Toyota 2000GT Coupé, 1967
Toyota 2000GT
Toyota 2000GT•
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Chassis No.: MF10-10129
£799,000 GBP | Sold
- Landmark Japanese sports car
- Exported new to Mozambique
- Resident for 30 years in Portugal
- Brought to the UK in 2012
- 'Best in show' 2022 London Concours "Rare, stylish and exquisitely engineered, the Toyota 2000GT revolutionised the Japanese motor industry..."
- Octane magazine.
Somewhat ironically, it was rival firm Nissan's cancellation of Albrecht Goertz's Yamaha-built design study that led to Toyota acquiring the rights to the pretty two-seater coupé that would become the 2000GT. Yamaha were retained to build what was envisaged as a low-volume model, work on the project commencing early in 1964. The 2000GT was one of the stars of the Tokyo Motor Show in 1965, though production proper did not commence until May 1967.
Beneath the 2000GT's aerodynamic coupé coachwork was a Lotus Elan-inspired backbone chassis equipped with double-wishbone independent suspension at all four corners and disc brakes all-round, the latter a first for a Japanese car. A five-speed all-synchromesh transmission, rack-and-pinion steering, oil cooler, heated rear screen and magnesium-alloy knock-off wheels were all state-of-the-art features.
Based on the Toyota Crown's cast-iron block, the Yamaha-built twin-cam six displaced 1,998cc and produced a highly respectable 150bhp at 6,600rpm. Up to 200bhp was available in race tune, and indeed, a team of 2000GTs prepared and entered by Carroll Shelby enjoyed considerable success in SCCA events in 1968. With a top speed of around 130mph in road trim, the 2000GT was one of the fastest 2-litre production cars of its day.
Although it succeeded in generating a considerable amount of favourable publicity for Toyota, the 2000GT was handicapped from the start by its cost, which exceeded that of the Jaguar E-Type and Porsche 911. Only 351 were made between 1967 and 1970: 349 coupés plus the two special roadsters that starred in the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice. Today this landmark Japanese sports car is both rare and highly sought after.
This Toyota 2000 GT was built on 15th November 1967 at the Yamaha Motor Company's Iwata plant and imported into Mozambique by Toyota Mozambique, the official importer for the country. The car was first registered on 18th January 1968. At the time, Mozambique was a Portuguese colony but followed the pattern of its neighbours in driving on the left side of the road, which is why both cars were supplied in right-hand drive. It is believed that the Toyota's first owner was a Mr Sa, the owner of Toyota Mozambique. Finished in the desirable Pegasus White with black interior, this was one of two 2000 GTs imported by Toyota Mozambique, the other being finished in Solar Red. (period photo on file)
In 1975 the car was exported to Portugal and allocated the registration number 'ZE-17-53'. The second owner was a Mr C. Meladas. For more than 30 years the 2000GT remained in his stable, maintained but used infrequently.
The car appeared at the renowned Autoclassico show in Porto, Portugal in 2008. It was displayed on the Amigos dos Japoneses Antigos stand and delighting visitors. In 2009 the Toyota was purchased by its third owner, Mr Joaquim Bessa, who sold it to a UK dealer in 2011.
As the car had been stored in a warm and dry climate for so many years, there is no major work required to repair the elegant bodywork, or its six-cylinder engine. However, an indepth overhaul was undertaken. Works included an engine rebuild, suspension overhaul, and a repaint. The car was in such good order, that it was possible to remove many of the parts, including nuts and bolts- sandblast them, dip and re-coat to re-use. The interior was also in excellent condition. With the period auto-tune radio and rosewood-veneer dashboard today still as they presented in 1967, retaining originality. The result of the above works was a stunning and beautifully fresh 2000 GT, that so importantly retains much originality. The car had belonged to our vendor since 22nd October 2012.
The car has been displayed on the Toyota stand at the Goodwood Revival in 2012 and the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2013. Recently, and in recognition of its exceptional condition, the 2000GT became a double winner in the prestigious 2022 London Concours. Securing both the 'Japanese Jewels' category as well as the overall 'Best in Show' award. It has featured in Motor magazine and is currently on the front cover of Octane (September 2023 edition).
https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/27998/lot/269/1967-toyota-2000gt-coupe-chassis-no-mf10-10129/
Стоимость
3 958 423 AED
