Toyota Century

Manufacturer	Toyota Motor Corporation
Production	1967–present
Class	Full-size luxury car
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout

The Toyota Century is a large four-door limousine produced mainly for the Japanese market, serving as Toyota's flagship car. Production of the Century began in 1967 and the model received only minor changes until a redesign in 1997. The Century derived its name from the 100th anniversary of the birth of Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries. The Century was available with only a V8 engine from its introduction in 1967 until a major redesign in 1997, and is now only available with a V12, an engine unique to the Century.

The Century is produced in limited numbers and is built in a "nearly hand-made" fashion. It is often used by royalty, the Prime Minister of Japan, senior government leaders, and high level executive businessmen. The Century is comparable in purpose to the Austin Princess/Daimler DS420, ZIS/ZIL, Chinese Red Flag, Rolls-Royce and Maybach limousines. The Toyota Century is equipped with the wing-mirrors actually mounted on the wings (fenders), characteristic of grand, older cars. The Century shares the role of flagship with the Toyota Crown Majesta with almost identical dimensions to the Century but with a more modern approach and appearance that appeals to younger buyers.

A special version, called the Toyota Century Royal, was produced for the Japanese Imperial Household, to be used by senior members of the imperial family, with the same purpose of the Bentley State Limousine presented to the British Royal Family. This special version has wool cloth upholstery, granite running board steps and Japanese rice paper headlining. Five vehicles were originally ordered, but due to the cost per vehicle, only four vehicles were built. This vehicle replaced the fleet of 30 year old Nissan Prince Royal limousines that were beginning to show their age, when one recently broke down in service. The Century Royal is exclusive to the Imperial Household.

The exterior styling of the Century has, with some modifications, remained unchanged since its introduction, primarily due to its perceived social status as the "preferred vehicle denoting conservative success". Its appearance is iconic in Asian countries, usually painted black. The closest Japanese competitor is the Nissan President, with a similar reputation, although during the 1960s and '70s, the high market positioning was also shared with the Mitsubishi Debonair.

First generation (1967–1997)

First generation

Production	1967–1997
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Engine	3.0L 3V V8 (1967-1973) 3.4L 4V-U V8 (1973-1982) 4.0L 5V-EU V8 (1982-1997)
Transmission	3-speed manual 4-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	112.2  in (2860  mm) 118.5  in (3010  mm) (L-Type)
Length	201.6  in (5120  mm) 207.5  in (5270  mm) (L-Type)
Width	74.4 in (1890 mm)
Height	57.1  in (1450 mm)
Curb weight	3885 lb (1760 kg)

The original Century was based on the 1964 Crown Eight, which featured the 2.6 L V8 Toyota 3V engine. The 1967 Century was equipped with an upgraded version of this engine, the 3.0 L 3V. 1973 saw the introduction of the 3.4 L 4V-U, and the engine was once again changed to the 4.0 L 5V-EU in 1982. Note that the 3V, 4V-U, and 5V-EU do not refer to the number of valves in the engine but simply denote model names in the Toyota V engine range. There is also an L-Type stretched version of the Century — length is 5,270 mm (207.5 in) with a wheelbase of 3,010 mm (118.5 in).

The first generation Century remained largely untouched during its impressively long 30-year production run, apart from minor cosmetic changes and engine upgrades.

A Toyota Century with a GT45 gas turbine and electric motor was shown as the Century gas turbine hybrid concept vehicle at the 1975 Tokyo Motor Show.

First generation changes

• 1973: Electromagnetic locks were changed, the tail lights were changed as well as the inclusion of front disc brakes.
• 1975: Standard manual transmission no longer offered.
• 1987: On D type. Transmission shifter moved from the column to the floor. Front bucket seats instead of bench seats.

Chassis codes

• VG20: 3.0 L 3V V8, 1967–1973
• VG21: 3.4 L 4V-U V8, 1973
• VG30: 3.4 L 4V-U V8, 1973–1977
• C-VG30: 1977
• E-VG35: 1978–1982
• VG40: 4.0 L 5V-EU V8, 1982–1997
• VG45: 4.0 L 5V-EU V8 (L-Type) 1990-1997

Second generation

Second generation

Production	1997–present
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Engine	5.0 L 1GZ-FE V12, 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp)
Transmission	5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase	3,025 mm (119.1 in)
Length	5,270 mm (207 in)
Width	1,890 mm (74 in)
Height	1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Curb weight	1,990 kg (4,400 lb)
Related	Toyota Century Royal

The Century received a complete redesign in 1997, although the new model was visually very similar to the old. This current model is powered by a 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) 5.0 L 1GZ-FE V12, initially with a 5-speed automatic, and then a 6-speed "intelligent" transmission. It also features air suspension. The Century remains the first and only Japanese front-engine, rear-wheel drive production car equipped with a V12.

The Century was Toyota's most luxurious model at its inception in 1967, and maintained this status throughout the 20th century. Today, it is positioned above the Lexus line-up, and remains the most luxurious and prestigious model to wear the Toyota badge. The Century is distinguished by different paint options than the rest of the Toyota line-up.

For model year 2006, G-BOOK was added to the list of standard features.

Like other cars in the top of the luxury class, the Century is designed with the rear passengers in mind. Hence, the rear seats recline and the front passenger seat has a fold-down center section so that a passenger in the back may stretch his feet forward. The rear seats are equipped with a massage system. The exterior door handles open the doors electrically since the sound of the door being opened mechanically is perceived as being "too obtrusive". The doors do not need to be closed directly, instead the door only needs to contact the latch, causing the door to pull itself completely closed electrically.

The vehicles' interiors are usually ordered in wool cloth, rather than the leather seen in many luxury cars; leather is not as quiet as cloth when sat upon. The vehicle can be ordered in any color the purchaser desires, however, they are usually medium brown, burgundy or royal blue inside, with black exterior paint. White lace curtains are usually installed in the rear window, instead of tinted windows, which are perceived to attract unwarranted attention. The passengers usually like to be seen in a Century, despite Asian tendencies for modesty.

The Century is priced at ¥11,445,000 (approximately US$100,000 as of 2009^[update]). In comparison, the base price for the full-size luxury 2008 Lexus LS 460 is approximately ¥10,000,000 (US$87,000), [1] with the LS 600h L at ¥15,000,000 (US$125,800).

Although the Century is not exported outside Japan in large numbers, it is used frequently by officials stationed in overseas Japanese offices.

In contrast to other luxurious cars (such as the Maybach or Rolls-Royce), the Century has not been positioned and marketed as a sign of wealth or excess. Marketing literature states roughly that, "the Century is acquired through persistent work, the kind that is done in a plain but formal suit."

Second generation changes

• 2005: 6-Speed Transmission.
• 2008: Digital television tuner standard.

Century   1982 Century   1997 Century rear   A Premium Century at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show

Chassis codes

• GZG50: 5.0 L 1GZ-FE V12