I'm buying the Japanese Rolls-Royce: the Toyota Century V12!

The Toyota Century is the Japanese equivalent of a Rolls-Royce. It's what the Japanese Prime Minster and even the Emperor are chauffeured in. The reason why I want one - the Toyota Century has a 5.0-litre V12. In fact it's the only V12 engine ever built in Japan. But there's more to the car than just it's engine. I's full-on quirky Japanese and has one of the best solutions for allowing the VIP in the rear to stretch their legs out.

[RaymondwLin]

My inner Japanese was screaming “take off your shoes!” When he put his foot through the seat.

[ThaboTshuma]

I'd be more terrified of a mafia boss stepping out of this than a mafia boss stepping out of a Phantom.

[joseardila]

I was having a hard time watching this a Matt touched everything. Ran his fingers through the paint, and pulled, prodded, pushed every part of the car. Watching his shoes as he climbed into the trunk and through the seat, I felt bad for the owner a he clearly takes meticulous care of this car. Beautiful car!

[s_alum]

I'm Japanese who moved to UK recently and love how people here loves our motor culture. Century is one of those cars that's pretty common around Tokyo and not something I would usually mind, but here even I think it is cool thanks to you and other motor journalists feature it. So thanks, hope you'll find nice one!

[ers]

You should document the buying/ import process and getting fully operational. A trip to Japan could be set against costs. Would make a good mini-series!

[KulebyakMaster]

I didn't watch the video yet, but i think James from Throttle House will definitely recommend you to buy this car!😂

[sclark]

Matt’s lack of restraint and care in handling this car would drive me crazy if it were mine. Clearly the owner takes the upmost care with everything while Matt jabs and prods everything like a child. I don’t think I would have let him inside even 😅

[emfraza]

The owner couldn't have chosen a more complimentary aftermarket wheel, I've never seen such a classy slammed and donked Japanese car in my life! Well done, Sir.

[johnnybacklund]

Spent 5 months in Japan last year for work, saw these everywhere and kind of fell in love with them, this and the Toyota Crown

[ftn]

Great thing about 1GZ-FE V12 is, it runs by separate computers per each bank so if one of the cylinder fails, it will shut down half of the bank and turn into straight 6

[martinogold]

I don't normally like modified cars, but those wheels really suit it. Love it!

[barcode]

I'm Japanese and I'm commenting from Japan.
GTR, LFA, NSX, and other sports cars make me proud as a Japanese.
But the Century is even better than that
Thank you for praising such a car
I'm very proud.
If you like, please review the latest Century too!
The fuel economy is really good😂

[car-spot-one]

These cars looks so smooth and I like to see that the owner take care of his car so well.

[mmrahman]

Really liked this particular century, especially with those wheels, they look spot on, and the way it looks when it reflects the sunlight just highlights the car even more.
Good idea to change the carpets to preserve the original, I do that with watch straps, lol.

[kristoffermangila]

Fun fact: these cars are handmade. And the tools of the bodywork guys (which are the best of the best of Toyota's bodywork guys) are bespoke, custom fitted for the individual worker.

[Nigel]

As a 2005 Lexus LS430 owner for the last 18 years - it was amazing to see how many parts and controls are shared with the Century. The sun visor over the rear view mirror for example and the pull handle in the boot - straight swaps! My latest LS430 which I’ve owned since 2012 is now 102, 000 miles and as smooth as ever and everything works!

[AaronRandolphChen]

Wow that V12 is so smooth and quiet. I would never have guessed it could hit 60 mph in less than 8 seconds, either! I wonder how much it weighs!

[ninjalawbreaker]

The owner is such a lovely fella, so polite, I might have thrown you out of my car

[ConwayT]

Amazing car, if maintenance is done right you have no worries to buy one even with 400.000kms on it. Just like a LS400 or 430

[AnthonyMcPhee]

While the leather is nice, a "proper" Century has wool seats!

I love this car and am keen to see your videos after you import one.