This unique example has a special racing history, too.
With the introduction of the Toyota GR Supra and GR86, the Tokyo-based carmaker has returned to creating some truly exciting performance vehicles. Elsewhere, the Toyota GR Yaris flies the flag, recently showing us that, with a couple of upgrades, it's mightier than the Nissan GT-R.
Performance has always been in the brand's DNA, with the 2000GT remaining perhaps one of the most iconic sports cars ever created. Road-going examples of this rare beauty can fetch large sums at auction, collectors willing to pay big amounts for the privilege of owning this sculpted beauty.
This extremely rare 1967 model should command a premium, though. Not only is it one-of-three to be prepped by Shelby America to go racing in the SCCA C-Production racing but, as a double whammy, is the first-ever 2000GT production car.
Driven by racing legends Ronnie Bucknum and Dave Jordan, the 2000 GT reportedly only saw racing action in its debut season, being retired shortly afterward. Sadly, the Toyota's weren't as successful as hoped, relegating them to the lost pages of racing history. While one was sent back to Japan, two remained stateside, including this example, chassis MF10-10001.
The beautiful Japanese racer has been under the same ownership since 1980, enjoying outings to celebrated motoring events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Monterey Historic Races. In 2017, it was awarded the first-in-class prize at the prestigious Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
While an auction estimate is yet to be announced, this exceptional 2000GT will be sold off by Gooding & Company on March 4, 2022, at its Amelia Island auction. Produced in very limited numbers (just 62 ever made it to the USA), enthusiasts pay up to nearly $1 million for regular models, so we wouldn't be surprised if this special racer fetches considerably more, given its unique motorsport history, Carroll Shelby link, and prominence as the first-ever example made.
Keyword: First-Ever Toyota 2000GT Is A Record Waiting To Happen