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20 Old Toyotas That Became Rare Collectibles

Jimmy Adell May 31, 2025

Toyota, known globally for reliability and practicality, has carved a unique legacy in automotive history. While many recognize Toyota primarily as a producer of dependable, everyday cars, certain vintage models have risen dramatically in status, evolving into highly coveted collectibles. Factors such as limited production runs, groundbreaking technology, iconic design, and significant motorsport heritage have contributed to their allure. Over the decades, enthusiasts and collectors alike have increasingly sought out these rare Toyotas, acknowledging their cultural impact and undeniable charm. Join us as we explore 20 noteworthy classic Toyotas that transitioned from ordinary transportation to extraordinary collector’s items.

1. Toyota 2000GT (1967-1970)

1967 Toyota 2000gt
A sleek, vintage Toyota 2000GT parked gracefully, showcasing the timeless elegance of a classic sports car. | Image source: Image from Broad Arrowa

Widely considered Toyota’s first true supercar, the Toyota 2000GT captivated enthusiasts with its elegant curves and impressive performance. Produced in collaboration with Yamaha, only 351 units were manufactured, making it exceptionally rare today. Inspired by European design, the 2000GT rivaled contemporary sports cars from Porsche, Ferrari, and Jaguar, boasting advanced engineering, including a smooth inline-six engine and a sophisticated suspension setup. Its timeless appeal and scarcity have dramatically increased its collector value, with pristine examples fetching over $1 million at prestigious auctions. Today, it stands as a symbol of Japan’s arrival on the global automotive stage.

2. Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 (1960-1984)

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A rugged Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 navigates rocky terrain, showcasing the timeless charm of a classic off-road SUV. | Image source: Image from Toyota

The Land Cruiser FJ40 earned worldwide admiration for its ruggedness, reliability, and exceptional off-road capabilities. Originally built as a versatile utility vehicle, its minimalist design, robust construction, and easy-to-maintain mechanics quickly became legendary among adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. Featuring a distinctive boxy shape and iconic round headlights, the FJ40 effortlessly blended functionality and style. Today, its timeless charm and remarkable durability have made it highly desirable among collectors, triggering a dramatic rise in market value. Well-preserved examples now regularly command premium prices, reflecting its enduring status as a beloved classic and symbol of Toyota’s off-road heritage.

3. Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 (1994-1999)

3. Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 (1994-1999)
A dynamic Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 rally car powers through rugged terrain, kicking up dust and gravel. | Image source: Image from ja.m.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Celica GT-Four ST205 stands as a legendary figure in Toyota’s motorsports history, celebrated for its remarkable success in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and pioneering technology such as an active suspension and sophisticated aerodynamics, the GT-Four was ahead of its time. Its limited production, driven by homologation rules, has made surviving examples increasingly rare and coveted. Enthusiasts highly value its motorsports pedigree and exhilarating performance, pushing current market prices upward. Today, owning a clean GT-Four ST205 is a badge of honor among collectors and rally fans alike.

4. Toyota Supra A80 (1993-2002)

4. Toyota Supra A80 (1993-2002)
A sleek Toyota Supra MKIV A80 shines as an iconic JDM collectible, showcasing its timeless curves and sporty design. | Image source: Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The MKIV Supra has achieved near-mythical status among automotive enthusiasts, driven largely by its legendary 2JZ-GTE engine. Renowned for its exceptional tuning potential, this turbocharged inline-six became synonymous with performance, durability, and iconic street credibility. The Supra’s starring role in films like The Fast and the Furious further boosted its cultural visibility, solidifying its place in automotive history. With production numbers limited and clean examples becoming increasingly scarce, collector demand has surged dramatically. Today, pristine, unmodified Supras command premium prices, reflecting their enduring desirability and their revered status as one of the greatest Japanese sports cars ever produced.

5. Toyota MR2 AW11 (1984-1989)

5. Toyota MR2 AW11 (1984-1989)
A sleek, classic Toyota MR2 AW11 showcasing its iconic mid-engine design and timeless sporty charm on the road. | Image source: Image from ru.m.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The original Toyota MR2 AW11 embraced a radical departure from conventional sports car design, featuring a distinctive mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Its lightweight construction, sharp handling, and spirited performance quickly gained it a passionate fan base. Often compared to European counterparts like the Fiat X1/9 or even the Lotus Elise, the MR2 offered an affordable yet exhilarating driving experience. Over time, its innovative engineering and timeless styling have captured the attention of collectors and enthusiasts, steadily driving up demand and market values. Today, well-preserved MR2 AW11 examples are increasingly prized among those who appreciate classic Japanese automotive ingenuity and design.

6. Toyota Crown Coupe S50 (1967-1971)

6. Toyota Crown Coupe S50 (1967-1971)
Bathed in afternoon sunlight, a shiny and sleek Crown Coupe S50 steals the scene, an epitome of style and speed. | Image source: google

The stylish and sophisticated Toyota Crown Coupe S50 represented a blend of elegance and luxury rarely seen in Japanese cars of its era. With its graceful lines, pillarless design, and upscale interior appointments, the Crown Coupe appealed to discerning buyers seeking refinement and exclusivity. Limited production numbers and a relatively short lifespan have made surviving examples exceedingly rare, further enhancing their allure. Today, vintage car enthusiasts treasure the Crown Coupe for its combination of classic styling, advanced features for the time, and historical significance. As a result, the Crown Coupe has become a highly coveted collectible, commanding steadily rising prices.

7. Toyota Corolla Levin AE86 (1983-1987)

Classic
A sleek AE86 Corolla Levin in pristine condition, showcasing its timeless design on an empty stretch of highway. | Image source: Classic

The Corolla Levin AE86 skyrocketed to fame through its prominent role in motorsport and drifting culture. Lightweight, agile, and rear-wheel drive, the AE86 became an ideal platform for competitive racing and enthusiastic driving. Its responsive handling and spirited performance were immortalized in the popular anime series Initial D, further fueling its cultural impact and global fanbase. As the embodiment of grassroots motorsport, the AE86 inspired generations of car enthusiasts and tuners. Today, the Levin AE86 is highly prized by collectors, leading to significant appreciation in value and a thriving community dedicated to preserving its legendary heritage.

8. Toyota Celica 1600GT TA22 (1970-1977)

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A pristine Toyota Celica TA22 1600GT gleams gracefully, showcasing the timeless charm of a classic coupe. | Image source: Image from Diecast

The Celica 1600GT TA22 captured hearts from its debut, showcasing sporty lines and compact proportions inspired by classic European coupes. Powered by a lively twin-cam engine, it offered an engaging driving experience rare among affordable cars of the period. Its timeless styling, featuring sleek curves and a purposeful stance, remains appealing decades later, resonating with a new generation of collectors fascinated by vintage Japanese craftsmanship. Thanks to its blend of accessibility, performance, and distinctive aesthetics, the Celica 1600GT has steadily gained recognition among enthusiasts, driving up market values and securing its place as a sought-after collector’s gem.

9. Toyota Century VG20 (1967-1997)

9. Toyota Century VG20 (1967-1997)
A sleek, luxurious Toyota Century VG20, showcasing the timeless elegance of a classic Japanese limousine. | Image source: Image from fr.m.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Toyota Century VG20 stands proudly as Japan’s ultimate luxury sedan, symbolizing understated elegance, exclusivity, and refinement. Meticulously handcrafted and boasting exceptional build quality, the Century catered primarily to dignitaries, executives, and the Japanese elite. Its plush interiors, whisper-quiet V8 engine, and stately design made it a symbol of prestige. Rarely exported outside Japan, this exclusivity has significantly boosted its allure among international collectors. Today, enthusiasts worldwide seek out pristine examples of the VG20, appreciating its distinctive luxury and cultural significance. Its growing desirability as a collectible has driven prices steadily upward, cementing its status as an automotive treasure.

10. Toyota Starlet Turbo EP71 (1986-1989)

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The Toyota Starlet Turbo EP71 radiates elegance, embodying the timeless appeal of a classic coupe with its gracefully gleaming exterior. | Image Source: Pinterest

The compact yet spirited Toyota Starlet Turbo EP71 offered drivers an exhilarating taste of performance in a lightweight hot hatch package. Featuring a responsive turbocharged engine and nimble handling, it quickly earned a reputation as an agile, fun-to-drive vehicle ideal for navigating tight city streets and spirited backroad adventures. Produced in limited numbers, particularly outside Japan, the EP71’s rarity has significantly boosted its desirability among vintage hot hatch collectors. Today, enthusiasts actively seek out well-maintained examples, appreciating the Starlet Turbo for its lively character, motorsport-inspired heritage, and status as a standout performer of its era.

11. Toyota Chaser JZX100 (1996-2001)

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A sleek Toyota Chaser JZX100 effortlessly drifting, showcasing the thrilling appeal of a collectible JDM sedan. | Image source: Image from Hot cars

The Toyota Chaser JZX100 emerged as a beloved performance sedan, revered among enthusiasts and tuners for its remarkable balance of power, refinement, and versatility. Powered by the robust 1JZ-GTE turbocharged inline-six engine, the Chaser quickly gained popularity within Japan’s drifting scene, admired for its rear-wheel-drive layout, responsive handling, and significant tuning potential. Its reputation was further enhanced through appearances in motorsports events and media, solidifying its status as an iconic Japanese performance sedan. Today, the Chaser JZX100 continues to attract collectors and passionate drivers alike, steadily increasing in value due to its performance heritage, rarity, and ever-growing popularity.

12. Toyota Soarer Z20 (1986-1991)

12. Toyota Soarer Z20 (1986-1991)
A pristine Toyota Soarer Z20, a classic Japanese luxury coupe admired as a timeless collectible, gleams elegantly parked outdoors. | Image source: Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The sophisticated Toyota Soarer Z20 was ahead of its time, seamlessly blending luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology. Featuring advanced innovations such as a digital dashboard, electronically adjustable suspension, and an optional turbocharged inline-six engine, it offered refinement and power in equal measure. Its sleek, aerodynamic design and upscale interior positioned it as an aspirational luxury coupe, appealing to discerning drivers seeking both comfort and style. Today, the Soarer Z20 is gaining attention among classic car collectors who appreciate its distinctive blend of technology and elegance, driving up its desirability and market value as an emerging collectible classic.

13. Toyota Hilux RN30 (1978-1983)

1982 Toyota Hilux 6183e3b016d8b
A vibrant red Hilux RN30, a classic Toyota pickup, parked proudly, showcasing the charm of vintage trucks. | Image source: Image from Car & Classic

The Toyota Hilux RN30 is more than just a classic pickup; it’s a symbol of durability and rugged dependability. Renowned globally for its ability to withstand harsh conditions and heavy use, the RN30 earned admiration among tradespeople, farmers, and off-road adventurers alike. Its simple yet robust engineering made maintenance straightforward, contributing to its legendary reliability. In recent years, vintage truck enthusiasts and collectors have increasingly sought out well-preserved RN30 models, recognizing their timeless design and impressive resilience. This growing appreciation has steadily elevated their desirability, making the Hilux RN30 a cherished collectible among fans of classic trucks.

14. Toyota Corona Mark II MX22 (1972-1976)

Classic
A vibrant blue Toyota Corona Mark II MX22, a classic Toyota, beautifully captures the charm of vintage cars. | Image Source: Classic

The Toyota Corona Mark II MX22 captured attention in the early 1970s with its sophisticated styling and elegant proportions, setting new standards for comfort and refinement in Japanese sedans. Its sleek lines, tasteful chrome accents, and spacious, well-appointed interior reflected a growing emphasis on luxury and quality. Produced in limited numbers, especially outside Japan, the Corona Mark II MX22 has become increasingly scarce, further heightening its appeal among vintage car enthusiasts. Collectors today actively seek pristine examples of this classic sedan, valuing its distinctive design, rarity, and representation of an important era in Toyota’s automotive heritage.

15. Toyota Sprinter Trueno TE27 (1972-1974)

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A sleek Sprinter Trueno TE27 showcases the timeless charm and sporty elegance of a vintage Toyota performance car. | Image source: Image from en.m.wikipedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The spirited Toyota Sprinter Trueno TE27 quickly established itself as an iconic performance-oriented coupe in the early 1970s, thanks to its lively twin-cam engine and responsive handling. Designed for enthusiasts seeking a thrilling driving experience, the Trueno TE27 gained a reputation on both road and rally stages, laying the foundation for Toyota’s legacy in motorsport. Its lightweight chassis, sporty aesthetics, and limited production have contributed significantly to its modern-day desirability. Today, collectors and vintage racing fans eagerly search for surviving examples, recognizing the Trueno TE27 as a pivotal model in Toyota’s rich performance history and a valuable collector’s prize.

16. Toyota Carina GT-R AA63 (1983-1988)

Carina Sightings Baby Blue Toyot
A blue Toyota Carina GT-R AA63 flawlessly embodies the timeless charm of vintage cars. | Image Source: Image from: Banpei

The Toyota Carina GT-R AA63 emerged during the 1980s as an exciting sports sedan, blending practicality with dynamic driving performance. Equipped with Toyota’s revered 4A-GE, twin-cam engine and rear-wheel drive layout, the Carina GT-R delivered agile handling and lively acceleration, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. Its competitive edge was proven on racetracks across Japan, solidifying its motorsports heritage. Produced in relatively limited numbers, the AA63 variant has become increasingly rare today, prompting collectors and vintage Japanese car fans to actively seek well-preserved examples. The Carina GT-R AA63’s combination of motorsport pedigree, spirited performance, and scarcity ensures its rising collectible status.

17. Toyota Cressida MX83 (1988-1992)

C 23 Toyota Cressida Chaser 1992
A pristine Toyota Cressida MX83 sedan shines proudly, showcasing timeless lines and the allure of collectible Toyota classics. | Image source: Image from Coilovers

The Toyota Cressida MX83 has recently garnered newfound admiration among car collectors, praised for its refined blend of comfort, performance, and build quality. Equipped with a smooth inline-six engine and rear-wheel-drive layout, the MX83 delivered effortless cruising capability, making it a favorite among luxury-sedan buyers. Its understated styling, comfortable interior, and reliable engineering have aged gracefully, earning it a loyal following among enthusiasts who appreciate vintage Japanese luxury vehicles. Increasingly rare in original, unmodified condition, the MX83’s desirability continues to grow, driving up demand and market value as collectors recognize its unique combination of elegance, reliability, and performance.

18. Toyota Publica Sports 800 (1965-1969)

18. Toyota Publica Sports 800 (1965-1969)
A vibrant Toyota Sports 800, polished to perfection, speeding along the smooth, sunlit asphalt. | Image source: google

The charmingly compact Toyota Publica Sports 800 marked Toyota’s pioneering entry into sports car production during the 1960s. Known affectionately as the “Yota-Hachi,” this lightweight, aerodynamically designed coupe featured an innovative removable roof panel, making it Toyota’s first targa-style vehicle. Powered by an efficient two-cylinder boxer engine, it offered nimble handling and spirited performance. Produced in limited numbers—fewer than 3,200 examples—the Sports 800 remains exceedingly rare today, greatly enhancing its allure among vintage car collectors. Its historical significance, unique styling, and scarcity make pristine examples highly coveted, cementing its status as a treasured collectible among enthusiasts worldwide.

19. Toyota Celica Supra MA61 (1981-1986)

19. Toyota Celica Supra MA61 (1981-1986)
Basking under city lights, the classic Celica Supra MA61 showcases intricate details and an immaculate, sleek design. | Image source: google

The Toyota Celica Supra MA61 represented an exciting evolution in Toyota’s sports car lineup, combining sleek angular styling with impressive performance credentials. Equipped with a robust inline-six engine, independent rear suspension, and advanced technology for its era, the MA61 offered drivers a refined yet spirited driving experience. Its distinctive “wedge-shaped” design, pop-up headlights, and sporty interior quickly set it apart, earning acclaim among automotive enthusiasts. Today, collector interest in this generation of Supra continues to rise, driven by nostalgia and appreciation for its unique blend of style, performance, and rarity. Pristine examples are increasingly sought after and highly valued.

20. Toyota Paseo (1991-1999)

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A sleek Toyota Paseo glistening under the warm sunlight, showcasing its compact design and vibrant color. | Image source: Flickr

Once seen as a modest commuter car, the Toyota Paseo has recently captured the interest of collectors seeking nostalgia and affordability. Known for its compact size, fuel efficiency, and sporty styling, the Paseo resonated with younger drivers during the 1990s. Although never intended as a performance icon, surviving examples have become increasingly uncommon, fueling curiosity among vintage Japanese car enthusiasts. Today, pristine Paseos represent an accessible entry point into classic car collecting, attracting those who fondly remember its youthful charm. The combination of rarity, nostalgic appeal, and budget-friendly pricing continues to drive collector interest and elevate its collectible status.

Conclusion

Conclusion
An immaculately preserved classic Toyota gleams under the sunlight, a testament to timeless automotive beauty. | Image source: google

Vintage Toyotas have undeniably earned their esteemed place in automotive history, transitioning from practical daily drivers to highly desirable collectibles. Their enduring appeal lies in a unique blend of reliability, innovative engineering, iconic designs, and motorsport heritage. As these classic models become increasingly rare, their value continues to rise, attracting enthusiasts who appreciate their historical significance and timeless charm. Whether drawn to the elegance of the 2000GT, the ruggedness of the Land Cruiser, or the performance legacy of the Supra, collectors worldwide recognize vintage Toyotas as treasures worth preserving. Now is the ideal moment to rediscover and celebrate these remarkable vehicles.

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