A 1967 Toyota 2000 GT raced by Shelby American is heading to public sale with Gooding & Firm on March 4.

By the late Sixties, the partnership between Carroll Shelby and Ford that produced the Cobra and GT40 was starting to unravel, so Shelby went on the lookout for different prospects. Toyota, in the meantime, was seeking to set up its credibility within the U.S. by means of motorsports.

The Japanese automaker’s weapon of alternative was the 2000 GT. Certainly one of Japan’s first sports activities vehicles, it boasted a 2.0-liter inline-6 (a 2.3-liter inline-6 was later added) initially from the Toyota Crown however modified by Yamaha to provide 150 hp. That obtained the two,4000-pound coupe to a prime pace of 137 mph.

Simply 351 vehicles had been constructed between 1967 and 1970, with about 60 imported to the U.S. Shelby American ready three vehicles for SCCA C-Manufacturing racing. This automobile—chassis MF10-10001—was the primary serial-numbered 2000 GT constructed, in accordance with the public sale itemizing. Initially Photo voltaic Purple with right-hand drive, it was one of many present vehicles Toyota used for the 2000 GT’s U.S. launch.

The racing program solely lasted one season, after which MF10-100001 was retired. It handed between completely different automobile collections and was acquired by its present proprietor in 1980, who restored to its racing configuration. It has been proven at many high-profile occasions, together with the Goodwood Pageant of Velocity and Amelia Island Concours d’Class.

Gooding & Firm expects MF10-100001 to promote for between $2.75 million and $3.5 million, citing its Shelby connection and the truth that it is the primary serial-numbered 2000 GT. Any 2000 GT is uncommon and fascinating, attracting excessive public sale costs. One offered for $912,500 at a 2020 public sale, for instance. This automobile’s historic significance as a part of Toyota’s first U.S. racing program may certainly push the hammer value even increased.