I had the opportunity to get one as a taxi when I was living and working in Tokyo, I was getting late to work and I waved at the first taxi I saw, and it was a Century. At first I didn’t care, but when I sat inside and felt how comfortable and quiet it was, it was an experience. I mentioned to the driver how nice the car was, asked what engine it had and he proudly said “a V12”. I was flabbergasted.
Yeah ... forget whole Britain ... they declared war on Germany and drag USA into the war when we start kicked their butt. Now their country is gone and half of Europe with it. Congratulate yourself.
@Dimitrius001 Your probably right. Although that car just screams "dictator". Some of the worst 3rd world leaders rode around in the Grosser, and I even think Elvis had one too.
I am 74 years old , I have had Toyota cars all my life, yes I do think older Toyotas are the best cars ever made, I really loved the video, God bless you.
As a 71yo retired mechanic who trained in the late 60s early, 70s . I can appreciate your enthusiasm for cars like this. I love watching your channel .😊
"The driver is a human being, so wear clean socks." I laughed so hard! 🤣 All that said, I would love to get a Century. Such a piece of elegance and beauty.
I recall the 1986 Toyota Century you reviewed. I had the honor to see it and get inside of it. That was an such an elite experience. The money is in the detail especially in the Japanese philosophy.
The Toyota Century is a luxury sedan that features a gold phoenix logo called the Hō'ō (鳳凰) or Fushichō (不死鳥) throughout the car. This logo is from Sinospheric mythology and represents the Imperial House of Japan. The logo is engraved by a craftsman and can take up to six weeks to complete. It depicts the bird's wings and feathers in motion against a backdrop of crowns in an infinite loop pattern.
One of my colleagues imported a 1997 Century. I had never seen one before, but when I did my homework, I soon realised I was looking at something more valuable than any Bentley or Rolls.
Your comment on the steering wheel brings a very important point for why you generally see used Century in great condition - most of them have chauffers, and in Japan they are usually "white glove" during service. Slacks and white gloves means little to no wear on the leather, wool and buttons 🙂. Same deal with the seat doilies - if I remember correctly, they are to protect the cloth from oils from your hair, as well as sun wear, and are supposed to be removed and washed regularly - my Crown Majesta had these, and they were great for protecting the interior (also wool, whuch I loved!).
@@ghzhammer Are you the owner of the Toyota Century 1999? That is awesome, you are so very lucky to have this beautiful automotive masterpiece! Enjoy it and take care!
@@JamaicanMeCrazy I talked to him about it. He wants to keep this one stock because it's excellent condition, but plans on getting another one in the future, in not-so-great condition, for a project.
@@Roddy_Zeh I was thinking of getting one for a project too. It sounds like an exotic with the muffler.. but the gas mileage is horrendous as it's a v12
@@JamaicanMeCrazy Actually, from what he told me...he talked to a female police officer friend of his and apparently the Century's fuel milage is the same as her Explorer Hybrid's. So, all in all, for a V12, it's surprisingly efficient. Probably more efficient than, let's say, an E38 BMW 750iL or a W140 [or even the pre-facelift W220] Mercedes-Benz S600.
Amazing car! I saw already one in the Toyota Collection in Cologne. The build quality of Toyota is so impressive. Here in Germany is only one Century with 53 thousand kilometers available at the moment. Greetings from Frankfurt
I've been studying the Century whenever the opportunity was presented via credible presenters and thought I knew all the important interior features. After watching this video I've realised what has been missed or not included, for example a VHS cassette player, a wired to car walkman styled cassette player and underneath view of car. Impeccable engineering. There's only one available on Autotrader UK and yes it's missing some features including items aforementioned. This review is comprehensively detailed.
Dude I thought there was something wrong with the paint until I realized I was seeing the shop floor reflected off the door, what a lovely car. The thought of a proper luxury car with Toyota build quality sets my boring little investor's heart aflutter.
Regarding your thoughts on the “C T” label, I would suggest that is a capital c in a font called “Old English” that was used before the printing press came along. All hand drawn of course. Would find it in older Bibles and documents- type set, of course. Also, I was in Japan in the early to mid ‘70’s and saw plenty of Toyotas and Datsuns running around that reminded me Detroits obsession with chrome trim that had no function other then “bling”! I really enjoy your channel and frankly it has made me buy two used 2018 Toyotas - absolutely no problems in 4 years. Also my first purchase of a “foreign “ label!
That car has its main feature is quality. The wheels are that size because they ride absolutely magnificent. That car is just unbelievably cool and just a piece of art
The old Toyotas just have a presence that modern stuff would be envious of. Older Celicas, Crowns etc. Just way ahead in comfort and engineering and understatedness. Classic.
This is a bucket list car for sure especially the V12, the V8's are nice but this one has the classic looks and that unique engine, great content as always CCN!
That would be awesome. If I'm not mistaken there were only a couple hundred made. It would be hard to come by one, but probably no better shop to work on it.
In dubai we have some left hand drive ( very very rare) and special order from dealer and the used one if you find one is very expensive The century looks like an old Toyota crown.. Beautiful ❤
These were used as Taxi Cabs when I was stationed in Japan back from 1998 to 2001. The cab driver was able to open the rear door with a switch and close it once we were in. They also used white gloves to drive the car.
I’m so thankful I saw your video this morning. I spotted a black Century just like the one you have outside Tokyo at lunch and was able to look it over real well. Beautiful car. Crazy rare. The back of the car/ C pillar reminds me of a Chevy Caprice Classic very much so.
I love how the fact all the wood trim came from the same tree, it shoes just how far they went for quality and detail. But that makes replacement parts a pain lol
While I've never seen one here in Canada, I knew about this amazing model although your video showed me stuff I didn't know about (thanks for the look underneath!). This is an example of why I love Toyota cars! Definitely a bucket list car but I need to win that lotto first! Who knows? A garage with an LFA and Century would be a dream come true.
Hey AMD, awesome video btw. I was just wondering if you would be able to do a video on how you organise bolts, clips and other various things while you tackle your jobs? I feel like this would be a MASSIVE help for some of us DIY mechanics at home who enjoy your videos. Thanks and keep up the good work.
I daily my 1997 century. It's an absolute dream to drive. I daily drive mine and have had it for about 1.5 years now and have put about 30k miles on it. I do all my own work in it. Had a few issues. Had two alternators to out. The first one I replaced and had it rebuilt, and the guy that rebuilt it messed up and had to do it again. And I had an oil control valve to bad. Other than that, the car has been great.
WOW what a review! Fantastique! there are 15 of these for sale in Carsales Australia for very reasonable prices, the best kept secret in Auto's are out of the bag now!
Its a giant Taxi... in Japan, those "doily" covers on the seats are in all the cabs. Subframe and rack looks the same as the LS400 - Probably the same parts. Same for exhaust and rear subframe.
I’ve always loved these cars. I remember seeing one of those for the first time in some Japanese movie years ago. I think it was a Yakuza boss’ car. The Century has understated elegance, but can look dignified and sinister at the same time. Beautiful car. Even the previous gen was very nice.
I had the opportunity to get one as a taxi when I was living and working in Tokyo, I was getting late to work and I waved at the first taxi I saw, and it was a Century. At first I didn’t care, but when I sat inside and felt how comfortable and quiet it was, it was an experience. I mentioned to the driver how nice the car was, asked what engine it had and he proudly said “a V12”. I was flabbergasted.
Outside of the Japanese, this is the best review of the Century that i have seen
I think Doug Demuro did a review on this car years ago.
@@Dragon_Gaming2020 he did, but this is better, his review convinced me to buy a Toyota Crown Signia
Forget Rolls Royce (I say this as a Brit). I'd take a Century any day. Truly the "best car in the world". Imho of course.
W140 Long V12 S600
Yeah ... forget whole Britain ... they declared war on Germany and drag USA into the war when we start kicked their butt. Now their country is gone and half of Europe with it. Congratulate yourself.
@@galatest7563
And let's not forget the W600 Grosser. I feel like it's the car from which Toyota drew its inspiration for the Century.
No matter from what Toyota draw a idea but they made the best cars, the cars that works and last long
@Dimitrius001 Your probably right. Although that car just screams "dictator". Some of the worst 3rd world leaders rode around in the Grosser, and I even think Elvis had one too.
I am 74 years old , I have had Toyota cars all my life, yes I do think older Toyotas are the best cars ever made, I really loved the video, God bless you.
As a 71yo retired mechanic who trained in the late 60s early, 70s . I can appreciate your enthusiasm for cars like this. I love watching your channel .😊
I saw the Century in the background in your last video, Ive been waiting for this video to drop!!
me too!
Me too.
I saw that too lol there’s this guy here my local area that has one
I saw one by me, but now that I see this one at TCCN, it may have been this one since I live minutes away from his shop.
I’ve never seen one of these personally. Whenever I hear ‘Century’, my mind goes straight to Buick 🤣
I remember seeing the car in the parking lot when my son and I were there to bring our LS430...It definitely stuck out in the parking lot
"The driver is a human being, so wear clean socks." I laughed so hard! 🤣 All that said, I would love to get a Century. Such a piece of elegance and beauty.
I can’t believe Toyota didn’t fashion matching wool socks for just that purpose!
It is. I rode in one once.
I recall the 1986 Toyota Century you reviewed. I had the honor to see it and get inside of it. That was an such an elite experience. The money is in the detail especially in the Japanese philosophy.
The Toyota Century is a luxury sedan that features a gold phoenix logo called the Hō'ō (鳳凰) or Fushichō (不死鳥) throughout the car. This logo is from Sinospheric mythology and represents the Imperial House of Japan. The logo is engraved by a craftsman and can take up to six weeks to complete. It depicts the bird's wings and feathers in motion against a backdrop of crowns in an infinite loop pattern.
One of my colleagues imported a 1997 Century. I had never seen one before, but when I did my homework, I soon realised I was looking at something more valuable than any Bentley or Rolls.
Your comment on the steering wheel brings a very important point for why you generally see used Century in great condition - most of them have chauffers, and in Japan they are usually "white glove" during service. Slacks and white gloves means little to no wear on the leather, wool and buttons 🙂. Same deal with the seat doilies - if I remember correctly, they are to protect the cloth from oils from your hair, as well as sun wear, and are supposed to be removed and washed regularly - my Crown Majesta had these, and they were great for protecting the interior (also wool, whuch I loved!).
Of all the mechanics in the world, I believe Ahmed is the most qualified to service this car.
The car is from Japan.
I was already tempted to drive up from Texas for the Meet Up in August to see the shop and the 600,000 mile car and now this!!! Beautiful car!!!
I will make sure it’s there :)
@@ghzhammer Are you the owner of the Toyota Century 1999? That is awesome, you are so very lucky to have this beautiful automotive masterpiece! Enjoy it and take care!
@@flamegaming760 I am tho he made a mistake it’s a 97 :p but it was late. I’m not following the full advice and I’m driving it everyday.
@@ghzhammerabsolutely most beautiful car - bravo!!
I came across this car year's ago and was blown away by it
Ahmed you are an absolute professional Japanese car expert, massive respect to you.
A friend bought one a few months ago. He's having a blast with it.
Tell him to put an exhaust on it and thank me later
@@JamaicanMeCrazy I talked to him about it. He wants to keep this one stock because it's excellent condition, but plans on getting another one in the future, in not-so-great condition, for a project.
@@Roddy_Zeh sweet
@@Roddy_Zeh I was thinking of getting one for a project too. It sounds like an exotic with the muffler.. but the gas mileage is horrendous as it's a v12
@@JamaicanMeCrazy Actually, from what he told me...he talked to a female police officer friend of his and apparently the Century's fuel milage is the same as her Explorer Hybrid's. So, all in all, for a V12, it's surprisingly efficient. Probably more efficient than, let's say, an E38 BMW 750iL or a W140 [or even the pre-facelift W220] Mercedes-Benz S600.
Nice to see the LS 430 making a cameo appearance in today's video, Amd! Great job, as always- I love the Century.
Amazing car! I saw already one in the Toyota Collection in Cologne.
The build quality of Toyota is so impressive. Here in Germany is only one Century with 53 thousand kilometers available at the moment.
Greetings from Frankfurt
I've been studying the Century whenever the opportunity was presented via credible presenters and thought I knew all the important interior features. After watching this video I've realised what has been missed or not included, for example a VHS cassette player, a wired to car walkman styled cassette player and underneath view of car. Impeccable engineering. There's only one available on Autotrader UK and yes it's missing some features including items aforementioned. This review is comprehensively detailed.
Dude I thought there was something wrong with the paint until I realized I was seeing the shop floor reflected off the door, what a lovely car. The thought of a proper luxury car with Toyota build quality sets my boring little investor's heart aflutter.
When I went to japan last year, I couldn't stop looking at these, they're huge and really fancy looking
HAPPY to see your review on the Century
thank you
Such a beautiful work of art. Perfect in every way. Makes me really love toyotas
My 1973 Toyota Corona wagon was excellent. It was 4 spd yet you were able to power shift it ...
A car fit for a KING the Toyota CENTURY . CROWNING Glory
Moreover, a car fit for the Emperor! This is the battleship Yamato of cars. RR, Bentley, etc. can not even touch it!
This car is a bank vault on wheels. What a masterpiece! 💯
A bank vault that rusts 😂 😂 😂
Superb! "You don't hear them run at all", though I'd have like to not hear it run. Very nice car.
Regarding your thoughts on the “C T” label, I would suggest that is a capital c in a font called “Old English” that was used before the printing press came along. All hand drawn of course. Would find it in older Bibles and documents- type set, of course. Also, I was in Japan in the early to mid ‘70’s and saw plenty of Toyotas and Datsuns running around that reminded me Detroits obsession with chrome trim that had no function other then “bling”! I really enjoy your channel and frankly it has made me buy two used 2018 Toyotas - absolutely no problems in 4 years. Also my first purchase of a “foreign “ label!
That car has its main feature is quality. The wheels are that size because they ride absolutely magnificent. That car is just unbelievably cool and just a piece of art
The old Toyotas just have a presence that modern stuff would be envious of. Older Celicas, Crowns etc. Just way ahead in comfort and engineering and understatedness. Classic.
This is a bucket list car for sure especially the V12, the V8's are nice but this one has the classic looks and that unique engine, great content as always CCN!
Thank you for going over this awesome car! I enjoyed every moment of this video! 👍👍
Awesome car! Thanks for enlightening me on such a great Toyota!
Excellent presentation. Thank you. Really, really enjoyed this one. I want one.
I would love to own that car. Thats excellence you’re looking at!!❤
I don't think I've ever seen a side loading VHS player before. Amazing.
The V12 sounds like that because it has perfect primary and secondary balance, much like the in-line 6.
Amazing how simple and elegant this is. Seems extremely reliable.
Simplicity is the signature of perfection.
I for one still enjoy my VCR in 2024 all the time. I've got like 7 CRTs also.
I still think the VCR was superior to the CD. I have trouble making out the audio with the CD’s for some reason.
@@steveengelbrecht7271 well CD was for audio not video.
Can't wait to see an LFA on your channel sometime, AMD
🙏🙏
That would be awesome. If I'm not mistaken there were only a couple hundred made. It would be hard to come by one, but probably no better shop to work on it.
@@Craig2142yeah agreed. But many still on the road with over 200k miles
I'll settle for the couple videos already made on the GR Corolla.
The best sounding engine… in the World!
I hope everyone enjoyed the car and I’ll be sure to bring it to the meetup in August.
Iv driven one and what an absolute pleasure it was to drive this beautiful car , it’s rolling on butter literally
Very handsome car with classic sedan styling. I love it.
Awesome! Reminds me of Mercedes in the mid to late 80s
In dubai we have some left hand drive ( very very rare) and special order from dealer and the used one if you find one is very expensive
The century looks like an old Toyota crown.. Beautiful ❤
These were used as Taxi Cabs when I was stationed in Japan back from 1998 to 2001. The cab driver was able to open the rear door with a switch and close it once we were in. They also used white gloves to drive the car.
Oh boy I'm excited for this one!
This car stopped me in my tracks on my daily bike ride!
Exercise can wait! 😂 AMD is dropping a video on the Toyota Century! 🥰🥰
@@tomc8115 lol no
In real life near his shop
I’m so thankful I saw your video this morning. I spotted a black Century just like the one you have outside Tokyo at lunch and was able to look it over real well. Beautiful car. Crazy rare. The back of the car/ C pillar reminds me of a Chevy Caprice Classic very much so.
Imported one in June this year to UK had it machine polished and ceramic coated
Mechanically it rolled off the boat with 0 issues at 187k Kms
How has the ownership been mate? I'm just about to get into one myself here in the UK, as my daily because why not!
Love how the curtains and covers have the TC all over
Peak Yakuza car
I’ve never heard of these. Thank you for sharing.
i love this car, LOVE IT.
built like a tank
a man's car
My No.1 dream car since I was young
I love how the fact all the wood trim came from the same tree, it shoes just how far they went for quality and detail. But that makes replacement parts a pain lol
I really enjoy my 1997 Century, picked mine up off of BAT, a couple minor issues, but nothing I can't fix.
You always learn something new from your cjannel, thank you! I'm looking forward to see a video of your hands working on that masterpiece.
Thank you for this beautiful century video, best explained ever.
I've read about these. They made extra, extra good, and last forever. Nothing, nothing on them ever breaks.
I used to put a honkin' Fram oil filter on 50 years ago. This looks bigger than the Fl-1A
Yes it does. I kept a stash of PH8As for my 289.
A stunningly beautiful vehicle. I wish current vehicles were built like this. Life would be much simpler. Have blessed day.
While I've never seen one here in Canada, I knew about this amazing model although your video showed me stuff I didn't know about (thanks for the look underneath!). This is an example of why I love Toyota cars! Definitely a bucket list car but I need to win that lotto first! Who knows? A garage with an LFA and Century would be a dream come true.
They are cheaper then you might think.
Hey AMD, awesome video btw. I was just wondering if you would be able to do a video on how you organise bolts, clips and other various things while you tackle your jobs? I feel like this would be a MASSIVE help for some of us DIY mechanics at home who enjoy your videos. Thanks and keep up the good work.
I saw one of these in person a few months ago. It had the lace on the seat and everything. Crazy.
Hello from south east asian islands! I love watching your channel.
I actually thought that your next project after the LS430 gonna be one of these, such a masterpiece
Super cool!!! A lot of LS 400 vibes on the interior too.
I daily my 1997 century. It's an absolute dream to drive. I daily drive mine and have had it for about 1.5 years now and have put about 30k miles on it. I do all my own work in it. Had a few issues. Had two alternators to out. The first one I replaced and had it rebuilt, and the guy that rebuilt it messed up and had to do it again. And I had an oil control valve to bad. Other than that, the car has been great.
A person is so blessed if you live next to this guys shop to take you’re vehicle.
What a beauty! Thanks for posting this.
I wish I had those chrome and brushed aluminum accents on my 2008 ES 350
Finally two legends meet 😮
Such a great vehicle.
Omg! I was wondering if you were going to review this icon! Thank you. I always feel privileged to see your presentations.
Magnificent, absolutely heads above anything ever dreamt of in this world
I've seen a hand full of this generation and the successor on vacation in Tokyo. Beautiful understated cars, true flagships.
I saw this thing last week in Columbia SC and it's a beast. If gas were cheaper it'd be my main vehicle.
Obviously you haven’t priced it out. If gas is to expensive for you, this car is WAY beyond your means.
Why is this Century from South Carolina? Or you saw another different car?
@@klwthe3rd The one in the video probably isn't, Japan Direct Motors has one.
@@ExiMaster No it doesn't. It has a Toyota Crown. That is a different vehicle.
@@klwthe3rd 🤦♂Sure dude, let's go with that
Really interesting. Thank you for sharing with us.
A reliable answer to the Benz 600? Or Rolls? TY ! Amd another great video
I swapped this engine in my 2001 gs300, love it!
I didn't know there would be a car that impressed AMD as much as the LC500 but here it is.
Imagine a toyota super car with a v12.
Best ❤️❤️ channel Ever
The bonnet (hood) badge is a letter C in Gothic style. 😀
WOW what a review! Fantastique! there are 15 of these for sale in Carsales Australia for very reasonable prices, the best kept secret in Auto's are out of the bag now!
Its a giant Taxi... in Japan, those "doily" covers on the seats are in all the cabs. Subframe and rack looks the same as the LS400 - Probably the same parts. Same for exhaust and rear subframe.
What a fantastic car .
I saw one at ToyotaFest in June. That V12 is 😍
Thank you, Aman! Great overview. I still think the LS430 (Toyota Celsior) behind you is the best.
Beautiful, appreciated car! Thank you AMD for all you bring us car enthusiasts!
I saw it in the background and was hoping we would get to see it. Really appreciate seeing this beauty. 😍
Wow it’s a true work of art!!! I hope to see one someday!!!
I was surprised to see that Amayama lists parts for it. They're surprisingly not crazy expensive - costs are in line with Lexus parts.
Great video. Always enjoy and God bless you.
Got heaps of them in new Zealand great vehicles
I’ve always loved these cars. I remember seeing one of those for the first time in some Japanese movie years ago. I think it was a Yakuza boss’ car. The Century has understated elegance, but can look dignified and sinister at the same time. Beautiful car. Even the previous gen was very nice.
Wow. 1.15M views in only 4 days!!!! Way to go Toy man!! Your videos are superior and more than just a car video
Those are beautiful cars. I saw them when I visited Japan.
The words he's looking for, understated elegance.