Beschreibung
1993 Toyota Century VG40 in Imperial Blue
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One of only 3 on UK roads, this late VG40 model has had one registered owner in the UK since being imported from Japan.
First introduced in 1967 to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of Toyota, the Century represented something of a 'Concorde moment' for the Japanese brand to design the best luxury car possible.
The first generation Century was produced for 30 years with the facelift VG40 being introduced in 1982 and being superceded by the second generation V12 in 1997. The later VG40 models like this one featured upgraded safety features like airbags and a few more gizmos like the factory fitted TV/ VHS combo.
Probably the best introduction to the Century is given by Doug De Muro's now famous video on YouTube
The 'Rolls Royce of Japan' therefore, this icon of design features a silky smooth and whisper quiet 4litre V8 engine, automatically adjusting rear air suspension, wool interior upholstery, and much more:
- Heated, massaging, and electroniclly adjustable seats
- Front passenger seat 'pass through' hatch with shoe horn & holder, and umbrella holder (driver side)
- Adjust the front passenger seat from the rear
- Front passenger seat headrest folds down for rear occupant visibility of road ahead
- Panasonic in-car TV and VHS player w. remotes
- Rear controls for radio, rear climate control, seat adjustment and memory settings
- Rear in-car cassette tape dictaphone
- Rear built-in cool box on parcel shelf
- Factory fitted removable lace seat covers
- Rear lace window sun curtain
- Aftermarket (2019) front and rear facing dash cam; rear camera positioned inside cabin on the other side of curtains with live rear feed displayed on rear view mirror screen at all times
- Eight(!) electric windows inc. 3/ 4 pivoting windows
- Automatic seat position reset on door-opening and from driver's control panel
- Automatic headlights and light sensors
- Temperature and 'solar radiation' sensors
- TEMS Toyota Engine Management System sport mode
- ECT Electronic Traction Control toggle
- Electronically adjustable wing mounted mirrors
- Soft close motorised rear boot to fit 4x golf bags
- Original Century 'Regno' tyres by Bridgestone
- Century alloy spoke design wheels
- Two sets of original keys
- Original road flare(!)
- Waxoiled undercarriage
Comes with brand new MOT, full UK service history, and several hundred of pounds worth of independtly Japan-sourced original printed materials including sales brochure, driver and passenger handbooks, official workshop and maintenance manuals, troubleshooting guide, and wiring diagram book.
Significant mechanical restoration and future proofing has been undertaken by a Toyota and Japanese car specialist in London; brakes, steering, and suspension all upgraded with several thousand pounds spent on a no expense spared basis to give this car the investment it needs to be a future classic suitable for shows and grand tours.
Despite taking 9 days to be hand built by Toyota's specialist Kanto Auto Works plant, and representing the best of Japanese engineering, there are some common failure points on the Century; across all generations.
The VG40 in particular can face problems with the window gear motors, speed sensor, rear air suspension, and pitman arm. The latter two in particular can (and do) render VG40's undrivable as these are parts are no longer available from Toyota, breakers, or Japan parts specialists. 3 of the VG40's in the UK are currently SORN'd, with another 3 on the roads.
This Century spent 4 months off the road while a replacement pitman arm was sourced. A well known Century importer in the US had 30 pitman arms made exclusively for thier vehicles, and a LOT of negotiation resulted in being able to get hold of one of these coveted parts, which has been fitted to this Century. It now drives and handles like new.
Similarly, the rear air adjustable shock absorbers are prone to leaking and failing after this many years. Parts, again, are long gone, but an active and super friendly International Century community sourced a compatible model which has been fitted to this Century.
Finally, the brake lines have been refabricated by JEM, one of the UK's very first Toyota dealerships, subsequtly beocmming Jemca, and who have carried out all works on the car. The brakes are now incredibly responsive, and coupled with the steering and suspension upgrades makes this Century ready for years of hassle-free daily driving.
Exquisite rare and collectable vehicle. Beautiful as a daily drive or showpiece of an appreciating private collection. Will provide a huge amount of joy to the new owner, all who gaze upon it, blink you on the motorway, or leave notes on the windowshield (including traffic wardens who ticket it as a Rolls Royce!)
Since ownership, I've undertaken a overwhelming amount to research on the Century and will remain available for any questions. Likewise the International Century Community is a friendly and useful font of knowledge and discoveries.
