Toyota Century. Super rare Japanese market limousine. Only a handful in the USA!

1991 Toyota Century

VIN: VG40012335

4.0L 5V-EU V8 motor

123,xxx KM (~76K miles)

Legally imported under 25 year old EPA exemption.

The Toyota Century began limited production in 1967 and continues today. This 1991 (VG40 chassis designation) model is a first generation example, which continued until 1997. The motor is an all aluminum, hemi headed V8 that was only available in the Century and was co-developed by Toyota and Yamaha. The Century was primarily used by dignitaries, heads of state, and the very wealthy, but was never imported to the U.S.A.

Meant to be chauffeured, most of the luxury is focused on the rear passengers. This example has power reclining, heated and massaging rear seats, as well as a pass though in the front passenger seat for the rear passenger to put their feet up. The front passenger headrest can also be tilted down for the "dignitary" to oversee the path the driver has selected. It also features an infrared remote control for the audio, separate rear climate control, a tape recorder hidden in the rear arm rest, and a refrigerated compartment in the rear package tray.

The interior is finished in wool, which in Japan is considered much more luxurious than leather due to the warmth and silence of the material. Included with the vehicle is an authentic set of hand-embroidered doily seat covers with the century logo, owners manuals and both hand-engraved keys. Other advanced features on this vehicle include adjustable auto-dipping high beams, cruise control, micro-processed climate control with osculating vents and power windows/triangle windows... all of which function as they should.

This Century was recently featured in the August 2019 issue of Motor Trend magazine. One copy of the issue will be included in the sale.

The only modifications from the factory are the window tinting, second generation Century (GZG50) alloy wheels using proper hub-centric H&R spacers for correct fitment, and the fender flags. The factory Radio is still installed... so not many US stations are able to be received.... but but it functions and is original to the vehicle. There is no rust and the car carries a clean South Dakota title. (check your local smog laws for registration limitations) Recent services include oil and coolant exchange, front steering stabilizer and a new battery.

The left front fender, left front shock absorber and front bumper have been replaced with high quality used parts imported from Japan, following a minor incident in 2017. Photos of the damage incurred at that time are available. The known issues with the vehicle are as follows:

-AC. An refrigerant leak due to an o ring on a schraeder valve (that has been fixed) was discovered. Due to the volume of r12 needed the AC does not currently blow cold. The choice to invest into retrofitting the system to r134 or source the proper r12 to recharge will be left to the buyer.

-Hood shocks are worn and do not hold the hood as they should all the time.

-Underhood insulation is beginning to deteriorate.

-2.5" long, very shallow dent on the lower "drivers" side rear 1/4. It its VERY difficult to photograph.

There is so much more about this amazing vehicle, and only so much can be put onto paper. It attracts attention everywhere it goes like so few cars can. Please feel free to ask any questions prior to bidding. The only reason for selling is making room for a new project. Please make note the car is used on a semi-regular basis, and the mileage will go up through the course of the auction. Buyer is responsible for any shipping costs.

Walk around and short drive video can be found here:

https://youtu.be/NFDTsk_dL0o