A 1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000 GT is on sale at the Gooding Amelia Island 2022 auction — it could become the most expensive Japanese car ever.
A 1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000 GT, chassis MF10-10001, estimate: $2,750,000 – $3,500,000, on offer at the Gooding Amelia Island 2022 classic car auction in Florida, USA, is likely to become the most expensive Toyota and the priciest Japanese car ever sold in a public auction. It was the first Toyota 2000 GT produced and used a promotion car in the USA before Carroll Shelby prepared and race it as the first Toyota participating in SSCA events. The restored car was shown at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, where it won First in Class.
Gooding Amelia Island 2022 Auction
Gooding & Company: Amelia Island Auction on March 4, 2022, at the Racquet Park, Omni Amelia Island Resort, Florida, USA.
2022 was the most successful Amelia Island auction ever for Gooding with $69,209,480 earned in sales and a 94% sales rate from 93 out of 99 lots sold. The average price per car was $744,188.
In 2021, Gooding held an online auction in place of the regular Amelia Island sale.
Gooding Amelia Island Classic Car Auction Results 2016 – 2024:
| Year | Earnings — % Sell-Through — Car Lots Sold |
| 2024 | $67,342,270 — 87% — 111 of 127 lots |
| 2023 | Record $72,676,1888 — 95% — 148 of 155 lots |
| 2022 | $69,209,480 — 94% — 93 of 99 lots |
| 2021 | 2021, Gooding held an online auction in place of the regular Amelia Island sale. |
| 2020 | $20,785,080 — 93% — 83 of 89 lots |
| 2019 | $22 million — 88% — 78 of 89 lots |
| 2018 | $35.5 million — 94% — 81 of 86 lots |
| 2017 | $30.5 million — 78% — 69 of 88 lots |
| 2016 | $60 million — 87% |
1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000 GT
A 1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000 GT, chassis MF10-10001, estimate: $2,750,000 – $3,500,000, on offer at the Gooding Amelia Island 2022 classic car auction in Florida, USA, is one of the most significant Japanese cars ever built. If it sells within the estimate, it will also be the most expensive Toyota and most expensive Japanese car ever sold in a public auction.
Toyota established its presence on the world’s automotive stage with the introduction of the 2000 GT. With an extremely low center of gravity, a neutral weight balance, and a top speed of 137 mph, the legendary 2000 GT produced a satisfying and exhilarating driving experience. A total of 351 of these exotics were built, with only about 60 exported to the US.
The 1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000 GT on sale at Amelia Island 2022 was the very first serial-numbered example built, and the first of just three cars that Shelby prepared for SCCA C-Production racing, Toyota’s first foray into American motorsports. Originally finished in Solar Red and configured in right-hand drive, MF10-10001 is one of the original show cars used by Toyota Motor Sales USA to introduce and promote the 2000 GT publicly. After its promotional duties, Carroll Shelby persuaded Toyota executives to work with his team, and both Shelby and Toyota engineers went to work fitting this example with mechanical and aesthetic modifications to prepare it for SCCA racing.
MF10-10001 enjoyed a brief racing career, after which it went on to join several key collections. In 1980, the consignor, a gentleman widely regarded as the foremost 2000 GT specialist, acquired this example and spent the next decade performing a complete body-off restoration in his workshop with the goal of returning this significant car to its original splendor. Years of research and meticulous preparation culminated in the Toyota being faithfully restored to its original 1968 SCCA configuration, including its unique Shelby mechanical components and historic white and metallic blue racing livery.
Following its restoration, MF10-10001 was exhibited at a number of key events, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, where it won First in Class. Given its unique status as the first serial-numbered 2000 GT ever built, and its important role in the Carroll Shelby-run SCCA racing program, MF10-10001 is surely among the most significant Toyotas ever built, and arguably, one of the most influential Japanese automobiles of all time. Coming from single ownership since 1980, and never before offered for public sale, this 2000 GT is a truly remarkable machine worthy of only the finest collections.
Most Expensive Japanese Cars Ever Sold at Public Auction
The 1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000 GT, chassis MF10-10001, is likely to become the most expensive Japanese car ever sold in a public auction.
The two most expensive Japanese cars ever sold at auction were two VIN001 first production models sold for charity at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction: the 2020 Toyota Supra GR for $2,100,000 in 2019 and the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Inspiration Series for $2,000,000 in 2020.
The most expensive used Japanese car ever sold at auction was the rotary engine 1989 Mazda 767B racing car sold for a post-hammer deal at $1,750,000 at Gooding Amelia Island 2017. Only three of the Mazda 767B racers were built with this example being a two-time factory entry at the Le Mans 24 Hours race. It was a class winner in 1990 when it finished the race 20th overall. A year earlier, it finished 12th overall.
The most expensive Toyota 2000 GT ever is shared by two 1967 cars that sold for $1,155,000 each at RM Auctions in 2013 and Gooding in 2014. In 2014, three Toyota 2000 GTs sold for over a million — none managed that since.
Amelia Island Classic Car Auctions 2022
Top Amelia Island 2022 Auctions
The top auctions at Amelia Island are by:
- RM Auctions at the Ritz Carlton hotel on 5 March 2022.
- Gooding & Co at the Omni Amelia Island Resort on 4 March 2022
- Bonhams at the Fernando Beach Golf Club on 3 March 2022
Amelia Island 2022 Auction Results
- Amelia Island 2022 Auctions Results Overview
- Gooding: Amelia Island Auction 2022 Results
- Bonhams: Amelia Island Auction 2022 Results
- RM Sotheby’s: Amelia Island Auction 2022 Results
Amelia Island 2022 Auction Previews
Amelia Island 2022 Pre-Sale Announcements
- Bonhams: 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder
- Gooding: Talbot-Lago Teardrop Coupe
- Gooding: Racing Porsches Announced (935 & 911 Carrera RSR)
- Gooding: Top Porsches Announced (718 RSK, 964 Carrer RS 3.8, Carrera GT)
- Gooding: American Classics (Pair of Packard Model 904s and 1960s Corvettes)
- Gooding: Toyota-Shelby 2000 GT (Like Most Expensive Japanese Car Ever)
- Gooding: Works Porsche 904/6
- Gooding: BMW 507 Roadster
- Gooding: Italian Classic Sportcars (330 GTS, 275 GTB, OSCA MT4)
- RM Sotheby’s: Modern Hypercars (LaFerrari, Chiron Sport, McLaren Speedtail)
Amelia Island 2021 Auction Results
- Bonhams: Amelia Island 2021 Auction Results
- RM Sotheby’s: Amelia Island 2021 Auction Results
