Century (1967 to 2017)

The Toyota Century, manufactured globally from 1967 until 2017 across its classic sedan generations, is the absolute pinnacle of Japanese automotive prestige, designed specifically for the Imperial House, government leaders, and captains of industry. While the first generation (1967–1997) was a masterpiece of V8 longevity, it was the second-generation G50 (1997–2017) that achieved legendary status as the only mass-produced Japanese car to ever feature a V12 engine—the whisper-quiet 5.0-litre 1GZ-FE. In the 2026 Australian market, the Century has transitioned from a quirky import curiosity into a high-status investment grade asset, with interest surging following recent reports that Toyota is considering launching Century as a standalone ultra-luxury brand locally to rival Rolls-Royce. The local buyer pool is a sophisticated mix of high-end collectors and "JDM royalty" enthusiasts who value the G50’s unique features, such as wool upholstery (preferred over leather for its silence) and the iconic "scuttle" pass-through for rear passengers to stretch their legs. Desirability has reached a fever pitch in 2026, especially for the post-2005 models equipped with the updated 6-speed automatic transmission, as these represent the final evolution of the V12 era before the nameplate switched to V8 hybrid power. Consequently, the market value of the G50 Century in Australia remains exceptionally strong; while high-kilometre imports are still available for dedicated fans, pristine examples with low mileage are now being hoarded by investors who recognise them as irreplaceable artifacts of Japan's peak engineering period.

The Toyota Century, manufactured globally from 1967 until 2017 across its classic sedan generations, is the absolute pinnacle of Japanese automotive prestige, designed specifically for the Imperial House, government leaders, and captains of industry. While the first generation (1967–1997) was a masterpiece of V8 longevity, it was the second-generation G50 (1997–2017) that achieved legendary status as the only mass-produced Japanese car to ever feature a V12 engine—the whisper-quiet 5.0-litre 1GZ… Read more