Toyota's 2000GT stole the spotlight at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1965. At a time when most sporting coupes were coming out of Europe, the 2000GT put the Japanese automotive industry in the limelight. Japan was not known for producing beautifully designed two-seater GT cars. The 2000GT demonstrated that Japanese auto manufacturers could produce a sports car to rival those of Europe, in contrast to Japan's image at the time as a producer of imitative and stodgily practical vehicles. While some enthusiasts turned their noses up at the thought of a sports car from Japan, many were smitten by the 2000GT's gorgeous aluminum body and performance credentials.
Interestingly enough, the 2000GT was not Toyota's idea. Yamaha, known for its motorcycles, decided to begin work on a sports car, after Yamaha had completed the initial designs for the car, the 2000GT found its way to Toyota, which was, interestingly enough, Yamaha's second choice for a manufacturer. Designed by Raymond Loewy, it was intended as a product for Nissan, who later decided not to take it up. As a result, Yamaha took the plans to Toyota. Toyota, who had the reputation for producing rather conservatively designed cars, saw this as a great new opportunity to prove that their engineers and designers could compete on the world stage. The engine of the 2000GT was based on the inline six from the Toyota Crown and was adapted by installing new double overhead camshafts, giving the engine a more sporting character. With 150 hp pushing a curb weight of just 2,400 pounds (1088 kg) with a 49/51 weight distribution, it goes without saying that the 2000GT is light on its feet and handles like a dream. Top speed was a respectable 135 mph (217 km/h). Still aspiring to compete with the Europeans at all levels, Toyota made sure that the 2000GT found its way to the track as well.
In 1967, the 2000GT had a brief stint on the silver screen in the 5th James Bond movie "You Only Live Twice", Bond's Japanese counterpart drove 007 around the Streets of Tokyo in A 2000GT. However, Connery's 6' 2" frame could not fit into the 45.7-inch tall coupe. Toyota built a targa top 2000GT in order to further accommodate Connery, but producers ruled it out, because Connery's head stuck out far above the roof-line. Finally, Toyota produced a convertible that fit Connery just fine, and it was used in the movie. "You Only Live Twice" introduced the low production 2000GT to hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of viewers. Even though the car appeared on screen for a fleeting moment in the film, it monumentally increased the 2000GT's exposure and reputation. In all only 351 examples were manufactured and just around 52 of them made it to the United States, but sales was limited due its high cost. Today, the 2000GT is seen as the first seriously collectible Japanese Super Car.