Pick of the Day: 1997 Toyota Century

this Daily Selection This is a 1997 Toyota Century with 46K kms, sold by a dealer in Virginia on ClassicCars.com.

It’s been a long time since you’ve stood out in the crowd if you drive almost any car of a certain age in good condition. Outside of events like the Future Collector Car Show, when was the last time you saw someone driving around in a brand new Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG or a pristine 1999 Buick Riviera? Maybe you’ve seen one of those recently, but there’s a good chance you haven’t been outdone by a car like this 1997 Toyota Century.

Like the car I mentioned, this Toyota shares the same basic features. It’s a model from the past, and its understated black exterior looks to be in good condition. But it has a uniqueness that those two cars can’t match. Toyota never officially sold the Century in the United States. Fortunately, this car has been in production for 25 years, so it can be purchased through a dealer with clear American title.

Most importantly, it has a V12 engine. That would be a lot for any other luxury sedan, but it historic The second-generation Century’s 5.0-liter 12-cylinder engine is the only V12 built in Japan. It produces 276 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque, and sends power to the rear wheels through a less-than-spectacular four-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, this executive sedan has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a car in its class. The seats are wrapped in gray leather. The steering wheel rim and shift knob are wrapped in black leather. Glossy wood trim adds warmth and contrast. The first row has heated seats, an AM/FM/CD player with a six-disc changer, and an onboard navigation system (the only thing missing is a Japanese translator for all the buttons).

It must be cool to drive this Century or sit in the passenger seat, but the second row seats with heating function seem to be the best choice. Yes, seat – singular. Both rear passengers have access to an upright center console that features a pair of HVAC vents, a small TV screen, and space for the (missing) remote control. A foldable center armrest contains cupholders, stereo controls, and switches for sliding and reclining the rear seats.

However, only those sitting on the passenger side can get the VIP seat, provided there’s no one sitting in front of them. If the seat in front of them is empty, the lucky passenger can drop the main panel of the backrest, pass their legs through the opening, and use that panel and the bottom of the front seat as the other half of their own in-car recliner.

While this Toyota is luxurious, it seems the previous owner didn’t enjoy its luxury. The odometer shows it has only traveled 46,484 kilometers (28,883 miles). If you want to enjoy what they lack, budget $32,222. If you want to drive a Breitling like a successful professional, be prepared to spend more: chauffeured.

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