There have been many strange and unusual automotive associations over the years, and the partnership between Toyota and Zagato is a prime example. The world-class carmaker and the Italian design house joined forces in the 2000s to create a rather unremarkable vehicle; the Toyota Harrier Zagato.
Image: Toyota
In the mid-2000s, what we know as the Lexus RX was also called the Toyota Harrier in Japan. By 2006, it was already in its second generation and sold through one of the brand’s retail chains known as Toyopet. In 2006, Toyopet was celebrating its 50th anniversary and, wanting to do something special, Toyota approached Italian coachbuilder Zagato to propose a special edition. The two signed an agreement and the result was the 2006 Harrier Zagato.
Image: Toyota
We’re accustomed to seeing Zagato work on custom, high-end products like Aston Martins, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis. While those designs usually maintain a sense of cohesion and beauty, the Zagato Harrier appears somewhat rough around the edges. At the front, the fascia gained an open grille without a badge, a larger front bumper, and a lower spoiler with fog lights.
Image: Toyota
On the sides, the Harrier received widened fenders and lower body cladding, while the rear featured a roof spoiler and slightly modified rear bumpers. Five-spoke gold wheels completed the changes. Apart from some aluminum trim, the interior remained stock. Those anticipating more power might have been disappointed as the modifications were entirely cosmetic. Power for the Harrier Zagato originated from either a 2.4-liter I4 or a 3.5-liter V6, both of which were standard Harrier engines. Buyers might opt for either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. You might also choose any color you desired, as long as it was black, white, or red.
What was the Toyota Harrier Zagato?
Despite being rooted in a mass-market model, the Harrier Zagato was extremely rare. Only 250 were produced, although they were not prohibitively expensive, with prices ranging from $42,000 to $48,000. Some of these vehicles still exist and can be found for surprisingly low prices, like this example in the UK that sold for just under $5,000. Even if you’re not a fan of the Harrier Zagato’s design, there’s something to appreciate regarding it. We’re likely to never witness anything quite like this once more from a mainstream carmaker.
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The Toyota Harrier Zagato: A Quirky Collaboration That Time Forgot
The Toyota Harrier Zagato is a unique and memorable car that exemplifies the sometimes strange and wonderful world of automotive collaborations. While Toyota is known for its reliable and practical vehicles, and Zagato is renowned for its elegant and often outlandish designs, their 2006 collaboration resulted in a car that was both unexpected and, by many accounts, a little bit odd.
A Special Edition for a Special Occasion
The Harrier Zagato was born out of Toyota’s desire to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Toyopet retail chain. The Harrier itself was a popular and successful mid-size SUV in Japan, known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and stylish design. Toyota saw an opportunity to create a special edition version of the Harrier, and they approached Zagato to help them.
A Zagato Twist on a Toyota SUV
The resulting Harrier Zagato was a curious amalgamation of Toyota practicality and Zagato flair. While the car retained its core Toyota underpinnings, Zagato added a series of distinctive design elements to its exterior, setting it apart from the standard Harrier.
- Upfront: A redesigned front fascia with a large, open grille that lacked the standard Toyota badge, a more aggressive lower spoiler with fog lights, and a larger front bumper.
- Sides: Wider fenders and lower body cladding gave the Harrier a sportier profile.
- Rear: A distinct roof spoiler was added, alongside unique rear bumpers.
- Wheels: The Harrier Zagato rolled on five-spoke gold wheels, adding a touch of luxury and uniqueness.
The interior of the Harrier Zagato, on the other hand, remained largely untouched, with the exception of some added aluminum trim.
Under the Hood: Familiarity Remains
Don’t let the Zagato design fool you—the Harrier Zagato was powered by the same engines as the standard Harrier. This meant buyers had a choice between a 2.4-liter I4 engine or a 3.5-liter V6 engine, both familiar options for Toyota enthusiasts. Buyers might also choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, depending on their needs.
Limited Production, Rare Find
The Toyota Harrier Zagato was a limited production model, with only 250 examples made. Although the car wasn’t exorbitantly expensive at the time, costing between $42,000 and $48,000, finding one today is a rare feat.
The Legacy of a Quirky Collaboration
The Toyota Harrier Zagato was a unique experiment in design and collaboration, a testament to the willingness of automakers to try new things and to explore the potential of partnerships. While it may not have been universally loved, its rarity and unconventional nature make it a fascinating example of the strange and wonderful world of automotive collaborations. In the end, the Harrier Zagato stands as a playful reminder that sometimes, the most intriguing automotive experiences come from the most unexpected places.
