During the exhibition, the Mahoroba Museum will loan a Supra formerly owned by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to the Toyota Automobile Museum. (©Sankei by Ikuko Kimura)
The Nara Toyota Group will hold a special exhibition featuring Japan's iconic supercar, the Toyota 2000GT, beginning April 24 at the Mahoroba Museum in Nara City. Two vehicles will be on display: an open-top version used in the filming of the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice, and a left-hand-drive early production model. The exhibition runs through May 24.
Often referred to as a "phantom masterpiece," the 2000GT was produced in very limited numbers, with just 337 units built between 1967 and 1970. The car was celebrated for its sleek, aerodynamic design, including its distinctive retractable pop-up headlights, and featured advanced technology for its time, such as four-wheel disc brakes and radial tires.
Bond Film Connection
The Bond car was converted from a pre-production prototype, with two units built for filming — one for use on screen and one as a backup. After filming concluded, the vehicles were returned to separate owners before eventually being acquired by the Toyota Automobile Museum in Aichi Prefecture. The film-specific modifications have since been removed.
The second car on display is a restored silver example, loaned by its private owner.
During the exhibition period, a Toyota Supra previously owned by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, which is part of the Mahoroba Museum's collection, will be on loan to the Toyota Automobile Museum.
The Mahoroba Museum will be closed on April 27 and on May 11 and 18. Admission will be free.
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Author: Yasuhiko Hiraoka, The Sankei Shimbun
