1967-1970 Toyota 2000GT Cotton T-Shirt

The 1967-1970 Toyota 2000GT redefined Japan's engineering capability by demonstrating world-class endurance on par with Europe's finest sports cars. During grueling 72-hour speed trials at Yatabe in 1966, a pre-production model secured three world and thirteen international speed records, averaging over 128 mph through a tropical storm.

Under the long hood lies the 3M engine, a 2.0-liter (1,988 cc) longitudinal inline-six based on the Toyota Crown block. Yamaha developed its aluminum dual-overhead-cam cylinder head, which features hemispherical combustion chambers. Fed by triple Mikuni-Solex 40 PHH carburetors, this powerplant produces 150 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 130 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm.

Dynamically, the car excels due to its rigid steel backbone chassis and a low center of gravity. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Independent double-wishbone suspension, coil springs, and Dunlop disc brakes at all four corners deliver balanced, neutral handling.

Toyota produced just 351 examples of the 2000GT, making it a highly coveted prize that now commands seven-figure sums at auction. In Toyota's lineage, this flagship model succeeded the smaller, twin-cylinder Sports 800 and was spiritually replaced by the Celica-derived Supra. Today, it stands as the ultimate milestone of Japanese classic car collecting.