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Toyota highlights legacy and car culture at Automobile Council 2026 exhibition

© global.toyota
Toyota features classic models like the 2000GT and AE86 at the Automobile Council 2026 in Japan, promoting automotive heritage and inspiring future innovations.
Michael Powers, Editor

Toyota is gearing up for the Automobile Council 2026 exhibition, where it will spotlight its heritage and iconic sports models. The event, scheduled from April 10 to 12 in Japan, is set to become one of the largest platforms for classic car enthusiasts.

Focusing on Legacy and Car Culture

The company is actively expanding its Toyota Classic program, which aims to preserve historical models and promote automotive culture. Participation in the exhibition is part of this strategy, helping to attract new audiences and sustain interest in classics.

Toyota also leverages its museum and production centers to restore vehicles and pass on expertise to new generations of engineers.

Legendary Models on Display

The centerpiece of the display will be the Toyota 2000GT—one of Japan's most iconic sports cars, which set world records in the 1960s. Also featured will be the Toyota Sports 800 and the Publica Sports concept, representing the brand's early development stages.

Toyota Sports 800 Model UP15
© global.toyota

The GAZOO Racing stand will showcase the AE86, Supra A80, and Lexus LFA—models that bridge past and present, including the use of restored original parts.

Connecting Past and Future

Toyota emphasizes that classic cars are not just history but also a source of inspiration for new technologies. Through restoration and display of iconic models, the brand builds long-term value and strengthens its identity.

In practice, this trend shows manufacturers increasingly investing in heritage, turning it into a tool for marketing and developing future models.