The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a 1967 Toyota 2000GT to its Ron Sturgeon Collection, offering visitors a rare glimpse of what many consider the most important Japanese car ever built. Co-developed with Yamaha and styled by Albrecht Goertz, the designer behind BMW's 507, the 2000GT was initially pitched to Nissan before Toyota seized the opportunity. With only 351 units ever produced, including two special roadsters for the James Bond film You Only Live Twice, this hand-built masterpiece challenged the Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-Type, costing more than both while delivering stunning looks, 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 museum. “It’s not just rare—it’s a symbol of a moment when the world finally took Toyota seriously as a performance brand.” The specific white coupe on display has won both “Best in Show” and “Japanese Jewels” at the 2022 London Concours, making it one of the most celebrated 2000GTs in existence. Powered by a high-revving DOHC inline-six engine, it can reach speeds up to 130 mph and saw racing success under Carroll Shelby, who campaigned the car in SCCA events, cementing its performance pedigree.
The addition of the 2000GT underscores the museum’s commitment to showcasing automotive history. Located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth, the DFW Car & Toy Museum houses over 200 collector vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys and collectibles. The museum offers free parking and admission, climate-controlled car storage, and event facilities. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum’s website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com or the original toy museum site at DFW Elite Toy Museum.
The significance of this display extends beyond the car itself. The Toyota 2000GT marked a turning point for Japanese automakers, proving that they could produce a world-class sports car capable of competing with European icons. For collectors and enthusiasts, seeing this car in person is a rare opportunity to witness a piece of automotive history that reshaped global perceptions of Japanese engineering and design. The museum’s inclusion of the 2000GT not only enriches its collection but also educates the public on a pivotal moment in the automotive industry.
