5/5/2016 Update: Less than six months later, and this 1967 Toyota 2000GT has shed nearly one quarter of its previous asking price. The car otherwise seems unchanged, being described as a Swiss delivered example previously restored in the mid 1990’s. Further said to remain matching-numbers, sale includes extensive documentation contained in a three-ring binder, and condition of course looks to be excellent throughout. Whether this is a sign of a cooling market, or perhaps an over optimistic initial ask remains to be seen. Find it here on eBay in Springfield, Missouri for $924,500 OBO.

From 11/24/2015:

This 1967 Toyota 2000GT (chassis MF1010193) represents the first year of Toyota’s world-challenging sports car. With styling reminiscent of both the Jaguar E-Type and the company’s own Sports 800, these slick Saturo Nozaki-designed coupes are both much smaller and even prettier looking in person. Find this one here on eBay in Springfield, Missouri for $1,295,500 OBO.

Sitting on a near-identical footprint to the Nissan S30 240Z, albeit a a full five inches lower, these are very compact cars. First and second year cars mounted larger driving lights than 1969 and 1970 models, and magnesium wheels where a first on a Japanese produced car. The sleek shape gave a top speed of 136 miles per hour, and at the 1966 Yatabe Speed Trials the car proved capable of maintaining 95% of that speed for 72 straight hours. Though this car’s restoration took place in the early 1990s, the finish and overall presentation still appear quite good.

Heavily varnished wood dominates the cockpit, and the level of fitment appears good as new. At the time of restoration, seats were re-trimmed and the rosewood veneer restored. All interior chrome and brightwork shows very well, and the heavily grained upholstery appears to be in very good shape. Note the analog clock and adjacent stopwatch/lap timer.

Much of the 2000GT project was handled by Yamaha, including the DOHC 3M six. Based on the existing M Toyota six, the 3M featured an aluminum cylinder head with hemispherical combustion chambers and an aluminum sump. At the time of restoration a complete engine, brake system, and driveline overhaul was undertaken. Shocks are also said to be new. The engine bay shows very well, with correct details like crinkle-paint on the valve cover and airbox contrasted with polished trim and lettering.

Significantly more expensive than the E-Type when new, limited production and a beguiling history has driven the values of these cars into the stratosphere. While the pricetag (which Hagerty says is just about right for a number one condition example) may preclude regular use, it’d be a shame if this beautiful shape and lovely DOHC six were relegated to sitting in a museum.