Wherever you are in the world you will see Toyota cars. But one Toyota you are unlikely to see outside Japan is the Toyota Century. So called because it was commisioned to celebrate the 100th birthday of Sakichi Toyoda in 1967, the founder of Toyota Industries.
It was initially only available to the Imperial House of Japan and senior members of the Japanese government. Later it was made available to high worth business leaders and was a popular car with the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia).
The first-generation Century had a V8 engine on its introduction in 1967 until a full redesign in 1997. The second generation was fitted with a Toyota-designed engine bespoke to the Century, until 2018, when it reverted to a V8 with Toyota’s hybrid technology.
The Century can only be purchased at specific Toyota dealers and does not feature Toyota’s oval logo; instead, it uses a phoenix logo unique to the Century.
Sales of the Century doubled from 1,027 in 1985 to 2,117 in 1989. The Century received a complete redesign in April 1997, although the new model was visually very similar to the previous generation. This model was powered by a 5.0 L engine and was equipped with a 4-speed automatic, until a 6-speed “intelligent” transmission arrived in 2005.
The Century was Toyota’s most luxurious model at its inception in 1967, and maintained this status throughout the 20th century. Today, it is positioned above the Lexus line-up, and is the most luxurious and prestigious Toyota. In contrast to other luxurious cars such as the Maybach or Rolls Royce, the Century has not been marketed as a sign of wealth or excess. Marketing literature states that, “the Century is acquired through persistent work, the kind that is done in a plain but formal suit.” The second generation Century was discontinued in 2017, after almost 20 years of production.
The third generation Century went sale in June 2018 and Toyota aim to sell 50 per month in Japan, at a price of £135,259 including local taxes. The high price is down to the fact that the Century is pretty much hand-built. The car’s badge alone, a phoenix, takes six weeks to engrave. The only option is the choice between wool or leather upholstery.
Classic Yorkshire was invited by Seroshi Ahmed of SABE imports to view a Toyota Century from 2001. It was imported to the UK in 2023 with 79 000 kilometres on the clock.
Walking round the car it looks to be in brand new condition. Despite the mileage the paintwork (7 colour coats) has been polished to a mirror shine. I am told this was so that you could discretely check yourself on exit without appearing vein and using a mirror.
The wheels have been changed for ones imported from the USA though don’t worry the originals are in store. The car also comes with a bumper flag pole so you can pretend to be a visiting Prime Minister. This is an impressive looking vehicle, understated and discrete. If you are looking for an alternative to a Mercedes then this might be what you are looking for.
This car is not built for speed or good looks, it is all about the interior. A great deal of thought has been put into making sure the passengers have a quiet and relaxing journey. One example of the lengths they have gone to is in the ignition barrel. If the chauffer has more than one key on the key ring a magnet clumps them together so that they don’t rattle. The seats are cloth, not leather so that they don’t squeak when you move.
The rear passengers are spoilt with very effective heated massage seats. The front passenger seat has a panel that can be moved down to allow you to put your feet through while you have a nap. The entertainment centre comes in a stylish box worthy of a James Bond Aston. In addition to the usual sound system there is a television and a recording device for dictation or blackmail.
The only disappointment is the boot which would hardly be big enough to carry a kidnap victim. But on the plus side, those dusters are made from genuine Ostrich feathers.
I have known about the Toyota Century for a while having met a fellow classic car enthusiast and Century owner in a bar in Mexico. But this is the first time I have seen one in the flesh. It is also a rare car (in the UK). In the year 2000 there were only 9, today there are 27 on the road and a further 17 SORN. So if you are looking for discrete luxury and rarity this could be for you.
With thanks to Seroshi and Aryan Ahmed of SABE Imports.
http://www.sabeimports.com. 0800 689 6786
