How much did the Toyota 2000GT cost?
The Toyota 2000GT was a rare and highly coveted sports car produced in the late 1960s. With its sleek design, powerful engine, and limited production, the 2000GT was a true automotive gem that commanded a premium price tag.
The Cost of the Toyota 2000GT
When the Toyota 2000GT was first introduced in 1967, it had a suggested retail price of $6,800 in the United States. This was a significant sum of money at the time, as the average price of a new car in the US was around $2,750.
The high cost of the 2000GT was due to several factors. First, it was a hand-built, limited-production vehicle, with only 351 units ever produced. This exclusivity and attention to detail drove up the price. Additionally, the 2000GT featured advanced engineering and a powerful 2.0-liter inline-six engine, which added to its premium positioning.
Comparison to Other Sports Cars
To put the 2000GT's price into context, consider the following comparisons:
- The Chevrolet Corvette, a popular American sports car of the era, had a base price of around $4,500.
- The Porsche 911, a German sports car that was also gaining popularity in the 1960s, had a starting price of approximately $5,500.
- The Ferrari 275 GTB, a high-end Italian sports car, had a price tag of around $12,000 in the US market.
So, the Toyota 2000GT was priced significantly higher than mainstream sports cars but still below the most exclusive and expensive models from European manufacturers.
Rarity and Collectibility
Today, the Toyota 2000GT is considered one of the most valuable and collectible Japanese cars ever produced. Due to its limited production and iconic design, well-preserved examples can fetch millions of dollars at auction. The rarity and desirability of the 2000GT have made it a highly sought-after collector's item, cementing its status as a true automotive legend.
How much is a Toyota 2000GT worth?
A Toyota 2000GT's value varies significantly by condition, but typically ranges from around $850,000 to over $1 million, with some rare or historically significant models selling for much more. The 2000GT is one of the most valuable Japanese cars, with some fetching prices over $2 million at auction, often due to their rarity, performance, and unique provenance like a connection to the James Bond film You Only Live Twice.
Factors influencing the price
- Condition: A car in excellent, restored condition with low mileage will command a higher price than one needing restoration.
- Provenance: Models with a documented history, celebrity ownership, or those used in films, like the James Bond version, can sell for significantly more.
- Rarity: The Toyota 2000GT was a limited production car with only 351 examples built, which increases its value. Left-hand-drive versions are particularly rare.
- Market trends: The value fluctuates based on auction results and the overall collector car market.
Examples of recent sales
- $2.53 million: A 1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000GT sold for this record price at auction in 2022.
- $1.15 million: A 1967 Toyota 2000GT sold for this amount in 2022.
- $995,953: A 1967 Toyota 2000GT sold at a Bonhams auction in 2023.
- $912,500: A 1967 Toyota 2000GT owned by an American racer sold for this amount in 2020.
Why are Toyota 2000GT so expensive?
The Toyota 2000GT is expensive due to its extreme rarity, with only 351 produced, its historical significance as Japan's first true supercar, its stunning design with a luxurious Yamaha piano wood interior, and its connection to iconic pop culture through the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and a racing collaboration with Carroll Shelby. The combination of being a limited-production, high-quality, and historically important vehicle makes it one of the most valuable Japanese cars ever made.
Factors contributing to its high price
- Rarity: Only 351 2000GTs were ever built, making them incredibly scarce. This extreme rarity drives up the value for collectors who want a piece of automotive history.
- Historical significance: The 2000GT is considered Japan's first supercar and was built to change the world's perception of Japanese car manufacturing. It proved that Japanese companies could produce high-performance, world-class sports cars.
- Exceptional craftsmanship: The car features a hand-built, aluminum body and a stunning interior. The dashboard is crafted from a solid piece of rosewood, which was also used for Yamaha's grand pianos, and the wooden steering wheel is a testament to the high-quality craftsmanship.
- Cultural impact: The 2000GT was prominently featured in the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice. A special convertible version was created for the movie because the actor Sean Connery was too tall to fit in the production model. This has significantly boosted its "cool factor" and collectible status.
- Racing heritage: A limited number of 2000GTs were developed for racing by Carroll Shelby. These models raced successfully in the 1968 SCCA season, further cementing the car's performance credentials and adding to its desirability among collectors.
How much did a Toyota 2000GT cost new?
In America, a 1968 2000GT listed for about US$7,150 ($64,651 in 2024 dollars), a moderately higher price than competitors like the $5,539 Jaguar E-Type or the $6,790 Porsche 911S, though much lower than exotics like the $19,700 Ferrari 365 GTB/4.
How much did a 2000GT cost in 1967?
In 1967, the Toyota 2000GT's price was over $7,000, which was significantly more expensive than many of its competitors. For comparison, it cost about $1,000 more than a Jaguar E-Type or Porsche 911 and over $2,500 more than a Corvette. This high price, combined with Toyota's then-limited reputation in the US market, contributed to the car's slow sales, with only 351 examples produced in total.
- Original Price: Over $7,000 in 1967.
- Competitor Pricing:
- Jaguar E-Type: Approx. $6,000-$7,000 (depending on model)
- Porsche 911: Approx. $6,000-$7,000 (depending on model)
- Chevrolet Corvette: Approx. $4,000-$4,500
- Impact on Sales: The high price was a major factor in the car's low sales volume.
