Only James Bond Ever Drove the Toyota 2000GT Roadster
Cinematic Rarity - There are moments in cinema when fiction and engineering merge so perfectly that the result transcends the screen and becomes part of cultural history. The 1960s were such an era — a golden age of suave spies, cinematic glamour, and cars that embodied the promise of modernity. Among the many machines that defined that decade, one stands apart not merely for its design or performance, but for what it represented: a daring statement from Japan to the rest of the automotive world. That car was the Toyota 2000GT Roadster — and, fittingly, only James Bond ever got to drive it.
The 1967 Toyota 2000GT Roadster, of which only two units were ever made, was driven by James Bond (Sean Connery) in the 1967 film 'You Only Live Twice'. (Picture from: GridOto)
When we think of James Bond as portrayed by the late Sean Connery, we instantly picture him behind the wheel of a sophisticated sports car that perfectly complements his every daring mission. From the moment Connery first assumed the role of Agent 007, he didn’t merely shape the image of the quintessential British spy — he redefined cinematic sophistication for an entire generation.
The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 was driven by James Bond (Sean Connery) in the 1964 film 'Goldfinger'. (Picture from: JamesBond.Fandom)
His passing in October 2020, at the age of ninety, served as a poignant reminder of just how deeply his influence continues to resonate — from his magnetic on-screen presence to the timeless details that made his portrayal unforgettable. And while the Aston Martin DB5 will forever remain synonymous with Bond’s legacy during Connery’s era, there was one extraordinary moment in 1967 when a Japanese supercar —the Toyota 2000GT — effortlessly stole the spotlight in You Only Live Twice.
A custom-built Toyota 2000GT convertible was specially created for James Bond’s appearance in 'You Only Live Twice'. (Picture from: GridOto)
The Toyota 2000GT, at its core, was Japan’s bold answer to Europe’s automotive elite. Before its debut, Japanese cars were often dismissed as utilitarian and uninspired. Toyota, teaming up with Yamaha, set out to change that perception entirely. The result was nothing short of a revelation: a sleek, low-slung coupe that combined elegance, performance, and precision engineering. Beneath its long, sculpted hood lay a 1,988 cc inline-six engine, coded 3M, derived fromthe Toyota Crownbut heavily reworked by Yamaha. They replaced its standard components with performance-tuned upgrades, including triple 2-barrel Mikuni-Solex carburetors and a DOHC setup — innovations that gave the car both a distinct growl and genuine racing spirit. A five-speed manual transmission completed the package, ensuring it wasn’t just beautiful, but thrilling to drive.
The 1967 Toyota 2000GT Roadster which only made 2 units is drove by James Bond (Sean Connery) in the 1967 movie-titled 'You Only Live Twice'.. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
Only 351 coupes were ever produced, each priced higher than the Porsche and Jaguar models of the same era — a testament to its ambition. Most were painted in understated red or pristine white, colors that highlighted its fluid lines and understated aggression. Yet, for all its rarity, none of those coupes matched the exclusivity of the open-top version created for Connery’s Bond.
The 1967 Toyota 2000GT Roadster which only made 2 units is drove by James Bond (Sean Connery) in the 1967 movie-titled 'You Only Live Twice'.(Picture from: Silodrome)
The 2000GT Roadsterwasn’t a production model at all; it existed solely because the filmmakers needed a car that the towering Scottish actor could fit comfortably into. The standard coupe’s roofline was simply too low for Connery’s frame, so Toyota engineers modified two units into roadsters — chopping the top, reinforcing the chassis, and ensuring that the car’s beauty remained intact from every angle.
The 1967 Toyota 2000GT Roadster which only made 2 units is drove by James Bond (Sean Connery) in the 1967 movie-titled 'You Only Live Twice'. (Picture from: Silodrome)
On-screen, it was electric. The 2000GT’sfuturistic design, with its sharply tapered nose and curvaceous rear fenders, perfectly complemented the film’s modern, high-tech vision of Japan. It was fast, impossibly stylish, and unmistakably different — a car that symbolized a country’s leap from imitation to innovation. Viewers who saw You Only Live Twice didn’t just witness another Bond chase; they saw a nation’s automotive identity transform before their eyes.
The 1967 Toyota 2000GT Roadster which only made 2 units is drove by James Bond (Sean Connery) in the 1967 movie-titled 'You Only Live Twice'.(Picture from: Silodrome)
Over half a century later, the 2000GT remains a symbol of that turning point. Daniel Craig, who redefined Bond for a new generation today, has even admitted that this particular car is his personal favorite — a nod to the way it bridged worlds and eras. What began as a cinematic necessity became an enduring legend, proving that a machine born for a movie could still earn a place in motoring history.
Today, as the automotive world shifts toward electrification and digital design, the Toyota 2000GT Roadster feels like a relic from a time when engineering was guided as much by artistry as by technology. It stands as a reminder that the most extraordinary creations often arise from collaboration, boldness, and a touch of cinematic magic. And though only two of those open-top masterpieces were ever built, their legacy continues to race on — not on the road, but in the imagination of anyone who believes that beauty and performance can, sometimes, coexist perfectly under the sun. *** [EKA [01112018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES| HEMMINGS | SILODROME | ROADANDTRACK]
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We Share Our Condolences
This article is dedicated to the memory of the late Sir Thomas Sean Connery, a legendary great actor who passed away in Nassau, Bahamas on October 31, 2020.
"In sorrow, we mourn those lost. In gratitude, we embrace those around us. In sympathy, we reach out to those who grieve. May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead. He has left us but memory they left will stay forever in our heart."
Only James Bond Ever Drove the Toyota 2000GT Roadster
Today, as the automotive world shifts toward electrification and digital design, the Toyota 2000GT Roadster feels like a relic from a time when engineering was guided as much by artistry as by technology. It stands as a reminder that the most extraordinary creations often arise from collaboration, boldness, and a touch of cinematic magic. And though only two of those open-top masterpieces were ever built, their legacy continues to race on — not on the road, but in the imagination of anyone who believes that beauty and performance can, sometimes, coexist perfectly under the sun. *** [EKA [01112018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HEMMINGS | SILODROME | ROADANDTRACK ]
