Toyota Motor Corporation announced on Mar. 23 that it will participate in the Automobile Council 2026, a classic car event scheduled for April 10 to April 12 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. The company will display three classic sports cars at its booth and three additional vehicles at the GAZOO Racing booth.
The exhibition aims to promote Japan’s automotive culture and share Toyota’s heritage with a broader audience. Toyota said it is participating as part of its ongoing ‘Toyota Classic’ program, which focuses on preserving and passing down automotive history and fostering enthusiasm for classic vehicles.
At the Toyota booth, visitors can view a replica of the Toyota Publica Sports—originally shown in 1962—as well as a restored Toyota Sports 800 Model UP15 from 1965, and the iconic Toyota 2000GT Model MF10. The company described the Publica Sports as its first sports car developed using aircraft technology, while highlighting that the Sports 800 retained aerodynamic styling designed for mass-market appeal. The late-model Toyota 2000GT achieved global recognition by setting several world records in motorsports during the mid-1960s.
The GAZOO Racing booth will showcase models such as the Sprinter Trueno AE86 and Supra JZA80 equipped with GR Heritage Parts, alongside a Lexus LFA. These displays emphasize both restoration skills and modern enhancements available for heritage vehicles.
Toyota stated that activities under its ‘Toyota Classic’ initiative are held at locations including the Toyota Automobile Museum in Nagakute and Global Production Center within its Motomachi Plant site. These programs aim to educate visitors about automotive history through exhibitions, school programs, restoration experiences, and community events dedicated to car enthusiasts.
Looking ahead, Toyota reaffirmed its commitment to supporting mobility innovation while maintaining respect for its legacy: “We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate.”
