Pick of the Day: 1997 Toyota Century

The Pick of the Day is a 46K-kilometer 1997 Toyota Century listed by a Virginia dealership on ClassicCars.com. 

Enough time has passed that if you’re in almost any car that’s in good condition and of a certain age, you’ll stand out. Outside of an event such as the Future Collector Car Show, when was the last time you saw someone cruising around in a mint Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG or a pristine 1999 Buick Riviera? Maybe you have spotted one of those cars recently, but there’s a very good chance you haven’t been passed by a car like this 1997 Toyota Century.

Like the cars I mentioned, this Toyota has the same basic characteristics. It’s from yesteryear and its low-key black exterior appears to be in great shape. But it has an exclusivity those two can’t match. Toyota never officially sold the Century in the United States. Luckily, it’s been 25 years since this one was produced so it’s available through a dealership with a clear U.S. title.

Most importantly, it has a V12 under the hood. That’s significant in any other luxury sedan, but it’s historic in this car. The second-generation Century’s 5.0-liter 12-cylinder engine is the only V12 made in Japan. It generates 276 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque and delivers its power to the rear wheels through a less remarkable four-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, this executive transporter has all the trappings you’d expect to find in a car of its kind. Gray leather covers the seats. Black leather wraps around the steering wheel rim and shift knob. Glossy wood trim adds warmth and contrast. The first row features heated seats, an AM/FM/CD player with a six-disc changer, and onboard navigation (one thing not present is a Japanese translator for all of the buttons).

As cool as it must be to drive this Century or ride shotgun in it, the heated second row seems to have the best seat. Yes, seat – singular. Both rear passengers have access to an upright center console with a pair of HVAC vents, a small TV screen, and a space for the (missing) remote. The fold-down center armrest contains cup holders, controls for the stereo, and switches that slide and tilt the rear seats.

However, only the person sitting on the passenger side gets the VIP seat, provided there’s nobody sitting in front of them. If the seat in front of them is empty, the lucky passenger can lower the main panel in its backrest, thread their legs through the opening, and use that panel and the bottom of the front seat as the second half of their own in-car recliner.

As boss as this Toyota is, it doesn’t seem like its previous occupants enjoyed its luxuries for long. The odometer shows it only has 46,484 kilometers (28,883 miles) on it. If you want to indulge in what they’re missing, budget $32,222 for the privilege. Be prepared to set aside even more if you want travel in a Century the way successful professionals did: with a chauffeur.

Click here to view the listing for this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com.