The 1967 Toyota 2000GT, widely regarded as the most important Japanese car ever made, has found a new home at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. This award-winning, race-inspired white coupe joins the Ron Sturgeon Collection, offering visitors a rare glimpse into automotive history.
Co-developed with Yamaha and styled by Albrecht Goertz, the designer behind BMW's 507, the 2000GT was initially offered to Nissan, which declined. Toyota seized the opportunity, creating a hand-built masterpiece that combined the soul of a Porsche with the elegance of a Jaguar XKE. Produced to compete with the Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-Type, the 2000GT cost more than both yet delivered stunning looks, razor-sharp handling, and up to 200 horsepower in race trim.
Only 351 Toyota 2000GTs were ever built, including two special roadsters made for the James Bond film You Only Live Twice. This particular example not only survives but thrives, having won both "Best in Show" and "Japanese Jewels" at the 2022 London Concours, making it one of the most celebrated 2000GTs in existence. Powered by a high-revving DOHC inline-six engine capable of speeds up to 130 mph, the 2000GT also saw racing success under the direction of Carroll Shelby, who campaigned the car in SCCA events, further cementing its performance pedigree.
"This is the most important Japanese car ever made. Period," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "It's not just rare—it's a symbol of a moment when the world finally took Toyota seriously as a performance brand."
The Toyota 2000GT joins over 200 collector vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys and collectibles at the museum, where new additions continue to surprise and inspire guests throughout the year. The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, offers free parking and admission. More information is available on the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
