This striking red 1966 Toyota Sports 800 is a right-hand-drive model, recently imported to the United States from Japan in January 2024. Acquired by the current seller, this classic Toyota sports car features a vibrant red exterior paired with a sleek black interior. Under the hood lies an air-cooled 790cc flat-twin engine, coupled with a responsive four-speed manual transmission, offering a unique driving experience. Adding to its charm are a removable roof panel, dual fender-mounted mirrors, and stylish 12-inch wheels accented with faux knockoffs. Inside, the cabin is equipped with comfortable bucket seats, shoulder belts, and dual carburetors enhancing its sporty appeal. This Toyota Sports 800 comes with a clean Tennessee title under the seller’s name.
Front view of a red 1966 Toyota Sports 800
The Toyota Sports 800 holds a special place in automotive history as Toyota’s very first production sports car. With a limited production run of approximately 3,131 units over five years, it remains a rare and sought-after classic. The body of this particular model is crafted from a combination of steel and aluminum, presenting a lightweight yet durable structure. Its red finish is complemented by a black removable top, which can be conveniently stored in the trunk, perfect for open-air motoring. Exterior design highlights include front and rear bumperettes, distinctive covered headlights, a functional louvered hood, and practical fender-mounted mirrors. Mud flaps and a single exhaust outlet complete the external features. While the car exhibits some cosmetic imperfections like bubbling and cracks in the paint, these are detailed in the photo gallery, indicative of its age and originality.
Side profile of a red 1966 Toyota Sports 800 showcasing its design
The car rides on silver-finished four-lug, 12-inch wheels, enhanced with faux-knock-off spinners, adding a touch of vintage racing style. These are fitted with 175/50 Vitour Galaxy F1 narrow whitewall tires, reportedly mounted before its journey from Japan. Braking is managed by a traditional four-wheel drum brake system, consistent with vehicles of its era.
Close-up of the wheels and tires of a 1966 Toyota Sports 800
Inside the right-hand-drive cabin, you’ll find black vinyl bucket seats accented with red shoulder belts, creating a sporty and contrasting interior. Woodgrain trim elegantly adorns the dashboard, door panels, and rear compartment, adding a touch of classic sophistication. Metal trim further enhances the instrument surround and door sills. The interior also features a dash-mounted rearview mirror, a passenger grab handle, and a secure locking compartment. Noteworthy are some taped-over cracks along the central tunnel, a minor flaw typical for a car of this age.
Interior view of a 1966 Toyota Sports 800 highlighting the dashboard and seats
The driver is faced with a three-spoke steering wheel, behind which sits a 180-km/h speedometer and a tachometer with a 5,500-rpm redline. Supplementary gauges provide readings for fuel level, amperage, coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer indicates 37k kilometers (~23k miles), although the total mileage is unconfirmed. The seller mentions that the temperature gauge is currently not working, and the aftermarket lace-up steering wheel cover shows a rip.
Dashboard and instrument cluster of a 1966 Toyota Sports 800
Powering this Toyota Sports 800 is an air-cooled 790cc flat-twin engine, originally rated at 45 horsepower. It’s equipped with dual carburetors, contributing to its nimble performance.
Engine bay of a 1966 Toyota Sports 800 showcasing the flat-twin engine
The engine’s power is delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission, ensuring an engaging and direct driving experience. Additional photographs of the car’s underside are available, providing further insight into its condition.
