately 6 months to hand-build at Yamaha's Iwata factory.