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03/12/2025 11:48 am
From 1967 to 1970, Toyota hand built this low slung aluminum body hatchback coupe called the 2000GT, mainly to up their image. Only 351 examples were built with 62 exported to the US. A few were grabbed by the Shelby American Racing Team and it was the first Japanese car to achieve an FIA speed record. It was actually a collaboration between Toyota and Yamaha with its interior wood trim sourced from Yamaha's piano division. It was powered by a 150 HP 2.0 liter DOHC six with 3 Weber carburetors linked to a 5 speed transmission. I saw one on the streets of Bangkok circa 1970 and I had no idea what it was but it looked so futuristic, I assumed it probably was part of the Royal stable driven by the king's ne'er-do-well playboy son. For increased awareness, Toyota dealt with Eon Productions to feature the car in the 1967 James Bond movie, "You Only Live Twice". It became obvious that the car was not designed with Western drivers in mind. Sean Connery was 6'2" (I'm 6'3") and couldn't even get into the car so Toyota quickly made 2 faux cabriolets one with and one without the gadgetry for the movie. These cars go for crazy money... up to over a million. A Carroll Shelby modified race car went for $2.53 million at auction. I love these Ebbro diecast models with their unusually crisp body lines. This model is in the special gold paint scheme that was given and shown at Yamaha with the supermodel Twiggy hired to adorn the car. When the show was over, Yamaha actually gave to car to her. So, I guess you could call this the "Twiggy Model".
03/12/2025 12:05 pm
Great post once again, Rich. One of my favourite Japanese cars both for looks and the James Bond tie. I have several models of it in my collection, the most recent this weekend in HotWheels form (1/64). Love this 1/24 version by Ebbro.
03/12/2025 2:21 pm
Terrific shots of this exceptionally cool automobile and replica of it ! This one with it's 007 tie-in would definitely be a star in one's model car collection.
03/12/2025 4:42 pm
A stunning model, great pics and story. Thanks as always Rich. 💯😊
03/12/2025 5:11 pm
Thanks Rich, I have this model in red and it is excellent, lovely model
Steve Jacobs and Rich Sufficool reacted
03/12/2025 5:29 pm
Rich, thanks for all the great information and pictures. I always enjoy reading the different information that you send us.
Steve Jacobs and Rich Sufficool reacted
03/12/2025 6:58 pm
Only 62 were made with left hand drive out a total of 351 produced.
Steve Jacobs and Rich Sufficool reacted
03/12/2025 7:02 pm
+1, pretty much what I was going to say.Rich, thanks for all the great information and pictures. I always enjoy reading the different information that you send us.
I have this model in this color too, its a beauty. I think Ebbro re-released the model a few years back in new colors.
03/12/2025 9:37 pm
That's a stunningly beautiful model Rich. Thanks for all the pics and background info !
