In 1968, Toyota made a statement: Japan wasn’t just building affordable cars, it was building desirable sports cars. The 2000 GT, tested by Car and Driver that year, was a direct challenge to European legends like Porsche and Jaguar. This wasn’t just about making a car; it was about proving a new automotive power was here to stay.
A Car Built for the Affluent… and the Slim
The GT’s arrival coincided with a booming economy, yet its design wasn’t for everyone. As the original review bluntly put it, the car’s compact dimensions favored those who could actually fit inside. This wasn’t an accident; Toyota was targeting a specific, affluent buyer. The 2000 GT was a statement of exclusivity, even if it meant leaving larger drivers behind.
Engineering and Attention to Detail
Toyota didn’t reinvent the wheel, but refined existing concepts. The GT used a backbone chassis (like the Lotus Elan), a double overhead cam six-cylinder engine (similar to Jaguar), and a fully synchronized five-speed transmission (like Porsche). The magic wasn’t in innovation, but in execution. The car was built with meticulous care—a hallmark of Japanese manufacturing that set it apart.
Standard Equipment That Meant Business
Unlike competitors that nickel-and-dimed buyers, the 2000 GT came loaded. Power-assisted disc brakes, a wood-rim steering wheel, magnesium alloy wheels, a limited-slip differential, and even a search-tune radio were all standard. The message was clear: Toyota wasn’t playing games. This was a serious sports car with serious equipment.
A Test Car Hunt in California
Acquiring a test vehicle wasn’t easy. The search led Car and Driver to Toyota of North Hollywood, where the owner remained surprisingly calm as the testers announced their extended “borrowing” plan. This nonchalant attitude underscored the car’s growing desirability, even among those with dubious intentions.
Driving the Attention Magnet
The 2000 GT didn’t just drive; it demanded attention. The exhaust note was unmistakable, turning heads wherever it went. While quick, it wasn’t a stealth vehicle. The car was a spectacle, a rolling invitation for stares and reverence.
The Transmission: A Missed Opportunity
The five-speed transmission was the car’s biggest flaw. Shifting required excessive effort, robbing momentum and making the experience clumsy. The first-to-second shift was particularly jarring, leaving the engine coughing and lurching. For a car that aimed for refinement, the transmission was a glaring weak point.
Engine Performance: Promising but Not Perfect
The 2.0-liter inline-six was capable, delivering a quarter-mile time of 16.3 seconds at 87 mph. While respectable, it didn’t threaten the established European competition. Toyota clearly had bigger plans—rumors of a 3.0-liter version hinted at future ambitions.
Handling and Ride Comfort: Surprisingly Good
Despite its low stature, the 2000 GT offered a surprisingly comfortable ride. Toyota struck a balance between handling and usability, avoiding the rock-hard suspension of many sports cars. The car was well-balanced, though the Dunlop radials struggled to provide consistent grip.
Steering: Too Sensitive for Some
The quick steering ratio made the car responsive, but also twitchy. A sneeze could send you veering off course. While ideal for racing, it felt overly sensitive for everyday driving. The engineers had prioritized precision over predictability.
Brakes: Underwhelming for a Sports Car
Despite having four-wheel disc brakes, stopping distances were disappointing. The system lacked the bite expected of a high-performance car, and one wheel had a tendency to lock up prematurely. Toyota had overlooked a critical aspect of safety and performance.
Interior: Beautiful but Restrictive
The interior was well-designed and executed, but cramped. Taller drivers would find themselves uncomfortably close to the roof, and the lack of thigh support on the right leg made long drives tiresome. The car prioritized aesthetics over ergonomics.
A Bold Statement from Japan
The Toyota 2000 GT wasn’t perfect, but it was a bold statement. It proved Japan could build a world-class sports car, even if it meant challenging established norms and frustrating a few drivers along the way. The car’s legacy wasn’t just about speed; it was about ambition, and a willingness to disrupt the status quo.
