Toyota Century

Toyota Century: A Symbol of Japanese Luxury and Heritage
The Toyota Century is a flagship luxury sedan that epitomizes Japanese craftsmanship and elegance. Named in honor of Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries, the Century was introduced in 1967 to commemorate his 100th birthday. This prestigious vehicle is often used by the Japanese Prime Minister, the Imperial Palace, key government officials, and top business executives1.

Historical Significance and Comparisons
The Century is comparable to other luxury limousines such as the Austin Princess/Daimler DS420, Cadillac Series 70, Mercedes-Benz 600 series, Chinese Hongqi, Rolls-Royce, and Russian ZIS/ZIL limousines. It serves as a symbol of conservative prosperity and is often painted black, making it a recognizable icon across Asia1.

Engine and Powertrain Evolution
The first-generation Century, produced until 1997, was the first post-war Japanese-built sedan to feature a V8 engine. The second generation, introduced in 1997, was powered exclusively by a bespoke V12 engine until 2018, when Toyota's hybrid technology led to a return to a V8 powertrain1.

Exclusive Availability and Design
The Century is a full-size premium luxury sedan available only at specific Toyota Store locations and is not offered at Japanese Lexus dealerships. The vehicle features the golden phoenix emblem, known as the Hō'ō or Fushichō from Sinospheric mythology, representing the Imperial House of Japan1. This emblem can be seen throughout Asia, including at the Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto.

Timeless Design and Competitors
The exterior styling of the Century has remained largely unchanged since its introduction, with only minor revisions over the years. This consistency in design underscores its status as a symbol of conservative success. The Century's closest Japanese competitor is the Nissan President, which shares a similar reputation1. Other competitors in the 1970s included the Isuzu Statesman de Ville and the Mazda Roadpacer, both of which were short-lived.

Recent Developments
In 2023, Toyota introduced an SUV version of the Century, expanding its lineup and continuing its legacy of luxury and innovation.

For more information about the Toyota Century, you can visit the official Toyota Century website.
https://global.toyota/en/mobility/toyota-brand/gallery/century.html

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