After the end of the Second World War, the Japanese government passed a series of laws to stimulate motorcycle and automotive production and get the country on wheels. Yamaha, one of the leading motorcycle manufacturers in the country, sought to move away from the saturated K-car market and focus on a legitimate, competitive sports car to rise up to more established European rivals.
Nissan had taken a keen interest in Yamaha’s engineering prowess, and collaborated with the firm on multiple component orders and a prototype for a European-style grand tourer, the A550X. Even though the car never moved to production, it became a fruitful design exercise, one that convinced Toyota —known for their slow, conservative saloons— to pursue a new collaboration with Yamaha in a revolutionary sports car project. Penned by Satoru Nozaki, the ground-breaking Toyota 2000GT became an overnight sensation: as it beat speed and endurance records in FIA races, it also became a genuine ‘Bond car’ in “You Only Live Twice” (1967). However, despite its exquisite build quality, technical sophistication —disc brakes and limited slip differential came standard for the first time in a Japanese car— and public acclaim, sales were slow, and for a reason: the 2000GT was $1,000 more expensive than the contemporary Jaguar E-Type and Porsche 911, and $2,500 more than a Corvette. With production limited to 351 units worldwide, the 2000GT’s rarity, pedigree, enduring design and agile performance make it the single most highly sought-after Japanese car ever built.
Our Toyota left the assembly line on 29th of May, 1968 to be delivered as one of two 2000GT’s sold new in Portugal. Eventually, it made its way to its native Japan, with three ownership stages documented as early as the early 1980’s. Finished in its original shade of Pegasus White, it is mechanically and cosmetically ready for Concours judging, and comes with its original 1968 owner’s booklet, translated ownership documents, and an English copy of its workshop and parts manuals. A sublime experience in its driving and its looks, Tomini’s 2000GT is an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the finest worldwide examples of this Japanese thoroughbred GT.
