Building The Infamous Toyota 2000GT - 1/16th Scale

I’m sure the Toyota 2000GT needs no introduction, so I’ll just point out a very unfortunate fact of life for us mere mortals. If you want one today, plan on spending at least $1 million. Here's another downer: Only 351 of them were built, so the odds of even seeing one up close are virtually nil. I absolutely adore the 2000GT, but I hate that it's way beyond my grasp. Or is it?
I bought a Toyota 2000GT for $139.92. Granted, it's a 1:16 scale plastic model kit. But it's a straight-up bargain compared to the real deal. All I had to do was build it, and that’s exactly what I did. But it wasn’t easy. Like, really not easy.

And now, you can watch the entire process unfold from start to finish. I had two HD cameras mounted up for the six-week build—every time I sat down, the cameras went on. Our video crew (miracle workers, all) condensed 1.6 terabytes of footage into the 45-minute clip you see here. You may not be able to buy a real Toyota 2000GT, but you can still have one that’s uniquely yours. This video shows you how, and if you're seeking some automotive entertainment, you just might enjoy a few laughs, too.

It also shows me dealing with the most challenging build of my life. I’ve assembled hundreds of scale models over the last 40 years, but this Fujimi kit fought me from the beginning with low-quality parts. Even the smallest pieces required excessive sanding, and the 2000GT’s beautiful body needed special attention to preserve its smooth, unbroken curves. There were no guide pins or marks for lining parts up. Some were too warped to use without significant modifications. The instructions conveniently omitted important steps for the interior. And through it all, I battled my own frustrations and tendencies to go too far, too fast.

Any of these factors can thwart a complex model build. Consisting of 200 parts, the 1:16-scale Fujimi 2000GT isn’t overwhelming in scope, but it does have a plethora of moving components. The doors, hood, and hatch all open. Access doors in the fenders for the battery and air clearer open. The headlights pop up. The front wheels turn, and all the wheels roll. The suspension articulates too, thanks to real springs at each corner. It’s a fantastic kit, provided things go smoothly.

Spoiler alert: Things didn’t go smoothly for me. But I persevered, and I’m happy to say it’s now on display in my personal “model museum." So sit back, grab some popcorn, and join me on this journey to own one of the prettiest, most iconic sports cars of all time.

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00:00 - Intro
00:48 - Project Roadmap
04:06 - Unboxing
07:46 - Body Prep
08:59 - Body Panel Prep
09:39 - Body Assembly
10:52 - Engine Prep
12:11 - Engine Assembly
12:54 - Custom Linkages
16:42 - Body Painting
17:51 - Custom Hood
21:12 - Engine Into Chassis
22:24 - Custom Carpet
23:33 - Dashboard Decals
24:53 - Wheel Painting
25:42 - Wheel Assembly
27:02 - Seat Installation
27:52 - Tire Assembly
30:36 - Shifter Detailing
31:48 - Custom Gauges
34:34 - Window Installation
36:32 - Dashboard Installation
37:00 - Final Assembly
40:17 - Final Detailing
41:05 - Conclusion

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