Alan Jones 1987 Toyota 87c Launch May 2026

The launch of the in 1987 marked a significant step in Toyota's increased commitment to international sports car racing, headlined by the high-profile signing of former Formula 1 World Champion Alan Jones . The Machine: Toyota 87C

At the end of the 1987 season, the 87C was phased out as Toyota developed the all-new V8-powered for the following year. ALAN JONES 1987 TOYOTA 87C LAUNCH

Jones was "snapped up" by Toyota following the demise of the Beatrice F1 team, finding the lucrative offer to race in Japan attractive due to the lack of jet lag and favorable travel from Australia. The launch of the in 1987 marked a

: The engine produced approximately 680 bhp in qualifying trim. Despite this power, the car suffered from insufficient downforce, which made it less competitive on high-speed circuits like Le Mans. Racing Debut and 1987 Season : The engine produced approximately 680 bhp in

: The 87C debuted at the Suzuka 500 km, where Alan Jones and Geoff Lees secured a third-place finish.

: The highlight of the season for Jones was a victory at the Fuji 1000 km in May. Alongside Lees and Masanori Sekiya, Jones won in torrential rain—a race he later recalled as "surviving the chaos" on a track that didn't drain properly.