Located west of Cologne, the Toyota Museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of this automotive giant. From iconic models to racing cars, this unique collection bears witness to Toyota's constant evolution and innovation over the decades. Immerse yourself in this automotive sanctuary that will delight enthusiasts and neophytes alike.
Breathtaking Collectible Gems
At the centre of the exhibition stands the museum's centrepiece: the legendary Toyota 2000 GT. Produced in just 351 units between 1965 and 1970, this exceptional sports car embodies the golden age of Japanese automotive design. Its appearance in the James Bond film “You Only Live Twice” in 1967 definitively cemented its iconic status.
The museum is fortunate to have two examples on display, a rarity considering that these cars rarely change owners and fetch astronomical prices exceeding a million euros. Akio Toyoda, Toyota's CEO, personally tracks the whereabouts of every known 2000 GT.
The Toyota Celica, another iconic model, is also in the spotlight. From the first generation in 1971 to the later, more powerful versions, we can follow the evolution of this coupe that has left its mark on several generations of sports car enthusiasts.
The museum also exhibits more “popular” but equally important models in the history of the brand, such as the first generation of Corolla (1966) or the Starlet (1973), testifying to the diversity of Toyota production.
Toyota's sporting heritage in the spotlight
An entire section is dedicated to the sports models that made Toyota famous in competition:
– The Celica GT4, world rally champion, of which a special “Carlos Sainz” edition limited to 5,000 units pays tribute to the successes of the Spanish driver.– The different generations of Supra, from the first model derived from the Celica to the legendary Mk4, made famous by the “Fast and Furious” saga.– The MR2, a small mid-engined coupe that democratized the concept of an affordable sports car.
Diving into the world of competition
The museum does not just exhibit production models. A significant part is devoted to the racing vehicles that have written the most beautiful pages of Toyota's sporting history:
– The Celica rally cars, which dominated the world championship in the 90s.– The endurance prototypes that took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, such as the spectacular TS020 GT-One.– The Formula 1 single-seaters of the Toyota team, which took part in the world championship from 2002 to 2009.
This section allows you to relive Toyota's highlights in competition, but also its disappointments, notably the dramatic end of the race at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans, where victory slipped away from the brand in the final minutes.
A preserved heritage
The existence of this museum in Europe is largely due to the passion of one man: Peter Pichert. This Toyota dealer, who died in 2016, founded the first private museum dedicated to the brand in the 1990s in Bavaria. After his death, Toyota Germany bought the collection to preserve this unique heritage.
Today, the museum continues to evolve, incorporating more recent models such as the new generation of Supra or the prototypes of the Hypercar category for Le Mans, demonstrating Toyota's continued commitment to automotive innovation.
A must-see place for enthusiasts
This Toyota museum in Germany offers an immersive experience in the history of the brand. From the first models that contributed to Toyota's rise on the international market to the latest innovations in hybrid and electric powertrains, a whole section of automotive history is revealed to visitors.
The careful scenography, particularly in the section dedicated to motorsport, immerses the visitor in the heart of the action, allowing them to relive Toyota's great moments in competition.
For car enthusiasts and novices alike, this museum is a must-see during a visit to Cologne. It not only allows you to discover rare and exceptional models, but also to understand the evolution of the automobile industry through the prism of one of the most innovative brands in the sector.
A visit to this museum reminds us that the history of Toyota is also the history of the modern automobile, made up of technological innovations, sporting challenges and a constant quest for perfection. A journey through time that will not fail to fascinate young and old alike.