Back in 2013, a 1967 Toyota 2000GT sold for a record-high of $1.2M USD, and in 2015 another sold for $880,000 USD, so the sale of this 1968 iteration for $850,000 USD seems like a relative bargain, no?
It sold through the auction site Bring a Trailer, where a no reserve style of bidding meant that one lucky buyer got the 1968 Toyota 2000GT for under the general market value. However, it goes to show that much like other classic Japanese cars, there’s much demand for rare models and prices are only set to skyrocket over time — the same has been seen with Nissan’s older generation Skyline GT-Rs, for example.
The car in question is one of 351 examples produced in the three years that the 2000GT was made, and only one of the 109 export models that came in left-hand drive. It spent most of its life in a Japanese museum before being shipped to the United States, and it’s presented in a highly original condition.
Finished in white over a black vinyl interior, the 2000GT is powered by a 1,988cc DOHC inline-six featuring triple Mikuni-Solex carburetors that produces around 148 BHP, driving the rear wheels via an all-synchromesh five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.
It was an incredibly technical car back in the ’60s, as it features four-wheel independent suspension, servo-assisted disc brakes, 15” magnesium alloy wheels, a signal-seeking radio, and a rally clock alongside various other exterior and interior details. For example, it’s based around a steel X-shaped backbone-style chassis that was designed in collaboration with Yamaha, before being styled by the legendary Toyota designer Satoru Nozaki.
As stated, this particular version sold for a relative steal at $850,000 USD. Take a look at the car above, and sound off below on your thoughts about the ever-in-demand world of classic Japanese cars.
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