- A Toyota Century V12 was recently auctioned off in the US for a low price.
- With air suspension and unique appointments, this sedan is a rare gem.
- A special variant of this model served as the official state car of Japan’s Emperor.
When you think of used cars over 20 years old with a V12 engine, you probably don’t imagine them being bargains. They tend to fall into the “niche” category, often with more quirks than practical value. That’s what makes this car, the Toyota Century, such an intriguing choice. It matches that description, but might be one of the best buys out there. Someone just picked up this example for the price of a used Corolla.
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While Toyota didn’t go out of its way to make the Century a household name, they certainly made it a standout. Too bad it was never officially sold over here in the States.
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The second-generation Toyota Century, codenamed G50, was offered with a V8, but the true crown jewel is the V12-powered version, producing 276 hp and 355 lb-ft on paper, but likely more in reality. This was Toyota’s first-ever V12. The ultimate iteration boasts a four-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with this particular example clocking in at around 96,000 miles (154,500 km) on the odometer.
If you’re a fan of the Lexus LS400, this car outperforms it on paper in nearly every way. Remarkably, it remained in production for 21 years before being replaced.
Overbuilt Luxury for the Long Haul
It’s a famously overbuilt car with appointments that still seem luxurious today. Take, for example, the heated, power-adjustable rear seats. That combo is rare even now. Oh, and on top of that, they have a built-in massage function. Toyota itself hasn’t really matched that in decades. In addition, it has an air-suspension system, flip-down cup holders for the second row with an entertainment system, a remote, and even an integrated phone.
The front passenger seat has a function where the center of the backrest folds forward. Why do that? So that when the front seat is empty, the rear seat occupant can stretch out their legs into the front row. This really is a very special glimpse of classic luxury that still stands tall today.
Finally, let’s note that there’s more to this car than just some old-school luxury, a unique V12 engine, and timeless good looks. On top of all that, this is a genuine JDM icon and even more special since it’s very rare in the USA.
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Sure, the new owner is going to get lots of attention should they go to a car show or cars and coffee, but they’ll turn heads on the road too. Few people in the US have seen this kind of car. Nobody can say that about a Corolla or just about anything else you’d get for this kind of cash.
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#Luxurious #Japanese #V12 #Sedan #Price #Corolla
