The Imperial House of Japan, the Prime Minister of Japan, high-level executive businessmen, and senior leaders of the Japanese government are known for riding in the luxurious four-door Toyota Century limousine. Toyota started producing the Century in 1967, and it did not undergo a significant facelift until 1997. This vehicle’s name was inspired by Sakichi Toyoda, the man behind Toyota Industries, who turned 100 years old. The Mercedes-Benz 600, Cadillac Series 70, Austin Princess/Daimler DS420, Rolls-Royce, Chinese Red Flag, and Russian ZIS/ZIL limousines serve similar functions as the Century. The original generation Century, which was built from 1967 until 1997, exclusively had a V8 engine. The second generation began production in 1997, and Toyota gave it a special V12 engine. Then, starting in 2018, Toyota switched back to a V8 and added hybrid technology.
The name Fushich, which refers to the Imperial House of Japan in Asian mythology, is used for the Century logo. Because it was seen as a symbol of conservative prosperity throughout all generations, its outside style stayed almost unchanged.
You need to understand the engine, performance, and design of the Toyota Century in order to make the best choice, whether you are shopping for a new or used one. So, below is a summary of some pertinent facts for you. Let’s investigate it!
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First Generation (1967 – 1997)
The first model of the Century was introduced in November 1967 to replace the Crown Eight, which served as Toyota’s premier sedan in the Japanese market. Every component of the car was created to be a demonstration of Toyota’s engineering prowess. Toyota created each component of the Century from the ground up, raising the bar with fine craftsmanship and top-notch standards. Instead of American taste, which was then a popular trend in the Japanese market, it was designed primarily to emphasize traditional Japanese fashion.
Toyota equipped the Century with as many automatic features as it could because it was the first Japanese vehicle made for chauffeuring. The Century was also the first Japanese automobile with air suspension, giving its occupants a comfortable, smooth ride. Its engine was a more powerful variation of the V8 seen in the Crown Eight. It had a three-speed automatic transmission.
The Century maintained its position at the forefront of luxury transportation over the years despite the few revisions that broke the comforting continuity of the vehicle. These features included a massaging seat, self-leveling suspension, automatic climate control, the world’s first optical fiber multiplex communications system, and more. The biggest modification was when Toyota added a limousine model with a longer cabin and an enlarged wheelbase to the lineup in October 1989.
Second Generation (1997 – 2016)
For the first time in 30 years, Toyota completely revamped the Century in April 1997. The subtle, regal aesthetic that was a crucial component of its character was carried over into the new design. To keep up with the advancement of technology in 30 years and reclaim its market position, the mechanical components of the Century were entirely replaced. In the second generation, Toyota aspired to provide passengers with unparalleled ride comfort and relaxation through a new interior design that combined custom functionality with upscale aesthetics.
The new Century features a much longer length, wheelbase, and height than the previous version. A new shock-absorbing Global Outstanding Assessment body and six cabin airbags were also included in its design to ensure that the new model complied with current crash protection regulations.
The V12 engine was a custom 5.0L 48-valve unit modified to produce a flat torque curve for the second generation, which is ideal for delivering the unhurried, smooth progress expected in a luxury vehicle. Additionally, a new electronically controlled Skyhook air suspension and a double wishbone setup at each of the four corners work together to continuously improve ride quality, regardless of speed.
Third Generation (2018 – present)
In October 2017, the Toyota Century’s third generation made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. On June 22, 2018, the automobile went up for sale, with prices beginning at $180,000. The third generation comes in 4 exterior color options: Eternal Black, Red Mica, Shrine Blue Mica, and Radiant Silver Metallic.
The new version keeps the Century’s classic appearance while incorporating modern improvements and technology including Toyota T-Connect and Toyota Safety Sense P-series. The Century doesn’t carry the Toyota designation or badge; instead, it has the traditional Fushich badge and the word “Century” in block letters on the trunklid, unlike other Toyota vehicles, which have the Toyota badge, and Hybrid cars, which have a specific “Hybrid badge on a blue background with an additional Lexus or Toyota badge. One of the enduring elements of Century design, this insignia initially emerged in 1967. Toyota adds numerous unique elements to the new Century. For back seat passengers, a 20-inch LCD screen has been added to the vehicle, allowing them to operate a variety of settings and characteristics for comfort and to view video content. The typical sound system has 20 speakers. The back seats have a massaging function with built-in heaters, a reclining option, and an adjustable motorized leg rest for the back seat directly across from the driver.
The third version features a hybrid powertrain that produces 596 HP overall by combining a 375-hp 5.0-liter V8 and a 221-hp electric motor. It has a 13.6 kn per liter of fuel delivery capacity (approximately 32 miles per gallon).
Do you sell Toyota Century?
The Toyota Century (Japanese:, Hepburn: Toyota Senchur) is a limousine built primarily for the Japanese market. It serves as Toyota’s flagship vehicle within of Japan; outside of Japan, Toyota’s flagship luxury model is the unrelated Lexus LS series. The Century was first produced in 1967, and until its redesigns in 1997 and 2018 it underwent only modest revisions.
The Century took its name from Sakichi Toyoda, who founded Toyota Industries and celebrated his 100th birthday on 14 February 1867. The Japanese Prime Minister, the Imperial House, key government officials, and top business executives frequently use it. The Austin Princess/Daimler DS420, Cadillac Series 70, Mercedes-Benz 600 series, Chinese Red Flag, Rolls-Royce, and Russian ZIS/ZIL limousines are comparable to the Century in terms of their intended use.
Up to a complete platform overhaul in 1997, the first-generation Century was the only post-war Japanese-built sedan to be introduced with only a V8 engine. Up until 2018, the second generation’s powertrain was exclusively a V12 engine that Toyota created and built specifically for the Century; however, with the advent of Toyota’s hybrid technology, the powertrain was switched back to a V8.
The Century is a full-size premium luxury sedan, although it can only be purchased at certain Toyota Store locations and is not offered at Japanese Lexus dealerships. The H’ () or Fushich () from Sinospheric mythology, which symbolizes the Imperial House of Japan, is the name of the gold phoenix used worldwide. The picture may be found throughout Asia, including the Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto. [1]
With a few revisions, the Century’s external style hasn’t changed much since it was first introduced, mostly because it’s seen as a symbol of conservative prosperity. Its design is recognizable throughout Asia and is typically painted black. The Nissan President, a car with a comparable status reputation and the closest Japanese rival, also shared top market placement with the Mitsubishi Debonair in the 1960s and 1970s. [2] Two additional Japanese rivals launched huge sedans in the 1970s, the Isuzu Statesman de Ville and the Mazda Roadpacer (both adapted from GM-Australia models), but they didn’t last long.
What is the price of a Toyota Century?
A Toyota Century costs, on average, $13,554. What year was the Toyota Century manufactured? A: From 1967 to 2021, the Toyota Century was offered for sale.
Does the Toyota Century have a US market?
Sadly, Toyota does not intend to market the third-generation Century outside of Japan. But the original Centuries are now old enough to be imported into the US unaltered. A Toyota Century can be purchased from importers like Duncan Imports for anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000.
There is danger involved in purchasing a used, high-end luxury vehicle that has never been sold in the US. not only because Japanese labels predominate. Centuries’ parts and mechanics can be difficult to locate. These vehicles, however, are incredibly durable. On a 1992 Century owned by a Hagerty writer, only the speedometer sensor and a portion of the suspension broke. And that was just after racing the vehicle on the Bonneville Salt Flats and nonstop cross-country drive.
Are Toyota Century’s trustworthy?
The final day was a straightforward three hours from Mariposa to Monterey, and at this time we were eager to attend Car Week. At a self-service vehicle wash outside of Hollister, we gave the Century one more cleaning before evaluating our achievements. The Century performed admirably after 3000 miles of travel. Yes, the rear air shocks had failed and the speedometer had become inaccurate. Major deal. Those might be repaired. The 4.0-liter V-8 had consumed no oil, the radiator had required no water, and the a/c had always kept us nice and cozy.
There are many different car types available for a variety of jobs. The Toyota Century is a wonderful option if you want an intriguing, mostly dependable eccentric to put a lot of miles on. And the trip will be, to put it mildly, fascinating. I’ve already had a remedy for the shock in the works. Evidently, a pair of GM F-Body air shocks costs $50 and is a direct replacement. The speedometer sensor is still missing, and it doesn’t appear to be used by any other Toyota products. Another illustration of how unique this Japanese luxo-barge is.
Can right-hand drive vehicles be driven in the US?
The notion that the steering wheel should be placed on the left is now widely accepted in the US and the majority of other European and American nations.
Numerous factual explanations have been offered by experts, including fewer traffic accidents and better eye control for drivers. But can you operate a right-hand drive vehicle in the United States?
The answer is affirmative, and it is quite legal. Of course, following the rules of the road applies when driving one of these cars.
You can find in-depth details and fascinating facts on the aforementioned subject in the article. Let’s start with the specifics!
What will a 2021 Toyota Century cost?
Anyone who wants to succeed in business in Japan needs to have a Toyota Century in their fleet.
Having the ability to boast that you roll in the same car as the emperor is undoubtedly worth the price of admission, doesn’t it? Sure, it starts at $175,000, making it more expensive than a fully loaded Lexus LS, but isn’t that worth it?
Even though the Century is already a very unique vehicle due to its history, Japanese tuning company Wald International has made an effort to improve the full-size sedan.
In general, Wald’s designs adhere to the principles of minimalism, and its whole body kit created for the Century is no exception. The components, which include highlights made of stainless steel, assist to visibly lower the car and give it a sportier appearance. The tuner also added a unique set of wheels with a design that appears to have been created as a prop for a Transformers movie. The final addition is a modest spoiler on the trunk lid.
A hybrid powertrain with a 5.0-liter V-8 as its foundation drives the vehicle’s rear wheels. Even with electrification, owners should plan on frequent fill-ups. Under Japan’s generous fuel efficiency test cycle, the car earns about 32 mpg. If tested by the EPA, this would be in the low 20s.
The car only went through three generations during the half-century that the Century nameplate has been in use. Currently, only Japan sells the third-generation model, which was only released in 2018. Officially, there is only one version, although Toyota has created other racy GRMN variations, including one for CEO Akio Toyoda.
which V12-powered Toyota Century?
This Toyota Century is the pinnacle of Japanese luxury, and it’s in excellent condition all the time. This model has only traveled 69,700km since it was new and is powered by a 5.0-litre V12 that is officially rated at 280hp and connected to the later six-speed automated transmission. It was brought into Australia about a year ago.
This second-generation G50 Century offers deep metallic blue paintwork that contrasts brilliantly against chrome bumpers and bright metal trim, continuing a design language that has remained essentially untouched since 1967. With only a few small clear coat flaws, the paint is in good shape and is thought to be entirely original. The original Toyota Century “Golden Phoenix” insignia is displayed on the original multi-spoke alloy wheels, which are each wrapped in Yokohama tires.
The vendor describes the interior as “nearly beautiful,” noting that it is original and unaltered. With the exception of a few dead pixels on one of the digital screens in the cluster, the fit and quality are excellent, as would be anticipated from a luxury Toyota.
Unusually, this model has been selected with optional dark-grey leather seats with heat and massage features rather than wool cloth seats. All heating and massage options are available, and the seats are electrically adjustable. There is no obvious wear to any inside surface, and deep gloss walnut burr trimmings give the cabin a luxury feel. Both the original net curtains in the back of the cabin and the thick wool floor mats are still there and in great shape.
When the rear center console is opened, a bevy of switchgear controlling each seat’s features, along with entertainment options and a satellite navigation screen, are all visible. The inside core of the front passenger seat can flip backwards, which is a novel feature of the Century that enables a rear passenger to almost fully recline and extend their legs into the front of the cabin.
The only front-engine, rear-drive Japanese automobile with a V12 is the second-generation Century, which was produced until 2017. The V12 was chosen for its unmatched smoothness and effortless torque. The latest service performed on this vehicle was in August 2020 at JNK Whitehorse Automotive, and it is said to be in excellent mechanical condition. During this maintenance, the air conditioner was re-gassed in accordance with Australian standards, and the engine oil and oil filter were replaced. Sadly, when the car was imported, the original service history book was not included.
The Toyota Century is a coveted symbol of elegance and refinement and is recognized as the official state vehicle used by the Emperor of Japan and other heads of state. This Century would be a great and fascinating addition to any car collection because to its amazing specifications and continued excellent condition.
To the best of the seller’s knowledge, the description of this auction item is true and correct. Collecting Cars undertakes some due diligence and asks the seller for a variety of information regarding the lot. Before placing a bid, however, bidders must ascertain for themselves the accuracy of the description and do any additional investigation they deem necessary. For more information, please visit our Terms and Conditions.
There are no security interests or other registration types filed against the VIN of this vehicle, according to a search of the Australian Personal Property Securities Register. The Austroads NEVDIS system has been used to check this car, and it has turned up no indications that it has been written off or stolen.