Toyota Enthusiasts Recreate Concept that Led to Toyota's First Sports Car

[Autoguide.com]

The Toyota 2000GT is often identified as Toyota's first sports car. This is a misconception, the first Toyota sports car was the Sports 800, a concept first debuted as the Publica Sports in 1962. Two prototypes were made, both were destroyed. All that was left were photos until a group of enthusiasts including some retired Toyota Engineers decided to bring it back. The Publica Sports was first shown to the public at the 1962 Tokyo Motor Show as a concept. The remade version was unveiled at the Toyota head office on July 13th before going for a drive.

A team of thirty enthusiasts, including the engineers, spent five years making the Publica Sports. They were aided by Toyota as well as fans of the Sports 800,better known as Yotahachi, who provided, parts, knowledge and tools.

The aerodynamic machine features a 790cc boxer engine. The cockpit canopy slides back for entry and egress like on a fighter plane.

Kazuo Morohoshi, 71, who was involved in designing the original Corolla teamed up with his former colleagues in 2007 to bring back this prototype that led to a classic. Makoto Mitsuzawa, who was also involved in the Publica Sport was happy to be part of the effort to bring back the prototype that eventually led to the Celica and Supra."We are a group of fools who are crazy about cars," said Mitsuzawa, 82

People interested in seeing the replica can visit it at the Toyota Automobile Museum in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture.

For more see the Asashi Shimbun