Toyota Century: The Exceptional Japanese V12 Limousine

The Toyota Century is one of the most exclusive and iconic Japanese cars ever made. A true prestige limousine reserved for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), it embodies the pinnacle of Japanese luxury and automotive craftsmanship. Aimed at an elite clientele – influential businesspeople, high-ranking officials, and even members of the imperial family – the Century is synonymous with discreet refinement and tradition. Importing such a car from Japan to France or Europe allows you to acquire an extraordinary vehicle, combining rich history and technical innovations, all fully road-legal for our roads thanks to Toprank Europe’s expertise in JDM car imports.

What is the Toyota Century? A Legacy of Luxury and Tradition

The Toyota Century, introduced in 1967 to mark the centenary of founder Sakichi Toyoda’s birth, has for decades been Toyota’s showcase of luxury. It lives up to its name: Century refers to these hundred years of heritage, and the car aims to honor this legacy. It holds a unique position at the pinnacle of the Toyota range, even above Lexus models, with a philosophy different from Western limousines. Rather than ostentatiously displaying wealth, the Century cultivates discretion and understated elegance; as Toyota literature states, “the Century is earned through hard work, accomplished in a simple but refined suit.”

The Century’s exterior boasts a distinctive neo-retro style, evoking the grand Japanese sedans of the 1960s while integrating modern technologies. A notable detail is its emblem: no Toyota logo on the grille, but a golden phoenix called Hō’ō, a mythological symbol associated with the imperial house of Japan. This unique crest is handcrafted and reportedly requires up to six weeks of work for each unit – an anecdote that illustrates the level of attention given to every detail of this exceptional car.

Inside, the Century is designed primarily for the comfort of rear passengers. The cabin is extremely spacious and luxurious, with lacquered wood finishes and high-end materials. Interestingly, most Toyota Centuries feature seats upholstered in 100% wool, a noble textile chosen for its silence and incomparable softness. Japanese customers indeed appreciate the absolute quietness that wool offers – leather is available at no extra cost, but rarely chosen because it can produce slight, undesirable friction noises. Furthermore, the desire to provide a hushed environment is reflected in the exceptional sound insulation: the Century is renowned for its absolute quiet operation, even at high speeds, isolating its occupants from the outside world.

Designed to be chauffeur-driven, the Century integrates numerous amenities for VIP passengers: the rear seats are reclinable and equipped with an extendable footrest (the front passenger seat cushion folds down to allow the person sitting behind to stretch their legs). These rear seats also feature a massage function and dedicated controls for climate and audio, allowing passengers to control their environment without needing to ask the chauffeur. Opaque curtains can be drawn over the windows for added privacy, and refined ambient lighting (e.g., an adjustable reading lamp) allows for work or relaxation in complete tranquility. The doors, meanwhile, feature vacuum-assisted closing (soft-close), preventing slamming and adding to the vehicle’s hushed atmosphere.

Toyota Century GZG50 (1997–2017): A Unique V12 and Exceptional Specifications

The GZG50 generation of the Toyota Century, launched in 1997 and produced until 2017, is particularly remarkable because it features the only V12 engine ever mass-produced in Japan. It is a 5.0-liter V12 (engine code 1GZ-FE), developing approximately 280 hp (206 kW) and 460 Nm of torque. This power, voluntarily limited to 280 hp in Japanese models due to the “gentlemen’s agreement” in effect until the 2000s, increases to approximately 295 hp in the rare exported versions. More than just numbers, this 12-cylinder block was chosen for its unparalleled smoothness and almost imperceptible operation: it offers seamless and silent acceleration, without vibrations, contributing to the ultra-premium onboard experience.

Regarding transmission, the Century G50s were initially equipped with a 4-speed automatic gearbox, before benefiting from a new, more modern 6-speed electronic automatic gearbox starting in 2005. This improvement was accompanied by other technical updates over time: the Century features a double-wishbone suspension with adjustable air springs, ensuring exceptional ride comfort while keeping the body perfectly stable. The adoption of LED headlights and taillights, state-of-the-art audio-video systems for the time (including a television and DVD player on some versions), and even advanced features like adaptive cruise control or the pre-collision system were integrated during this generation’s long career, making the Century a technologically advanced car for its era.

In terms of size, the Toyota Century GZG50 boasts imposing dimensions befitting a limousine: approximately 5.27 m in length and nearly 1.90 m in width. Its generous wheelbase (3.02 m) and weight exceeding 2 tons attest to its massive construction prioritizing absolute comfort. Despite this, Toyota paid close attention to safety with a comprehensive array of features (ABS, front and side airbags including for rear seats – a first at the time – stability control, etc.) and a robust structural design.

Inside, the Century G50 offers an abundance of equipment even in its standard configuration. This includes: multi-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated seats both front and rear (especially on models after 2005 which introduced active seat ventilation), massage function, a high-end audio system, and even a mini-bar refrigerator concealed behind the rear armrest on some versions to keep drinks cool. Notably, until 2017, Toyota still offered the choice between a column shifter or a more conventional floor-mounted setup. This is explained by the tradition of earlier generations, which exclusively featured column-mounted transmissions to free up legroom in the front (or to accommodate a potential third front passenger in very old models). On the G50, most units intended for traditional customers retained the column-mounted automatic shifter to perpetuate this clean and formal style, even though a central shifter was also available. Similarly, the exterior mirrors could be installed conventionally on the doors or, in pure retro Japanese style, on the front fenders (fender mirrors) – a nod to limousines of yesteryear, which has become a true aesthetic signature of the Century.

A Toyota Century GZG50 (second generation) on parade – its understated style conceals extreme luxury and a unique V12 under the hood. The golden phoenix emblem proudly adorns the grille.

In summary, the Toyota Century GZG50 combines the best of tradition and modernity. Its exceptional engineering and ultra-comprehensive equipment make it a unique car, often compared to Rolls-Royce or Maybach for the quality of its craftsmanship, although it stands out with a more discreet approach to luxury. Fewer than 10,000 units of this generation were produced in twenty years, making it rare even in Japan. Outside Japan, it was only officially distributed on a very limited basis (only a few dozen units). This further enhances its exclusivity for collectors or enthusiasts who manage to import one today.

Our 2005 Toyota Century: an exceptional single-owner vehicle available in France

We are fortunate to offer for sale a 2005 Toyota Century, a single-owner vehicle directly from Japan (Gunma Prefecture). This unique example has an original 47,600 km, guaranteeing remarkable condition both mechanically and cosmetically. Its first owner, a prestigious Japanese company, maintained it with the utmost care, as evidenced by the vehicle’s clear history. Imported by Toprank Europe, this Century will be delivered homologated in France (French registration possible) or elsewhere in Europe, ready to be registered and legally driven – a major asset for such an exclusive JDM vehicle.

This Toyota Century is all the more desirable as it benefits from the improvements made after 2005. Under the hood, you’ll naturally find the fabulous 5.0 L 1GZ-FE V12, coupled with the intelligent 6-speed automatic transmission introduced that year. Driving is therefore smoother and more efficient, whether in the city or on the highway. A rare feature on this model, gear selection is done via a column shifter, in keeping with Century tradition – a vintage detail that will appeal to purists and frees up the center console for a clean interior design.

On the exterior, our Century features the classic Japanese configuration with its fender-mounted mirrors, a feature that had become unusual by 2005 but adds to the car’s retro charm. Combined with the sedan’s stately silhouette and elegant body color (deep onyx black, most certainly, as favored by Japanese executives), these fender mirrors invariably draw admiration and curiosity. The presence of the golden Hō’ō emblem on the grille, proudly gleaming, leaves no doubt about the identity of this Toyota flagship.

The interior also stands out with an uncommon specification: this example features a genuine, sober-colored leather interior, instead of the traditional wool upholstery. This choice, rare on Centuries (as mentioned, most customers opted for wool), gives the cabin an even more upscale ambiance for Western tastes, while also facilitating maintenance. The leather is in perfect condition, supple and immaculate, covering the generously padded seats and armrests. In the rear, the two individual seats with embroidered headrests offer princely comfort; they are heated, ventilated, and massaging, allowing your passengers to travel as if in a luxury hotel lounge. A retractable rear center console provides access to independent climate controls, the hi-fi stereo, and even electric seat and footrest adjustments. Naturally, electric curtains are present to obscure the side windows and rear window with a simple press, ensuring discretion and rest. The dimmable and adjustable interior lighting creates a cozy atmosphere after dark, ideal for chauffeur use at night in the city.

In terms of technological options, this 2005 version was cutting-edge for its time: it features a navigation system (Japanese original) and even Bluetooth phone connectivity, integrated into the audio system, which was a new feature on later model years. Driving aids include cruise control, front/rear parking sensors to facilitate maneuvering such a large sedan, and ABS braking with electronic distribution. Passive safety is also well-covered with front, side, and curtain airbags protecting all occupants.

By purchasing this Toyota Century from Toprank Europe, you are acquiring a true rolling collector’s item, unique on the French market. Its originality, low mileage, and clear history make it an extremely rare opportunity to enjoy Japanese luxury without compromise. Whether for parading at prestigious events, enriching a collection of exceptional cars, or simply experiencing a “first-class” journey on the road, this 2005 Century will satisfy the most demanding enthusiasts.

Fun Facts and Unique Features of the Toyota Century

To better understand why the Toyota Century fascinates connoisseurs so much, here are some fun facts and unusual features about it:

• A Centenary Name: The model was named Century in honor of the 100^th anniversary of Sakichi Toyoda (born in 1867), the founder of the Toyota industrial empire. It was Toyota’s way of celebrating its heritage while launching its most luxurious car in 1967.

• The Only Japanese V12: The Toyota Century is the first and only Japanese production car equipped with a V12 engine. This 5.0 L 12-cylinder (1GZ-FE) was exclusively developed for the Century and powers no other model. A true engineering marvel, it is renowned for its ultra-quiet operation – to the point that at idle, it’s hard to tell if the engine is running because it’s so smooth.

• An Imperial Emblem: The Century’s logo is a golden phoenix called Hō’ō, inspired by Asian mythology. A symbol of renewal and associated with Japan’s imperial family, this phoenix replaces the usual Toyota logos on the car. Each emblem is handcrafted with extreme care: it takes over a month of work to produce just one of these golden badges. A rare artisanal attention in the era of mass production!

• Wool Interior Rather Than Leather: Traditionally, Toyota Centuries come with a very high-quality Japanese wool interior, rather than leather. The reason? Japanese customers consider wool more comfortable and, above all, quieter, avoiding the small squeaks that leather can produce when someone settles in. Wool velvet also offers a more temperate temperature (neither cold in winter nor hot in summer). Leather was available as a free option, but rarely chosen – which makes our leather example even more atypical.

• Adjustable Front Passenger Seat: An original Century feature designed for the rear VIP passenger is the front right seat with a folding backrest and retractable footrest. By pressing a button, the passenger seat cushion folds forward, revealing a footrest on which the right rear passenger can extend their legs. Combined with the electric recline of the large rear seat and the massage function, this transforms the rear of the Century into a true luxury lounge chair!

• Showa-era gadgets: Despite its apparent conservatism, the Century adopted avant-garde gadgets very early on throughout its generations. For example, as early as the 1970s, it offered automatic air conditioning (an innovation for the time). On the G50 generation, you sometimes find a retractable parking pole at the front (known as a parking pole) which helps assess the end of the long hood during maneuvers – a retro accessory that has become a collector’s item. Rear passengers, meanwhile, have remote controls for audio/video and can even watch television thanks to a tuner (admittedly an analog one from that era) integrated into the multimedia system.

• Car of Emperors: The Century is so prestigious that it served as the basis for the Japanese Emperor’s state car. An ultra-exclusive version called the Toyota Century Royal was produced in only 4 units starting in 2006, with amenities fit for a palace (silk fabric seats, granite running boards, etc.). Without going that far, many Japanese business leaders and politicians use the Century as a company car, preferring its discreet luxury to more ostentatious Western limousines.

Import Your JDM Car with Toprank Europe

As Japanese automotive enthusiasts (JDM) and specialists in car imports from Japan to France and Europe, Toprank Europe is proud to offer models as exceptional as this Toyota Century. We understand the passion enthusiasts have for these rare and characterful vehicles, and we put our expertise at your service to make your import dreams a reality.

Homologation and Compliance: Importing a car like the Century can seem complex due to European standards (noise, emissions, safety, etc.). With Toprank, you don’t have to worry: we handle all homologation (RTI) and registration procedures. The Century we offer will be delivered turnkey, homologated in France or in the European country of your choice. You can immediately and legally enjoy your exceptional car, without administrative hassle.

Personalized Search: If you dream of another JDM model – whether it’s a legendary sports car, an atypical 4×4, or a classic sedan unavailable here – our team can help you find it. Based in Japan and Europe, we have an extensive network to select the best examples on the Japanese market, verify their history, condition, and organize their purchase with full transparency. Every car we import is meticulously inspected and prepared, so that it reaches you in the best possible condition.

On-site Stock and Maintenance: Toprank Europe also offers already imported vehicles, visible in our showroom or warehouse in France, as well as vehicles still in Japan awaiting departure. In the latter case, rest assured that your future car remains stored and maintained in Japan at our partner facilities until its shipment, ensuring its good state of preservation. For example, we can perform a maintenance service, fluid changes, or install requested accessories before the car sets sail for Europe.

By choosing Toprank Europe, you benefit from the support of true enthusiasts who understand the importance of every detail. Whether for the purchase of our first-hand 2005 Toyota Century or to import another Japanese collector car, we make it a point of honor to offer you a personalized, reliable, and enthusiastic service. Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your project: making the dream of owning your own JDM car imported from Japan a reality is our profession and our passion.

In conclusion, the Toyota Century is much more than an automobile: it is a living piece of Japanese history and culture, a rolling symbol of success and tradition. Few people in Europe can boast of having seen one, let alone owned one. Thanks to Toprank Europe, this extraordinary experience is within your reach – the opportunity to acquire a legendary V12 limousine with incredible luxury, perfectly homologated for our roads. Don’t miss this chance to enter the very exclusive circle of Toyota Century owners, and experience Japanese automotive passion at its noblest and most accomplished. We will be delighted to accompany you on the road to this dream come true.