Toyota’s luxury flagship model may have never been available to customers outside Japan but thanks to the 25-Year car import rule, JDM fans can actually see what is like to own this iconic luxury sedan.
Toyota launched the first-generation Century in late 1967; it remained in production almost unchanged for 30 years, up until 1997 when the second generation arrived featuring a V12 under its long bonnet.
These cars were made to offer the ultimate comfort and luxury, but unlike other established luxurious cars, the Toyota Century was never meant to be a sign of excess. This particular example comes from 1993, featuring the classic wool interior, along with lace curtains and a tape recorder hiding in the rear center console, among other cool features.
Power comes from a 190hp 4.0-liter V8 that’s paired to five-speed automatic transmission, so performance is best described as adequate. Then again, the Toyota Century was always a car to be driven in.
Production of the Toyota Century was always limited throughout the years. It’s the default luxury vehicle used by the high-ranking government officials and business leaders in Japan, not to forget the special Century Royal which serves as the official state car for the Emperor of Japan.
Given the image of the Century, these cars also proved to be quite popular with Yakuza bosses. This could lead to some pretty interesting findings with some cars such as this one, which features what looks like a blood stain on the boot’s carpet.
Jay Leno gives us the full tour around Toyota’s Rolls Royce on the video that follows.