This 1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000GT Is Up For Auction

Toyota 2000GT of the 1960s is as vital to Japanese sports vehicle history as the Shelby Cobra is to the American one. Imagine if the two of them worked together to take on the world's greatest. This is what occurred when Toyota determined that winning SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) competitions was the only way to build a reputation for itself among North American car enthusiasts.

One of just 3 Shelby-Toyota 2000GTs constructed for the 1968 season is about to be auctioned off at Gooding & Company's Amelia Island sale on March 4. Before Shelby got his hands on the 2000GT, it had already shown its worth in Japanese racing. A 2000GT finished third in its debut appearance in 1966 in the famous Japanese Grand Prix, which was a closed-wheel race.

Then came a one-two finish in the Suzuka 1000 km a month later, as well as a succession of further triumphs throughout the 1967 season. Pete Brock, the designer of the Daytona Cobra fastback, was contacted to prepare the 2000GT for the SCCA competition in the C-Production class, but a last-minute offer saw his old boss Shelby take control, and Brock went on to form a hugely successful collaboration with Datsun with cars like the 510 sedan and 240Z.

Shelby removed the GT's soundproofing and insulation, replaced the suspension with new anti-roll bars and Koni springs and shocks, and fitted wide, low-profile racing tires wrapped around magnesium wheels. The 2.0-liter straight-six engine was also given a facelift, increasing output from 148 hp (150 PS) to roughly 200 hp (200 PS). Given that 1968 was the team's inaugural year, it fared rather well, but it was unable to dethrone the more renowned Porsches.

Sadly, Toyota canceled the project after that year. The car being sold is said to be the first 2000GT ever constructed and has been in the possession of the same owner since 1980. In the absence of a price tag, the automobile must cost at least $1 million, if not more.