TOYOTA CENTURY

You are unlikely to see another one of these on the roads, and in fact very few onlookers will even have a clue what it is, for this is a Toyota Century V12, the flagship of the Toyota range (above Lexus) and only sold new in Japan. The Century is the Toyota "Rolls-Royce" and the car of choice for the Imperial House of Japan, the prime minister and CEOs. The car is fitted with a 5.0 V12 engine producing just shy of 300bhp designed for ultimate refinement and silence rather than outright power, and to this day remains the only V12 Japanese production car.

The Century was introduced in 1967 and the model remained largely unchanged until 1997 when the second generation (G50) Century was introduced, of which this is one of the first. The build quality is quite unlike any other Japanese car, the quality of materials and overall fit and finish is exceptional. The Century is very much designed with passengers in mind - the rear seats electrically recline, offer a massage function, whilst the rear passenger can even stretch out their legs through a fold down lid in the front passenger seat if they wish to have a rest! There is also a remote control, a "Century" walkman that acts as a dictaphone, as well as rear stereo controls, lace curtains (tinted windows are thought to attract unwarranted attention in Japan) and climate control for the rear seat passengers. The interior is trimmed in 100% new wool rather than leather (which was also available if desired) as wool keeps a more even temperature and is also quieter than leather when sat upon - this is perhaps the quietest vehicle I have ever driven - the engine is virtually silent.

This example has recently been imported by us direct from Japan and has covered 110,811 kms from new (68,854 miles), and has been MOT'd, registered with the DVLA, and now wears UK registration plates. The condition of the vehicle is truly exceptional throughout and needs to be seen to appreciated - it is hard to believe the car is 23 years old. Insurance should be very reasonable under a classic policy and parts availability is very good. A car you are unlikely to see another of and certainly a talking point wherever you go!