Win an AUTOart 1:18 Toyota 2000G

18 February, 2015

The Toyota 2000GT was Japan’s first high-speed two-seater fastback coupé (one convertible version being produced for use in the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice) to break numerous international speed and endurance records during the late ’70s and even drawing the attention of Carroll Shelby, who prepared a team of cars for use in the 1968 SCCA production car race series in the US.

Only 351 examples of the swoopy-looking 2000GT were built between 1967 and 1970 (some sources quote a lower figure of 337) but the car was hardly a sales success. However, today, surviving examples are worth serious money — especially in their homeland.

This gorgeous 1:18 die-cast model comes from AUTOart’s Millennium collection and, as we’ve come to expect from AUTOart, detailing is exemplary. The Yamaha-developed 112kW twin-cam six looks totally authentic with its battery of Solex carburettors. The model also includes gearbox pop-up headlamps, opening access panels located on either side of the car and, of course, a fully detailed interior.

Thanks to the good guys at Toymod, the NZ AUTOart distributor, we have one example of this stunning Toyota 2000GT to give away to a lucky reader — just answer the following question:

Q:    Yamaha developed the 2000GT’s high-spec overhead cam cylinder head — but from which humdrum Toyota saloon did the engine’s bottom-end originate?

 

This competition is now closed

A diamond in the rough

Two years ago, Lew finished a thorough restoration and the impressive ute has taken on a new life and colour. Lew plays down the amount of effort required but, despite his protestations, I suspect he put a lot of time into the project. A few unwanted tenants were evicted along the way.
“It didn’t take me long. There had been mice living in the firewall, which had caused a bit of damage. It apparently broke down and was pushed into a shed. It was 20 years to the day when I pulled it out and it sat in my other shed for 3 years before I started on it. That’s why it’s in such good order — it’s been kept in a shed for so long and still is.”

NZ Classic Car magazine, July August 2025 issue 400, on sale now

Good for the soul, a dose of Hemi Orange – Chrysler’s champion Charger
The Australian-developed Chrysler Charger was a game changer for the company in 1971, as it faced a faltering start introducing its new VH range. The stylish big coupe signalled a massive change of direction and emphasis for Chrysler.
Auckland racing driver Rod Coppins raced successfully in Australia and New Zealand. Rod found success behind the wheel of a couple of Chargers, and it is a special E49 R/T in the custody of Mike Todd for some years, that is our feature car.
A full restoration of this car has been completed at Auto Restorations (AR) in Christchurch. We recently sampled the car, ready to be shipped back to Mike and spoke to AR’s Harry Dawber, leading the team who completed the superb restoration of this rare piece of NZ motor racing history.
I mentioned that Chrysler Chargers were never built to this standard as we walked around the gleaming Charger in its Hemi Orange colour scheme.
“We took a lot of time getting those shut lines exactly right. It’s been a great car to work on, and the paint and trim have been very well done by the team here.”