The History of the Toyota Sports Car

Jan 27, 2017

The history of the Toyota sports car is long and influential one. Since the 1960s, Toyota has surprised and intrigued people with its iconic sports cars. In this post, we’re taking a quick look at the engaging and exciting history.

We start off our journey with the Toyota Sports 800. Debuting in 1962 at the Tokyo Motor Show the “Toyota 8” shaped Toyota’s vision for years. You might recognize the second car in our look back if you are a fan of Bond, James Bond. The 1967 Toyota 2000GT was featured in You Only Live Twice and can be recognized by its pop-up headlamps and distinctive curves.

Combining a practical interior, sporty style, and affordable price tag the Toyota Celica was an immediate hit. It had a successful 35 year run among casual drivers and enthusiasts alike. Spring boarding off the Celica was the Supra in 1978. Arguably Toyota’s most famous sports car, the Supra featured those famous 2000GT pop-up headlights, flared wheel arches, and a powerful engine.

Next up is a car we are all familiar with; the Corolla. A humble beginning would beget the world’s best-selling vehicle that driver’s loved, and continue to love today. Over the years, the Corolla has seen many variations and spin offs like the AE86 Levin and the GTi. The MR2 became a blend of a fuel-efficient Sports 800 and the sporty Celica and Supra. An agile body, responsive engine, and optional T-bar roof created a look and feel that the 1980’s became known for when it came to driving.

In 2011, the GT86 burst onto the scene much to the delight of Toyota sports car fans. Following a dry spell of sports car from Toyota, the GT86 filled a void that the Supra and Celica left when they were retired. With a high-revving rear-located engine driving the rear wheels, a low center of gravity and a lightweight body, the GT86 offered drivers great handling and electrifying reactions.

If history is any indication, then the future of Toyota sports cars look exceptionally bright. In 2014 at the Detroit Motor Show, Toyota unveiled the stunning FT-1 concept which “represents the ultimate expression of Toyota design by building on our sports car heritage to create a vision of what the future may hold.”