Stock #6966
Exterior Overview
To commemorate 100 years since the birth of its founder, the team at Toyota sought to design a vehicle to showcase its ability to build world-class products rivaling manufacturers like Rolls Royce. The Toyota Century was to be its name, and its luxury appointments, ride quality, and sturdy underpinnings were unlike anything we had seen from the established brand. This 1997 is the second iteration of the chassis, and comes with Japan’s only domestically produced V12 engine. Owned by one of our employees for several years, this Toyota Black (202) VIP sedan is set off by OEM rainguards, factory LED tail lamps, privacy tint, and timeless 20″ Work Emitz alloys. Aside from a few light dings, chips, and scuffs, the body is in good shape, and this turn-key GZG50 is fresh off a recent service. Safe, spacious, reliable, and unique, this is the quintessential Japanese Classic!
Interior Overview
The cabin includes a few upgrades and tons of electric equipment. Access is seamless thanks to functional keyless entry. With the key, you can also roll the windows up and down from outside the car! Toyota thought of just about everything, including magnetizing the steering column so that the driver’s keys would stick to it, and not jingle about. Other impressive standard items include soft-close rear doors, a soft close trunk, and front and rear airbags. The seats are made of wool and are soft to the touch. The gray upholstery lacks any major rips, stains, or tears. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading and both driver and passenger enjoy power-adjustable and heated seats, with power adjustable headrests. If you have a chauffeur, we would recommend sitting in the back, as there is a pass-through to stretch out and put your legs through the passenger front seat. While hanging out there, the center armrest opens to display a host of electric features. The seatbacks power recline, have a massage setting, and are heated. If you are behind the wheel, a tilt and telescoping electric column is standard. Power folding mirrors, power locks, and power windows all work in typical Toyota fashion, making daily use more enjoyable. A few seats of infinity mirrors can be flicked on if you want to party, and the tunes are handled by an Alpine headunit. Bluetooth integration is included with this unit. We did want to note that it shuts down from time to time and reboots itself, but that’s an easy enough fix with a new radio. The door cards, carpet and headliner are in good nick, and despite a fuel gauge that reads a touch high, it’s clear this vehicle has been loved and cared for for many years.
Mechanical Overview
Under the hood is Toyota’s crown jewel, the five-liter V12 1GZ-FE. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the engine turns over promptly courtesy of an American battery. A Zee’s exhaust sounds delightful, and the custom intakes roar open when the variable valve lift system is engaged during heavy throttle scenarios. A new accessory belt keeps the electronics properly powered, and the twelve-cylinder is linked to a stout automatic gearbox. We did reseal the transmission pan while it was on the lift to keep things on the up and up. Power is sent rearward and this heavyweight hustles up to highway speeds. It rides on new BC coilovers and the reduced fender gaps look fantastic. The power steering is light and on point, and we flushed the system with new fluid. ABS is standard, and grip is handled by nearly all new-season tires. We did want to note the gauge cluster odometer is pixelated, so we cannot verify the miles. Turn key and ready to roll, this show-stopping Century can be yours today.
*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB compliant first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.
