Was the 1967 Toyota 2000GT the Greatest James Bond Car Ever?
As we await another Bond flick with more cool rides, we remember the notable Toyota 200GT from its celluloid fame to its fascinating history.
There is perhaps no more iconic Japanese collector car than that of the Toyota 2000GT, which was famously featured in the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice. It remains one of the most iconic vehicles from the franchise. And that is pretty tough company in which to shine.
As a Bond car, its popularity has been forever cemented in the cultural subconscious. But this legendary vehicle is a fantastic piece of machinery in its own right. With the trailer for No Time to Die just released, we thought we’d take a look back at one of the more memorable Bond cars to hit the big-screen.
History
The 2000GT was remarkably desirable from the start–and for good reason. It is largely known for being Japan’s very first supercar. As such, it is a highly collectible and sought-after car. Its limited production run–351 in total–also adds a degree of rarity seen in very few cars. In 2013, a 1967 Toyota 2000GT sold for $1.2 million at RM Sotheby’s.
The 2000GT came at a time in the mid-1960s when the world was not taking Japan seriously in the auto market because of Japan’s tendency towards small, under-powered, and boring cars.
Toyota sought to change that impression. Early in the 2000GT’s conceptual infancy, Toyota designer Satoru Nozaki attempted to create a Japanese rendition of the Jaguar E-Type. Around the same time, Yamaha was looking to produce a high-powered sports car as well.
Initially, Yamaha worked with Nissan on the project. The vehicle was known as the Yamaha A550X/Nissan 2000GT. But Nissan later canceled the project in June of 1964. Undeterred, Yamaha went to Toyota with their project. The two companies, sharing a similar vision, decided to join forces.
Toyota unveiled the first Toyota 2000GT concept at the 12th annual Tokyo Motor Show in 1965. The stunning design of the vehicle had spectators in awe. This was the first time Japan had produced a performance sports car with looks to rival its European counterparts.
From there, it didn’t take long for the 2000GT to reach production. In 1967 the vehicle began selling globally in limited quantities.
Bond Heritage
Its appearance in You Only Live Twice, however, is what truly catapulted the 2000GT’s popularity. “You Only Live Twice was to be filmed in Japan, and called for an exotic, spy-worthy car of Japanese extraction,” writes Shin Yoshikawa, 2000GT historian and author. “Shown a styling image of the brand-new Toyota 2000GT, [producer Alfred R. Broccoli] recognized it as the perfect machine for the job.”
In the film, 007 (played by the incomparable Sean Connery) is urged by a Japanese Secret Service agent to hop into the iconic vehicle while fleeing gunmen. This scene introduced the world to the Japanese masterpiece, and it was featured stealing several other scenes. For the shoot, Toyota took two of its models and cut the tops off to accommodate Connery’s height. The result was a sleek and stylish roadster that typified Bond sex appeal.
Of the many Bond cars to grace the big-screen, the Toyota 2000GT has stood out from the pack. It even earned the distinction of being Daniel Craig’s favorite Bond car. Certainly this is high praise, and disturbs the 007 fandom that typically associates Aston Martin as the ride of the franchise. But, the 2000GT stole every minute of its brief screentime and became the dream car of many.
Performance
You might be tempted to think that the rarity, styling, and Bond appearance are the 2000GT’s sole claims to fame. But, the 2000GT was plenty capable on the blacktop. Toyota’s supercar ripped around with a 2.0L inline-six. The 3M engine it housed was borrowed from the Toyota Crown and perfected by Yamaha with an all-new aluminum head and DOHC setup.
The engine also featured three double-barrel Mikuni-Solex carburetors. It cranked out 150 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque. With a top speed of 130 mph, it was quite fast for 1967. Toyota additionally paired the 2000GT with a five-speed manual gearbox.
Even more impressive, however, was the agile spirit of the 2000GT. Ask anyone fortunate enough to have driven the car. It goes where you want it to. Its lightweight body and responsive steering combined with the limited-slip differential made for dreamy handling.
Toyota further cemented its legacy with several world records and a stellar performance at the 72-hour Yatabe Speed Trial.
Legacy
The Toyota 2000GT is a legend. With only 351 produced, it epitomizes envy. Many also regard it as the most beautiful vehicle ever designed. Other’s cherish it for its role in the Bond franchise.
Whatever your fancy, its legacy is undeniable. Toyota gifted us with a masterpiece. The 2000GT corresponds perfectly with the Bond image. Elegance. Style. Performance.
And if you’re curious as to what England’s coolest spy will be driving in his next flick hitting theaters this April, check out the No Time to Die trailer.
Photos: Toyota