Photographer: Shaun Mallett / Assistant: Julian van Jaarsveld. Model: Huguns at Fabulousdotcom. Stylist: Riaan Hulley at Red Hot Ops. Grooming: Liz van der Merwe at Red Hot Ops.

Header image: Tuxedo, Carducci (jacket R3,995; pants R1,900). Tuxedo button shirt, Dufy, R999. Tuxedo bow, Markham, R200. Trench coat, Ted Baker, R6,900. Sunglasses, Markham, R120. Cufflinks, Dufy, R550.

When the Toyota 2000GT was revealed at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show, it changed the face of Japanese motoring and became the first Japanese car to break through the million-dollar mark at private auction. Two years later it made headlines again when it took the starring role in the 1967 James Bond movie You Only Live Twice starring Sean Connery.  

The vehicle was in demand for other reasons, too. Only 351 examples of the 2000GT models were produced, of which only three were designated for South Africa, arriving here between 1967 and 1968. One of them has been in the possession of Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) for many years, as part of the company’s private collection. In 2020, TSAM decided to do a full restoration of its gem. 

While there are plans for this sports car, which include possibly competing in the prestigious South African Concourse, for now it’s safely housed at TSAM. Enjoy this journey into the world of the most famous secret agent and an iconic car.