Only 351 Toyota 2000GTs were produced between 1967 – 1971 and one of the rarest examples was just auctioned for $2.535-million USD, making it the most expensive Japanese car ever sold. More specifically, it’s a 1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000GT, built as a pre-production model with chassis number MF10-10001. It originally finished in red and was used as a test drive car in the United States, allowing the automaker to showcase the vehicle to prospective American customers. Read more for a video and additional information.
This vehicle, along with two other 2000GTs, were handed over to Shelby so he could turn them into competitive race cars. Power comes from a 1,988 CC DOHC inline 6-cylinder engine making 210 BHP at 7,000 RPM, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox with limited-slip differential. Once it retired from racing, the MF10-10001 was sent to Gulf States Toyota in Houston, and then returned to Toyota’s North American headquarters in Torrance, California, where it was retained as a demonstrator for special events.
- Kids can explore one of the world’s first 300 mph supercars with their very own LEGO Speed Champions Koenigsegg Jesko racing car toy model
- This LEGO sports car collectible model comes with a wider 8-stud chassis which allows room for a 2-seat cockpit with space for 2 minifigures
- The Koenigsegg LEGO race car driver minifigure included in the set is completed with a racing suit, safety helmet and wrench
In October 1967, Shelby Racing sent a letter to the SCCA announcing its intention to enter the Toyota 2000 GT in National C-Production events during the upcoming season. By December, the three specially prepared 2000 GTs were ready to make their competition debut. Chassis 10005 and 10006 were to serve as the primary racing cars, while 10001 was retained as the backup entry and for continued development use,” according to the auction listing.
