1970 Toyota EX7: A Forgotten Gem of Japanese Supercars - AllCarIndex

1970 Toyota EX7: A Forgotten Gem of Japanese Supercars

Oct 19, 2024

Ah, the 1970 Toyota EX7. A concept car that never quite made it to production, but left a lasting impression on those lucky enough to see it in action. This 2-seater supercar was Toyota's bold experiment to create a road-going version of their successful Toyota 7 race car.

The heart of the EX7 was its mid-mounted 5-liter V8 engine, similar to the powerhouse found in the Toyota 7, but without the turbochargers. With 450 PS (330 kW) at its disposal, the EX7 was no slouch on the road. It may have been detuned from the Toyota 7's 800 bhp (600 kW), but it still packed a punch.

Transmitting power to the wheels was a manual gearbox housed in a transaxle setup. The EX7 also boasted double wishbone independent suspension on all four corners, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. Vented disc brakes, a staple of high-performance cars, were used both front and rear.

The design of the EX7 was a sight to behold. With a long, flat nose seamlessly leading into a sleek windscreen and a high rear with a vertical cutoff, the EX7 bore a resemblance to other supercars of its time, like the Mercedes C111. The gull-wing doors, a favorite feature of many enthusiasts, opened to the rear in a unique and eye-catching manner.

While the EX7 may not have had the opportunity to carve its name into the history books alongside other iconic supercars, its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who appreciate its innovative design and performance capabilities. Just imagine the thrill of hitting the open road in a 1970 Toyota EX7, feeling the power of that V8 engine pushing you forward as you tackle each twist and turn with precision and style.

The 1970 Toyota EX7 may be a forgotten gem of Japanese supercars, but for those in the know, it remains a testament to Toyota's ambition and ingenuity in the world of high-performance automotive engineering.