Of all the JDM marvels that have made their way to the UK over the years, the Toyota Century is perhaps the most interesting. Oh sure, it hasn't attracted the cult following of the Skylines and Subarus of this world, nor is it a tremendously groundbreaking car, but that doesn't stop the peculiar Century allure - it is arguably first among V12 curiosities.
It's the attention to detail, really. That's what makes the Century such a fascinating specimen. The wool that's used as upholstery is there because it's quieter than leather when sat upon and keeps a more even temperature; occupants were such a priority that the passenger seat can fold down as a footrest; net curtains were used for privacy instead of tints because the latter attracts the wrong sort of attention in Japan; and the 1GZ-FE 5.0-litre V12 was made specifically and only for the Century. Imagine the budget that goes into the research and development for a 12-cylinder engine, to be used in one model line. That model line not being a glamorous supercar or roadster, either, but a four-door saloon. The Century is emblematic of the finest in fastidious Japanese engineering, and that's what makes it impossible not to love.
Especially so when all that engineering is contained in such a diffident and unassuming car. This particular Century is a second generation car, launched in 1997 and the car's first proper update since its 1967 introduction. And while there were significant changes - a new V12 being prime among them them - to look at the Century was, well, pretty much as modest as it had always been. That means you get a fairly innocuous three-box saloon, without even the limited styling flourishes found on European equivalents. Heck, even Lexus' own LS400 of the time looks clean cut and modern against the Century. But that's entirely the point: this is for the utmost in passenger luxury and serenity, even down to looking plain to avoid unwanted attention. The vast majority wouldn't even look twice at one of Japan's most notable luxury vehicles.
Given its comparative rarity in its domestic market, it should come as little surprise that the Century is seldom seen in the UK - it's suggested that just a dozen are registered over here. However, the odd one does come up for sale, and here we have one on PH. As mentioned, it's an early Mk2 car, recently imported by the selling dealer and showing just 66,000 recorded miles over nearly a quarter of a century of use. They're clearly keen on the old bus, too, detailing some of the lesser-known equipment and obsessing over the quality. Certainly it looks in exceptional condition, from electric seat switch to Century centre cap, a perfectly preserved V12 time capsule like nothing else - and your nan would surely be proud of those net curtains.
For £10,000, then, it's hard not to picture a new life sauntering around in a Century. Let's hope the seller's claims of reasonable insurance under a classic policy and very good parts availability are accurate; because while various XJs, S-Classes and Bentleys are available for similar money, none will be quite the car (or the experience) of the Century. There really is nothing else like it.
SPECIFICATION | TOYOTA CENTURY
Engine: 4,996cc, V12
Transmission: 4-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 280@5,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 355@4,000rpm
MPG: Let's hope
CO2: Er...
First registered: 1997
Mileage: 66,000
Price new: 9,250,000 yen
Price now: £10,000
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