This Toyota 2000GT that Carroll Shelby himself built for motorsports use is one out of three such cars in existence, and is expected to set a new price record when it goes on sale in early March.
The trio was created for the SCCA championship in the USA, where Toyota decided to return after winning multiple domestic races. It ended up only participating in one season, however, and had no successes worth mentioning.
The racecar had its noise proofing and interior stripped, bodywork lightened and suspension upgraded with Koni shocks and special sway bars. Magnesium alloys were put into the arches, and the output of the stock 2.0-liter inline-six engine went from 150 to over 200 horsepower.
This car has belonged to one family since 1980. It went on sale a decade ago priced at $1,700,000 USD, but failed to sell. Nowadays, however, even a stock 2000GT model could surpass $1,000,000 if in pristine condition, so we would not be surprised if it ends up breaking a price record.
Making this particular example more special is its chassis number MF10-10001, which means it was the first example produced.