The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a 1967 Toyota 2000GT to its collection, a vehicle widely regarded as the crown jewel of Japanese automotive history. The white coupe, which won "Best in Show" and "Japanese Jewels" at the 2022 London Concours, is now on display at the museum, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see a car that reshaped global perceptions of Japanese engineering and design.
Co-developed with Yamaha and styled by Albrecht Goertz, the same designer behind the BMW 507, the 2000GT was originally pitched to Nissan, which passed. Toyota seized the opportunity, resulting in a hand-built masterpiece with the soul of a Porsche and the elegance of a Jaguar XKE. Produced to challenge the likes of the Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-Type, it cost more than both and delivered stunning looks, razor-sharp handling, and up to 200 horsepower in race trim.
"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."
Only 351 Toyota 2000GTs were ever built, including two special roadsters made for James Bond's "You Only Live Twice." This example not only survives but thrives, having won top honors at the 2022 London Concours. Powered by a high-revving DOHC inline-six and 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.
The Toyota 2000GT joins over 200 collector vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys and collectibles at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137. The museum offers free parking and admission, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
The addition of this iconic vehicle underscores the museum's commitment to preserving automotive history and providing an entertaining experience for car enthusiasts and the general public alike. As Ron Sturgeon noted, the 2000GT changed everything for Toyota, and now it has a new home in Fort Worth where it can inspire future generations.
