Although Toyota doesn’t have the same collector’s appeal as some of the classic American or European cars, it does have a number of models over the years that are worthy of being put in the discussion. However, the reasoning behind the lack of inclusion into the collector car market isn’t necessarily a bad thing. When other automakers were making huge gas-guzzling cars, Toyota was building economical vehicles and working on efficient manufacturing practices. Even with this commitment, it’s still churned out its fair share of exotic vehicles. Here are just a few you wished you owned.
1. 1967 “Open-Top” Toyota 2000GT
Whether you love the over-the-top gadgets, the villains, the cars, or the women, there’s something about James Bond that embodies adventure. In 1967’s “You Only Live Twice,” Bond, played by Sean Connery, is only seconds from assassination until the famed 2000GT, piloted by the Bond Girl Aki, comes by to save him. She then leads the henchmen on a chase, until they’re picked off the road by a helicopter with a giant magnet.
Although the 2000GT was available in Japan as a hardtop, the convertible, or open-top, version was never released to the public and only two are still in existence. Aside from fetching a record $1.15 million dollar price at auction, this car is also said to be the most recent Bond, Daniel Craig’s, favorite.
2. 1977 FJ40 Land Cruiser
Although the FJ40 was manufactured from 1960 to 1984, the 1977 version receives accolades for its looks and superior off-road capability. The hardest part of finding this one, whether at an auction or through a private seller, is that most are in such poor condition that even a full rehab will never recoup the money for the owner. However, if you can find someone who’s willing to do the work you can find one of these models like new, although it’ll cost you a pretty penny. Although blue book values peg the value of the FJ40 somewhere between $5,000 and $25,000, many have started to fetch nearly $100,000.
With such a premium on the 1977 version of the Land Cruiser, it’s still unknown whether it’s a fad, but you may want to purchase one now or wait a few years to see if the demand cools.
3. 1992-1998 Supra Mark IV
It’s almost impossible to narrow the most collectible model of the Supra Mark IV to a single year, so this list includes them all. During this time span, fewer than 8,000 of these models were produced, and many of them never made their way to America. What makes this version special is not only its superior looks, but also its 320-horsepower twin-turbo V6. With this monster under the hood, the Supra ramped up to 60 mph in around 5 seconds, depending on the model year. Prices on this beast vary, but the one from “The Fast and the Furious” sold for $185,000 in 2015.
You’ll need some serious cash to take one of these Toyotas home with you, but once you get behind the wheel, you’ll understand why they’re so coveted. So pinch your pennies or cross your fingers that you find a bargain. You’ll need luck on your side.
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