Japan’s first supercar
The concept for a new Toyota Gran Turismo model began soon after the Japanese Grand Prix in 1964. It was brought to life in collaboration with Yamaha Motor Co. and overseen by project leader Shoichi Saito. His brief was simple: ‘do whatever necessary to not only produce the 2000GT, but make it one of the – or perhaps even the – greatest car in the world.’ A year later, Saito’s vision became a reality when a prototype, the ‘280 A1’, was unveiled at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show.
The 2000GT’s curvaceous ‘Coke bottle’ lines and large plexiglass-covered driving lamps ensure it’s instantly recognisable over half a century later. The long, sweeping bonnet houses not only a world-class engine, but pop-up headlamps that remain flush to the body when not in use to aid a smooth flow of air.