Bobby Rahal has placed one of the most coveted Japanese classic cars up for auction, listing his 1967 Toyota 2000GT on Bring a Trailer as interest in the model continues to grow among collectors. The car is one of just 351 examples built and comes with a documented history, concours credentials, and ties to the former racing champion, factors that could push bidding toward the million-dollar mark.
Toyota developed the 2000GT in the mid-1960s as its first true flagship sports car, following the underpowered Sports 800. Created in cooperation with Yamaha, the coupe debuted with sleek proportions, a long hood, pop-up headlights, and design cues commonly associated with European grand tourers of the era. Power came from a 2.0-liter inline-six engine derived from the Toyota Crown sedan and fitted with three Mikuni-Solex carburetors. Output was rated at 148 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque, with a top speed exceeding 130 mph. A small number of cars were later produced with a 2.3-liter engine.
Production lasted just three years, ending with only 351 cars assembled. Of those, 54 were sold in the United States, where the 2000GT carried a $7,150 starting price, making it more expensive than the Jaguar E-Type at the time. Six decades after its Tokyo Motor Show debut, the model has become Toyota’s most valuable classic.
Rahal’s car is an early 1967 example finished in red. Originally sold in Mozambique, it later passed through South Africa, the United States, Costa Rica, and the United Kingdom. The car underwent refurbishments between 2013 and 2014, followed by additional work in the UK, where it sold for $1.045 million. Subsequent sales included a $560,000 transaction in 2016 and Rahal’s purchase in 2021 for $875,015.
During Rahal’s ownership, the car won its class at the 2024 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and is offered with awards, memorabilia, and extensive documentation. The auction currently stands at $400,000 with eight days remaining. Given that only five 2000GTs have sold for more than $1 million as of 2025, bidders will be watching closely to see whether this example joins that exclusive group.
Via BringaTrailer
Shawn Henry