Ironically, Toyota’s acquisition of the 2000GT, a sleek two-seater coupe, can be traced back to Nissan canceling Albrecht Goertz’s design study, which Yamaha had been working on. Yamaha was enlisted to build this low-volume model, and development started in early 1964. While it made its shining debut at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show, production didn’t commence until May 1967.
Beneath the 2000GT’s aerodynamic coupe body lay a Lotus Elan-inspired backbone chassis, featuring double-wishbone independent suspension at all four corners and groundbreaking disc brakes on all wheels – a first for Japanese cars. This model boasted cutting-edge features like a five-speed all-synchromesh transmission, rack-and-pinion steering, an oil cooler, heated rear screen, and magnesium-alloy knock-off wheels.
Under the hood, the Yamaha-built twin-cam six, based on the Toyota Crown’s cast-iron block, displaced 1,998cc and produced a respectable 150bhp at 6,600rpm. In race trim, it could reach up to 200bhp. Carroll Shelby’s team, fielding 2000GTs, achieved notable success in SCCA events in 1968. With a top speed of approximately 130mph in its road-ready form, the 2000GT ranked among the fastest 2-liter production cars of its era.
Source: Bonhams
