Description
The Toyota Century is Japan’s ultimate expression of automotive luxury, prestige, and understated elegance. Rarely seen outside of Japan, this hand-built flagship sedan is revered as the official car of choice for Japan’s imperial family, government officials, and business elites. Unlike flashy Western luxury cars, the Century emphasizes refinement, tradition, and quiet excellence over opulence and showmanship.
Toyota Century: Overview
• Segment: Full-size luxury sedan (flagship model)
• Built in: Japan (handcrafted at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji plant)
• Market: Primarily Japan-only, extremely limited exports
Key Highlights
⭐ Timeless, Regal Design
• Conservative, stately exterior with clean lines and classic proportions
• Distinctive phoenix emblem (“Hō-ō”) hand-engraved to symbolize elegance and dignity
⭐ Ultra-Quiet Ride & Smooth Power
• 1997 G50 model: 5. 0L V12 — tuned for silence and smoothness
⭐ Craftsmanship & Materials
• Hand-stitched upholstery and laser-cut leather interior trim
• Expert takumi (master artisans) handle final assembly and finishing
• Traditional Japanese elements (e. g., washi-inspired textures, lacquered wood panels)
⭐ Rear-Seat Royalty
• Rear seating is the focus: fully reclining seats with massage, leg rests, and climate zones
• Rear entertainment system and privacy shades
• Chauffeur-focused driving mode to ensure passenger comfort
⭐ Low-Key Prestige
• No Toyota badge — the Century is its own emblem of status, separate from Lexus or other sub-brands
• Designed not to attract attention, but to exude quiet authority
• Its dignified presence often contrasts with the flashier aesthetics of European luxury sedans
Notable Facts
• The Century’s model changes are extremely rare — only three generations in over 50 years.
• Owners often include emperors, prime ministers, and CEOs; many opt for the rear seat and a driver.
Competitors (Sort of)
While it shares a segment with cars like the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, Bentley Flying Spur, and Rolls-Royce Ghost, the Toyota Century is a uniquely Japanese expression of luxury — more discreet, serene, and formal.
Summary
The Toyota Century is not just a car — it’s an institution. It is Toyota’s most exclusive and revered vehicle, representing the pinnacle of craftsmanship, heritage, and respect for tradition. Whether in its classic sedan form or new SUV guise, the Century is designed not to dazzle, but to honor — the passenger, the road, and the very idea of understated perfection.
BSZ 1698
This particular Century is part of my private collection and the car has been maintained regardless of cost. In particular, all the wheels were recently refinished and are fitted with new Michelin Primacy tyres, chosen because of their low noise capabilities.
The car is also fitted with a Pioneer AVH-Z7000DAB providing modern Bluetooth , DAB, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a reversing camera. For convenience a heads-up display in Mph is also fitted. However, as shown in the pics, it also has the original 1997 voice recorder still fitted in the rear armrest section.
As might be expected the car drives superbly and has covered only 60, 308 miles. It is currently MOT’d until September but will be serviced and MOT’d for 12 months for the new owner. Given the cost to import a Century the car is priced sensibly so, please, no silly offers. The ageless number plate is included with the car. Please note that this is a private sale and I am not a dealer and if the car is sold at the asking price I will have it delivered at no additional cost to anywhere on the UK mainland. Special car which gets an amazing amount of interest wherever it goes!
