Toyota 2000GT
The Toyota 2000GT can rightfully be called the first Japanese supercar.
It is fitted with a powerful two-litre, six-cylinder engine, producing 150 hp, giving it a top speed of around 200 km/h. In addition, the 2000GT has an independent suspension with disc brakes and a synchromesh gearbox. The car has four headlights: two have Plexiglas covers and two are pop-up lights. The latter were meant for the American market where high headlights were mandatory.
The Toyota 2000GT was designed by Satoru Nozaki. The engine was based on the Toyota Crown six-cylinder engine fitted with a twin-cam cylinder head. It developed 200 hp in competition trim. A modified Toyota 2000GT set various speed and endurance records. A cabriolet was never produced, but a unique open version was built for the James Bond film ‘You Only Live Twice’. Only 351 2000GTs were produced, making it one of the most desirable supercars of the sixties.