Rare 1967 Toyota 2000GT Joins DFW Car & Toy Museum, Celebrating Japanese Automotive Excellence

The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a crown jewel of Japanese automotive history to its collection: a 1967 Toyota 2000GT. This award-winning, race-inspired white coupe, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, is now on display, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see a vehicle that redefined what Japan could offer the automotive world.

Co-developed with Yamaha and styled by Albrecht Goertz—the same designer behind BMW’s 507—the 2000GT was originally pitched to Nissan, who passed. Toyota seized the opportunity, and the result was a hand-built masterpiece with the soul of a Porsche and the elegance of a Jaguar XKE. Produced to challenge the likes of the Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-Type, it cost more than both and delivered stunning looks, razor-sharp handling, and up to 200 horsepower in race trim.

“This is the most important Japanese car ever made. Period,” said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. “It’s not just rare—it’s a symbol of a moment when the world finally took Toyota seriously as a performance brand.”

Only 351 Toyota 2000GTs were ever built, including two special roadsters made for James Bond’s You Only Live Twice. This example not only survives but thrives, having won both “Best in Show” and “Japanese Jewels” at the 2022 London Concours, making it one of the most celebrated 2000GTs in existence today. Powered by a high-revving DOHC inline-six and capable of speeds up to 130 mph, the 2000GT also saw racing success under the direction of Carroll Shelby, who campaigned the car in SCCA events, further cementing its performance pedigree.

The addition of this iconic vehicle underscores the museum’s commitment to showcasing automotive history and its impact on Texas and beyond. For the local community and car enthusiasts, the display offers a tangible connection to a pivotal moment when Japanese engineering earned global respect. The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth, houses over 200 collector vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys and collectibles, making it a destination for families, collectors, and industry professionals alike.

“This car reshaped global perceptions of Japanese engineering and design,” Sturgeon added. “It’s a reminder of how innovation and risk-taking can redefine an industry.” The Toyota 2000GT’s presence in Texas not only enhances the state’s reputation as a hub for automotive culture but also highlights the economic and cultural significance of preserving such milestones. Visitors can see the car and explore the museum’s extensive collection, which includes secure climate-controlled storage and event facilities for car clubs and board meetings. The museum is dog-friendly and encourages photography, with free parking and admission, operating Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. More information is available at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.

The 1967 Toyota 2000GT joins the Ron Sturgeon Collection, a testament to Sturgeon’s three-decade passion for automobiles, from building one of the largest auto salvage operations in the country to restoring classic and exotic cars. This addition not only celebrates automotive history but also reinforces Texas’s role in preserving and promoting the stories of businesses and individuals making an economic impact.