The Shelby-built Toyota 2000GT

By the mid-1960s, Toyota saw the need to create a halo model – one that would raise international awareness of the Japanese brand. Toyota aimed high, seeking to compete with the finest European sports and GT cars. During 1964, Project 280A commenced, which ultimately led to the creation of the legendary 2000 GT.

In developing this all-new sports car, Toyota partnered with Japanese motorcycle giant Yamaha for the engineering of a two-litre, twin-cam six-cylinder engine based upon an existing Toyota cylinder block. Inspired by Lotus’ lightweight Elan, Toyota engineers designed a clever backbone chassis that allowed the car to sit low to the ground, while concealing a fully independent suspension. Weighing just over 1,100kg, the 150 hp straight six gave the car a 0–60 time of 10 seconds and a top speed of 137 mph. The 2000 GT’s extremely low centre of gravity and neutral weight balance produced a very satisfying driving experience.

The 2000 GT featured here maintains a special place in the history of this groundbreaking Japanese sports car, as it is the first serial-numbered example built and the first of just three examples that Shelby prepared for SCCA C-Production racing, Toyota’s first foray into US motor sports.

Although Toyota had successfully raced pre-production versions of the 2000 GT in Japan between 1965 and 1967, the company was keen to demonstrate its prowess in the US – the single most important market for manufacturer. At the time, the SCCA’s C-Production category appeared to be an ideal proving ground to pit the 2000 GT against rivals from Porsche, Lotus, Triumph, and Datsun.

Peter Brock was initially tapped to develop the 2000 GT for competition use, but Carroll Shelby persuaded Toyota executives to work with his team, based on their consistent track record for producing winners. Once he had secured the contract, Shelby entrusted the development of the 2000 GT to an experienced team led by Rich Erickson, Lew Spencer, and Phil Remington. During 1967, Toyota allocated three cars to the project, including this one.

To prepare the 2000 GT for SCCA racing, Shelby and Toyota engineers fitted the cars with dual megaphone exhausts, Girling brake calipers, adjustable KONI shock absorbers, a differential cooler, modified oil pan, and special Halibrand magnesium wheels wearing Goodyear racing tyres. Inside, the car’s elegant rosewood dashboard was eschewed in favour of a simple aluminium panel filled with Stewart-Warner instruments, while a roll bar and racing harnesses were installed for safety. The most noticeable modification was a beautiful Ferrari-style gated shifter, which provided a precise gear change.

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.

Throughout 1968, the Shelby-prepared 2000 GTs were driven by Scooter Patrick and Dave Jordan, veterans of the Otto Zipper Racing Team. At the end of the season, the Toyota-Shelby team had placed 4th in the SCCA National Championship standings, behind Porsche and Triumph. Although they failed to secure the championship, it had been a successful demonstration of the 2000 GT’s potential, with four 1st, eight 2nd, and six 3rd place finishes.

This beautiful 1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000GT will feature as Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island auction on the 4th March 2022. Its estimated value is between $2.75 - $3.5m. Photos © Gooding and Company