2002 Toyota Century V12 (GZG50)
VIN: GZG50-0005664
Mileage: 181,077km (Dec 27, 2024)
For Sale in Calgary, AB $30,000
Lawrence Romanosky, Lromanosky@me.com, 403-607-8625
The Century badge on the bonnet and trunk lid is hand carved and depicts the Golden Phoenix - the symbol from Japanese mythology which represents the Imperial House Of Japan.
SPECIFICAITONS
|
Color code: 6N9 |
Trim code: FA80 |
Manufacture date: 2002.05 |
Daigo (great enlightenment) Wealthy Green Mica (also called Ebony Teal) with Blue-Grey Wool Jacquard Cloth
Dual EMV: Dual Multi-Media screens with TV, Navigation and Text Multiplexing
Engine
Model – 1GZFE V12 Cylinder
Total Displacement – 4996cc
Compression Ratio – 10.5
Maximum Output KW/PS/RPM - 206KW 280PS/ 5200rpm
Maximum Torque KW/KGM/RPM - 480NM/49KGM/4000rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity 95L
ABOUT THE TOYOTA CENTURY
"Since its birth, numerous technological innovations and the depth of its unique maturity, there is one car that has built an unparalleled footprint. This is literally Toyota's most luxurious car, the Century." - Toyota
First launched in 1967 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Toyota founder Sakichi Toyoda, the Century has been praised by executives in many fields as one of the most distinguished automobiles in Japan's history.
The 'G50' Toyota Century is a large formal sedan that was marketed to corporations and governments to transport Heads-Of-State, senior Executives and the Japanese Imperial Family. Optimized for the comfort of the rear passengers, it was the highest quality, best engineered car Toyota could make. Visually almost completely unchanged from 1967 to 2017, the Century was updated with revised engines and interior amenities throughout the years. For 2007 the Century got its most significant change with the addition of a 5.0L V12 engine replacing the 4.0L V8's that had been used previously. This remains Japan's only production V12 engine, and it was only used in the Century. The third generation Century used a Lexus hybrid V8 powertrain.
About 9,500 V12 Centuries were produced over nearly a 20 year production run. Porsche made about that many 993 Twin Turbos in 3 years, and 20,000 Mercedes-Benz 500e/E500's in 4 years by comparison. Perhaps only the Mercedes-Benz 600, in which 2,677 were built from 1963 to 1981, is more exclusive.
Toyota can build a Camry from stamping the panels to driving the car out of the factory in 22 hours. It takes a team of 43 skilled craftsman a full 9 days to build a Century. Only 2% of the work is automated. There are 7 layers of paint and the car is wet-sanded under running water 3 times before polishing. The chrome bumper takes 1.5 hours of polishing alone to get the required finish. A production book is kept for each car containing signatures from the various production specialists.
This is a single purpose car in the same way a Porsche GT3 RS is single focus; but instead of being made for the track, the Century is made to transport the rear passengers with utmost grace and comfort. Toyota engineers and craftsman approached this goal with unique singularity.
The owner's manual refers to the drivers's seat, the assistant's seat (front LHS), and then the seats in the rear for the owners. The rear doors and trunk are self closing.
"A formal saloon that we can be proud of around the world, we strive for 'elegance and peace of mind' above all else. Carrying our desire for "harmonious growth" that we would like to further deepen. Together with our passengers, we will continue to follow the path that Japan should take." - Toyota
The window frames are polished aluminum and designed to look like a picture frame, to make the rear occupants look dignified. The sills in the rear are stepped down offering a flat floor, making it easy for ladies in Kimonos to enter and exit. The C pillar is broad and polished to a mirror shine, so it can double as a mirror so the occupants can adjust their ties or make up before facing the crowds. There are generous grab handles on the backs of the seats and above the door to make ingress and egress as dignified as possible.
"A We look forward to your continued patronage. Sharpen your mind towards Japanese aesthetic sense. From there, a beauty connected to tradition was born." -Toyota
The rear seating area is lavishly equipped as you would expect. With the push of a button, the rear seats slide out into lounge chairs, the headrests rotate and move up and down electrically, and a manual pass through in the passenger seat back allows the rear lhs passenger to stick his legs through to the front, making something of a bed. All four seats are heated and the rears have a massage function. There are dimmer switches on the overhead lights, separate vanity mirrors and a bank of ventilation vents built into the headliner. A long shoe horn lives in the base of the B piller. An Ostrich feather duster lives in the trunk.
There are buttons everywhere. The rear passengers can control the LHS front seat from the rear central panel. Also there are controls for the rear auxilliary A/C and climate control. There is a button for a dictaphone and a Century branded Sony Walkman lives in the center console. A remote control operates one of the 'Dual EMV' screens which can display audio or navigation, and also play the optional VHS machine. The 6-CD cartridge lives in the front glove box, in front of the 'assistant's' seat, which was designed to that the occupant could easily give attention to the rear occupants. There is a sophisticated air filtration system with a electronic negative ion filter.
The interior can be spec'd in leather or the preferred wool Jacqard that is quieter than the leather as well as less affected by temperature. There is very little plastic. The wood trim is highly polished with great attention to matching grain. Aluminum panels surround the door handles.
"The Century embodies the elegance and friendliness befitting a formal saloon that represents a form that is in harmony with modern society. In the hearts of Japanese people, who have always viewed it as something beautiful." - Toyota
The powertrain is exceptionally smooth. The 5.0L V12 engine is all but inaudible, but holding the car in gear and getting the revs above 3,000 rpm reveals a sophisticated V12 growl. Without the 5 mufflers the V12 engine can sound like an F1 car as a few Youtubers have demonstrated. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_sxZmdg1vM&t=487s The engine is relatively efficient using Toyota's VVTI variable valve technology. This Century delivered fuel consumption of about 11L/100km for a trip from Vancouver to Calgary. The 4 speed automatic gearbox is unobtrusive and the engine has enough torque not to require a downshift for most passing maneuvers.
The Century rides on computer controlled air suspension with 'Skyhook' logic governing the damping functions. Self-levelling allows for the vehicle to maintain the correct attitude relative to the road. Tires are generous with their sidewalls (P225-70-16) have have a tread pattern optimized for quietness.
"The shape of the Century has continued to speak to those who ride in it. This is our belief in shaping each car with a pure, dignified, rock-like attitude. By connecting that belief with the feelings of those who ride through Century's appearance, Century history has been created and a long tradition has been built. What is irreplaceable, what we want to cherish, and what we want to leave behind for the future lies deep within the shapes that have withstood the winds and snows of time. Deepening your feelings for people, increasing your desire for cars, and expanding your role in society. That do you see and what can you entrust with Century's appearance? Along with the future of Japan, This car will continue to watch over this country and its leaders forever." - Toyota
The Century stands as a testament to Toyota's and Japan's automobile manufacturing capability. It can certainly lay claim to 'The Best Car In The World" if quality and engineering are measured. It is unique in that it shows us the unique Japanese qualities of thoughtfulness and restraint that are translated into an executive automobile.
ABOUT THIS TOYOTA CENTURY
The records on this Century start with the JDM auction report at 167,400km where it was auctioned in Japan and imported into Canada. It received a Japanese auction grade of 3.5 with 'B' grade interior - a top grading for a vehicle with this mileage. It was first registered to a BC Lawyer in April 2023, and sold to Lawrence Romanosky in April 2024 with 176,412 km. An Out-Of-Province inspection was carried out by Henninger Toyota in May 2024 at 178,904km. Henninger replaced the front ball joints, tie rod ends, front lower control arms, rear brake rotors and pads, aligned the car, and replaced the hood struts at a cost of $3,952. Engine oil filter and air filter were replaced by the owner, and 10w30 oil was renewed as well as the wiper blades. In Dec 2024, at just over 180,000km, the car was given a transmission service (fluid and filter) along with a new battery. The car was also treated to a 3-stage polish and wax at this time.
A Youtube video on the AutomotivePress channel featured this car in July 2023, which is where the current owner saw it, tracked the car down and purchased it.
This video predates me buying the car - I found the video then tracked down the car and bought it from the Vancouver owner. I then moved it to Calgary.
The overall presentation of this Century is excellent. It appears to wear mostly all original paint, though there has been some paint blown in on the tops of the front fenders where the Japanese spec wing mirrors were once mounted. Paint depth on both sides of the car, the bonnet and roof are in the 180micon range, and the trunk lid is in the low 200micron range (see YouTube video for detailed readings). There are a few marks on the front and rear bumpers, but all the body panels are dent and scratch free and show a mirror-like finish. The alloy wheels are un-curbed though show very light corrosion.
The paint colour, Daigo Wealthy Green Mica (6N9), is one of the rarest colours for a GZG50 Century, with only 343 examples produced - over half the production run of 9,357 was straight black, and another 2337 were dark blue. There were only five interiors options; three wool (Grey, Grey-Blue, and Orchid) and two leather (Grey, Orchid). The Daigo Gree/Blue-Grey is likely one of the rarest, and one of the nicest, combinations.
The wool jacquard interior remains in beautiful condition, and all electrical accesories function correctly. It has an aftermarket rear view camera, which is the only modification from stock. The remote control for the 'Dual EMV' screens and the Century branded Sony Walkman are present. There are no rips, tears, burns, stains or scratches on any of the interior trim pieces.
The overall mechanical condition of the car is excellent and it starts, idles, runs and drives beautifully. The air suspension operates correctly and the car does not sag when left, even for extended periods. All of the electrical accessories function correctly, apart from the rear passenger door self closure which doesn't work. The undercarriage is clean and corrosion free. The steering rack was noted to be leaking though fluid loss is minimal. The valve covers were also noted to have some slight seepage. The tires have 50% tread, and exhibit no dry cracking, though they are older.
The undercarriage is very clean and corrosion free. The underbody panels, and their fasteners are all undamaged and intact. The vehicle has never been driven on salted roads.
This in an opportunity to get a Canadian registered, well sorted and documented Century that is ready to be driven an enjoyed. It is an excellent example in a rare colour combination, that retains most of its original finishes, with only the tops of the front fenders showing any signs of paintwork where the front wing mirrors were removed.
For Sale in Calgary, AB $30,000
Lawrence Romanosky, Lromanosky@me.com, 403-607-8625
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