Toyota Century: Quiet Luxury

The Toyota Century continues to evolve with each new generation, solidifying its reputation as one of Japan's premier ultra-luxury sedans. Originally introduced in 1967 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Toyota's founder, Sakichi Toyoda, this vehicle has remained an icon of success and refinement for more than five decades. Although Japanese vehicles have continued to revolutionize the automotive industry, the Toyota Century will always be remembered as a vehicle ahead of its time, a triumphant success of Japanese craftsmanship. It will always be known as the car that offers luxury without flaunting wealth, providing its occupants with comfort, quietness, and an exclusive experience. This article will delve into the history, engineering, and features of the Toyota Century, while paying tribute to its legacy.

1. The Origins of the Toyota Century

The Toyota Century was introduced in 1967 as a direct homage to the founder of Toyota, Sakichi Toyoda, who was born in 1867. The name "Century" was chosen to commemorate his 100th birthday. Unlike many luxury cars that emphasize flamboyance, the Century has always stood for subtlety and sophistication, setting itself apart with a design that does not boast wealth but delivers a unique and prestigious experience.

The car quickly became the go-to vehicle for Japanese diplomats, executives, and royalty. Toyota's design was so ahead of its time at inception, that the first generation of the Century remained in production for 30 years, receiving only minor upgrades before the second generation was introduced in 1997. Even more remarkably, the Toyota Century has been manufactured exclusively in Japan, and exports have been limited, adding to its mystique.

2. Cutting Edge Technology

The Toyota Century has always been at the cutting edge of technology, offering features that were ahead of their time. Toyota, known for its technical prowess, outfitted the Century with an array of advanced features even in its earliest models. The second-generation Century continued this tradition, offering innovations such as air suspension for a smoother ride, massaging seats, and high-end audio systems.

Toyota's focus on luxury in the Century parallels its breakthroughs in other performance-oriented models. For instance, during the 1980s and 1990s, Toyota introduced engines like the 2JZ and the RB series, setting benchmarks for performance and reliability. These engineering advancements carried over to the Century, with its V12 engine showcasing Toyota's ability to produce powerful, refined, and reliable motors.

3. Second Generation (G50): The Silent Beast

In 1997, the Toyota Century saw its first significant redesign. It was during this period that the vehicle gained its iconic 5.0-liter V12 engine, making it the only front-engine, rear-wheel-drive V12 vehicle ever produced in Japan. The engine, known as the 1GZ-FE, was developed specifically for the Century and was never used in any other Toyota vehicle (more on this next). Despite the powerful V12 engine, the Century's true luxury comes from its silence and smoothness. The engine is meticulously engineered to operate with minimal noise, contributing to the car's zen atmosphere. This emphasis on a quiet ride underscores Toyota's vision for the Century: a luxury vehicle that serves its occupants easily rather than drawing attention to the road.

4. Engineering Precision: The 1GZ-FE V12 Engine

The second-generation Toyota Century is distinguished by its use of the 1GZ-FE V12 engine, a unique powertrain that underscores the vehicle's engineering focus on smoothness, reliability, and refined power delivery. As the only Japanese production car to ever feature a V12 engine, the Century occupies a special place in automotive history, with the 1GZ-FE being central to its technical identity.

The 1GZ-FE is a 4996 cc, naturally aspirated, 48-valve V12 engine that employs Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) technology. The VVT-i system optimizes the timing of the intake valves, allowing for more efficient combustion at various engine speeds. This feature enhances the engine’s ability to maintain a consistent balance between power output and fuel efficiency, a key design consideration for the Century, which prioritizes a smooth and quiet driving experience over high performance.

The engine produces 280 PS (approximately 276 horsepower) and 469 Nm of torque, with a focus on providing low-end torque to ensure fluid acceleration. These output figures are generally regarded as conservative, likely due to regulations that capped the horsepower of domestic vehicles in Japan at the time. While exact figures remain speculative, many automotive experts believe that the actual power output of the 1GZ-FE exceeds the official ratings, which were likely intentionally understated to comply with Japan’s Gentlemen’s Agreement on horsepower limits during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The 1GZ-FE employs a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design, with four valves per cylinder (48 valves in total). This configuration ensures precise air intake and exhaust flow, contributing to the engine's ability to deliver power in a linear, predictable manner. The compression ratio of the engine is set at 10.5:1, which is optimized for delivering power smoothly across the RPM range, without generating excessive noise or vibration—a critical requirement for the Century's focus on comfort and refinement.

One notable aspect of the 1GZ-FE is its specific tuning for quiet operation. Toyota employed various noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction strategies to ensure that the engine operates with minimal audible disruption, even under load. This includes the use of special dampers and soundproofing materials within the engine bay, as well as precision balancing of the engine internals to reduce vibration. As a result, the V12 operates with a level of quietness and smoothness that is rarely found in engines of this size.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission, which has been calibrated for seamless shifting and smooth power delivery. The transmission’s gear ratios are designed to optimize low-RPM torque, ensuring that the vehicle can accelerate from a standstill or cruise at highway speeds without any perceptible lag or harsh shifts. This transmission-engine pairing is integral to maintaining the Century's reputation for providing an exceptionally smooth ride.

For a brief period, an LPG variant of the 1GZ-FE was made available. This version of the engine, designed to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), produced lower power output compared to the petrol version but was intended to offer a cleaner alternative. However, due to limited demand, the LPG option was eventually phased out.

5. Smooth Sailing: The Importance of Comfortable Seats

As mentioned above, one of the defining aspects of the Toyota Century is its focus on passenger comfort, particularly with its seats. Unlike many high-end luxury cars that default to leather, the Century comes standard with wool cloth upholstery. This choice might seem unusual, but there’s a thoughtful reason behind it: wool is quieter than leather. The decision to use wool rather than leather emphasizes the car’s focus on the ultimate tranquil journey, as leather tends to creak and flex under pressure.

The seats themselves are generously sized, more akin to luxurious sofas than traditional car seats, as many an inspection during a car auction can attest to. They offer electronic adjustments to ensure maximum comfort. The rear seat is particularly well-equipped, with controls that allow the passenger to adjust the front seat for optimal legroom, footrests, and even reclining features. The overall experience is one of supreme comfort, almost as though the passengers are in a mobile living room rather than a car.

6. Passenger Convenience

The Toyota Century places great emphasis on ensuring that passengers have control over their environment. Rear passengers can control the HVAC system independently, ensuring they remain comfortable no matter the conditions outside. In addition, the Century features a discreetly hidden TV screen behind a fold-down panel adorned with the Century emblem. This screen allows passengers to follow the vehicle's navigation system or watch television or films. To enhance the audio experience, the car comes equipped with a nine-speaker sound system that provides high-quality audio throughout the cabin.

The attention to detail extends to the rear ventilation system, with additional air vents located above the TV screen for effective heating and cooling of rear-seat occupants. Every aspect of the Century’s interior is designed with the utmost care, prioritizing the comfort and experience of its passengers.

7. Tribute to the Toyoda Dynasty

With the recent passing of Shoichiro Toyoda, the son of Toyota’s founder, documenting the history of the Toyota Century is not just a look at automotive history, but a way to honor the legacy of the Toyoda family. Shoichiro Toyoda’s contributions to the company played a significant role in its growth into a global automotive powerhouse. The Century, dedicated to his father Sakichi Toyoda, remains a lasting symbol of the family’s dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Shoichiro Toyoda's passing is a reminder of the deep connection between Toyota’s history and the Century itself. The car reflects not only the company’s values but also the Toyoda family’s lasting influence on Japan’s automotive industry. The Century has remained the flagship vehicle in Toyota's lineup for over half a century, and its presence on the road is a showcase of the values of understated luxury and quality that the Toyoda family has championed for decades.

8. Cultural Impact and Exclusivity

One of the reasons the Toyota Century remains such a revered vehicle is its exclusivity. Exports have always been limited, and the vehicle remains a rare sight outside Japan. Even within Japan, the Century is most commonly associated with high-level government officials, diplomats, and executives. Its understated design and focus on passenger comfort make it the ideal choice for those who prefer quiet luxury over flashy displays of wealth.

This exclusivity is further reinforced by Toyota's decision to impose road taxes on private owners in Japan, making it more difficult for individuals to purchase the vehicle for personal use. As a result, owning a Century has become a status symbol, not because of its outward appearance but because of the quiet power and prestige it represents.

Conclusion

The Toyota Century is more than just a car—it is a symbol of understated luxury, exceptional engineering, and a deep respect for tradition. Since its introduction in 1967, the Century has remained a testament to the values of the Toyoda family and their dedication to producing the highest-quality vehicles. Its timeless design, groundbreaking technology, and focus on passenger comfort make it one of the most iconic luxury cars in automotive history.

As we look back on the legacy of Shoichiro Toyoda and the Toyoda family, it is clear that the Century embodies the best of what Toyota has to offer. It is a car that speaks softly but carries a big presence, offering an unmatched experience for those fortunate enough to sit behind its doors. The Toyota Century stands as a lasting tribute to the craftsmanship and innovation that have made Toyota one of the most respected names in the automotive world.