The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has unveiled a new crown jewel in its collection: the 1967 Toyota 2000GT. This award-winning, race-inspired white coupe is widely regarded as the car that put Japan on the map in the global automotive performance arena. Co-developed with Yamaha and styled by Albrecht Goertz, the 2000GT was a hand-built masterpiece that challenged the likes of the Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-Type, offering 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 has not only survived but thrived, winning 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 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 addition of this 2000GT underscores the museum's commitment to showcasing vehicles that have shaped automotive history. The museum, which features over 200 collector vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys and collectibles, offers visitors a rare opportunity to see the car that reshaped global perceptions of Japanese engineering and design.
The Toyota 2000GT originally cost more than its European rivals, but its value today is immeasurable. Its presence in Fort Worth provides a unique educational experience for enthusiasts and the general public alike. The museum is located at 2550 McMillan Parkway and is open Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com or the original toy museum site at DFW Elite Toy Museum.
This display not only celebrates the car's aesthetic and engineering excellence but also highlights its role as a trailblazer for Japanese automotive performance. The 2000GT's legacy continues to influence Toyota's modern sports cars, making this exhibition a must-see for anyone interested in the evolution of the automobile.
