The Toyota Century, often referred to as “Japan’s Rolls-Royce,” is a symbol of prestige, tradition, and understated elegance. Known for its handcrafted details, powerful engine options, and VIP appeal, this luxury sedan is not a mass-market vehicle. Instead, it occupies a rarefied niche in the automotive world. Given its exclusivity, many automotive enthusiasts and affluent consumers who live outside Japan are naturally curious: where will Toyota Century be sold? In this detailed article, we’ll explore the historical and current sales strategies, the markets where the Century has been available, and whether it’s likely to return or expand its availability.
Introduction to the Toyota Century: A Legacy of Prestige
The Toyota Century is not your typical luxury car. Its lineage traces back to 1967 and was named in honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Toyota’s founder, Sakichi Toyoda. Designed with comfort, durability, and discreet opulence in mind, the Century is a low-volume, high-prestige vehicle that is traditionally manufactured at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji plant in Japan.
The most recent generation — the third — debuted in 2018 and features a silent, smooth 5.0-liter V12 engine, a long wheelbase, meticulous hand-crafted interiors, and advanced hybrid or traditional powertrain options (since the V12 was discontinued in 2022). Despite its luxurious credentials, the Century was historically targeted solely at Japanese consumers and government officials. Outside of Japan, however, its presence was sparse at best.
Historical Availability: Where Was the Toyota Century Previously Sold?
The Toyota Century has always been a domestic special. Historically, Toyota never made a major push to export the vehicle beyond its home market. However, limited exports did occur during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. In the early years:
- North America: A few early models found their way into private collections but were never officially offered through Toyota dealerships.
- United Kingdom: There were small import batches through grey market channels, but they were uncommon.
- Australia and New Zealand: Although Toyota was present, Century models were not officially imported, except as rare private imports.
- Middle East: Limited sales occurred in the 1970s and 1980s through diplomatic use and select diplomatic fleets.
Until very recently, the Century remained largely a domestic treasure — reserved for the Japanese elite. It was the car of choice for government dignitaries, high-profile business leaders, and VIP chauffeur services. Toyota’s approach was based on tradition and prestige rather than volume-based sales.
Current Sales Strategy: Is the Toyota Century Available Outside Japan?
As of 2024 and into 2025, the Toyota Century remains exclusive to the Japanese market. Toyota continues to follow a targeted sales strategy, producing the Century in limited numbers and maintaining its image as an ultra-exclusive, low-volume flagship.
Japan: The Core Market Featuring Strong Demand
The Century is primarily sold in Japan through a dedicated sales channel known as the Toyota Century Royal Saloon — a special dealership wing focusing on luxury and heritage vehicles. These vehicles are often hand-assembled and sold with extended waitlists, sometimes spanning months or years, particularly for custom or VIP-equipped models.
Toyota markets the Century to:
- Corporate executives
- Diplomats and officials
- Chauffeur-driven VIP services
- Cultural figures and celebrities
Where Else Will Toyota Century Be Sold? No Official International Channels
Despite its luxurious credentials and the rise in collector interest, Toyota has not officially expanded the Century into global markets such as the United States, Canada, Germany, China, or the UAE.
The Exception: Limited Import Opportunities via Grey Market Channels
Although not sold by Toyota internationally, there has been interest through private importers and luxury car collectors. Some Japanese-used Century models have made their way to car auctions in the U.S., Canada, and Europe through individual buyers or specialized import agencies. But these remain limited to:
- Vintage models (first or second generation)
- Highly-priced collector vehicles
- Custom conversions to meet local emission standards
What Markets Are Interested in Toyota Century Sales?
Certain markets around the world have shown an organic interest in Toyota’s Century, primarily due to its legacy and rarity.
North America – Growing Collector Interest
In the United States and Canada, Japanese classic car collectors and luxury car aficionados have increasingly recognized the Century as a unique combination of heritage and high-performance handcraftsmanship. Although Toyota does not export the current third-generation model (2018–present), a growing trend of imports from private buyers has emerged.
Key factors for growing interest include:
- The cult following of vintage Japanese luxury cars
- Discreet luxury appeal akin to Mercedes S-Class or BMW 7 Series
- Low-volume exclusivity and Japanese heritage
However, no official imports or sales programs have yet emerged.
Europe – A Market with Niche Appeal
In Europe, classic Toyotas (like the 2000GT) have long enjoyed collector status. The Century benefits from a similar heritage but faces practical roadblocks:
- Emission standards and right-hand drive configurations limit sales
- Small dealer networks showing limited interest
- Toyota’s own lack of marketing push for global Century sales
A few German and UK-based enthusiasts have imported older models for private collections, but nothing that suggests a commercial export plan is in motion.
Middle East and Asia-Pacific – Cultural and Economic Parallels
The Middle East, especially the UAE, is a premium luxury car hub. While Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Maybach, and high-end Lexus vehicles have significant presence, Toyota’s Century remains absent. However, due to its VIP status, it could have appeal among high-net-worth individuals seeking ultra-limited cars.
In Asia-Pacific regions such as:
- Hong Kong
- Taiwan
- South Korea
there has been curiosity, especially in markets where Japan still holds cultural sway. But again, no official sales or dealership partnerships support Century distribution outside Japan.
Why Doesn’t Toyota Sell the Century Internationally?
To answer the question, “Where will Toyota Century be sold?” it is essential to first ask, “Why isn’t it being sold more broadly?” Several strategic and practical reasons persist:
Heritage and Symbolism of the Century
The Century is not just a luxury sedan — it carries deep cultural and national symbolism within Japan. Toyota sees it as something closer to a heritage art form than a commercial export vehicle. It is a tribute to Japanese craftsmanship and Toyota’s legacy.
Low Volume Manufacturing
Toyota builds the Century in very low volumes — often under a few hundred annually. This handcrafted production approach allows extensive customization and detail, but also limits economies of scale. Exporting and building dealer support in multiple countries would require a significantly larger production volume.
Brand Strategy: Focus on Lexus Globally
Globally, Toyota steers luxury outside Japan through its premium division, Lexus. The flagship luxury vehicle abroad is the Lexus LS or upcoming flagship models. Toyota prefers not to compete with its own brand in international markets when it comes to ultra-luxury.
Regulatory and Certification Challenges
Meeting emissions standards (Euro 6 or U.S. emissions norms), along with the cost of homologation, makes exporting older models particularly expensive. Modern Centuries equipped with new-generation Toyota engines or hybrid systems are not typically built for global emissions compliance outside Japan.
Price and Market Fit
The Century, while not publicly listed with international pricing, reportedly costs over ¥15,000,000 (equivalent to around USD 100,000–120,000) in Japan. This puts it neck-and-neck with major luxury sedans globally — but without established brand presence for such a high-value proposition in markets unfamiliar with the name.
Will Toyota Ever Expand Century Sales Internationally?
This is perhaps the burning question many global car buyers and collectors want answered: “Where will Toyota Century be sold next?” While there is no formal announcement, certain trends suggest possibilities.
Export Potential Through the Toyota Century Royal Shop
Toyota maintains a special line of heritage vehicles and limited-run sedans through the Century Royal Shop in Tokyo. Some of these vehicles feature unique interior designs, VIP specifications, and even historical touches.
If Toyota wishes to explore international expansion, it may do so through a special export or concierge service for select overseas clients. But this would remain a premium niche, boutique-style channel, rather than mass retail expansion.
Potential Collector and Auction Expansion
Classic Century vehicles, particularly the 1990s and early 2000s “V12” variants, are gaining traction in global collector car auctions and vintage car events. This increased international profile may naturally lead to a growing demand in export markets.
However, no evidence yet suggests Toyota is capitalizing on this through official sales.
Special Projects and Concept Explorations from Toyota
Toyota has shown interest in offering exclusive or limited vehicles globally in the past, including special projects like:
- The Toyota Supra (collaboration with BMW)
- Gazoo Racing models (international availability)
- GR Yaris (global markets with modifications)
If a future Century hybrid or electric variant emerges, there is a chance it could be positioned as a limited-edition luxury special, sold in select global markets like:
- California and New York (U.S. luxury markets)
- Tokyo, Dubai, and London (VIP concierge networks)
- German executive mobility clients
Still, this remains speculation without confirmation from Toyota.
The Future of the Toyota Century: Beyond Japan
The question of “Where will Toyota Century be sold?” likely hinges on a few key developments:
Will an Electric Century Come?
Toyota has invested heavily in hybrid tech, but in recent years, the company has become more aggressive with EV development. A pure electric Century could attract global attention — especially from environmentally-conscious VIP buyers in countries like Norway, the Netherlands, and parts of North America.
An EV Century could carry a new image — not just heritage, but innovation. In that case, Toyota may feel incentivized to explore overseas sales.
Brand Re-positioning and Special Market Exports
If the Japanese luxury market grows more saturated, Toyota may investigate exporting the Century to other Japanese diasporas or markets with strong corporate customer ties. However, these would largely be private export deals, not Toyota-driven global commercial channels.
Markets That May Eventually See Century Sales:
- United States (limited through diplomatic/chauffeur networks)
- United Arab Emirates (VIP demand could justify limited imports)
- China (with a possible localized assembly option)
Conclusion: The Toyota Century’s Global Availability
The Toyota Century may soon begin appearing outside of Japan, but not through Toyota itself. As of today, the brand is not planning an international roll-out for the third-generation model. Instead, it remains fiercely rooted in its Japanese-only sales tradition, with only the possibility of boutique exports or private imports into key markets.
So, the answer to the question – where will Toyota Century be sold — is:
In 2025 and beyond, the Toyota Century will primarily be sold only in Japan — though some export models may appear in North America, Europe, UAE, and Japan-friendly Asian markets via auction, private importers, or VIP collectors.
While Toyota’s leadership has not publicly ruled out future global expansion, for now, the Toyota Century remains one of the world’s rarest, most exclusive sedans — available, as always, only by the will of Toyota and the hands that craft its legacy in Japan.
Stay tuned: the world of high luxury never stops transforming, and perhaps one day, a Century will roll through the streets of New York or Paris with quiet elegance — just as it has for decades through Tokyo.
Will the Toyota Century be sold outside of Japan?
The Toyota Century has historically been a Japan-only vehicle, primarily due to its cultural design elements and positioning as a premium luxury sedan catering specifically to the Japanese market. However, in recent years, Toyota has occasionally exported limited numbers of vehicles for special markets or through specific dealership channels. Although there has been no official announcement regarding widespread international sales, some reports suggest that select Century models may be made available through Toyota’s luxury export program or via special order in certain regions.
Private sellers and importers have also facilitated the movement of these vehicles into other countries, particularly among enthusiasts or collectors interested in rare Japanese automobiles. While such transactions are not conducted under official manufacturer distribution programs, they indicate a growing global curiosity toward the Century. It’s important to note, though, that importing the vehicle into other countries would likely involve compliance with local emission, safety, and regulatory standards, which can vary greatly by country.
In which countries is the Toyota Century currently available for sale?
The Toyota Century is currently sold only within Japan, where it enjoys a prestigious status as a symbol of luxury and tradition. Toyota markets the Century exclusively through its Netz dealership network, which specializes in more affordably priced and traditional models rather than the luxury Lexus lineup. Given its heritage and design tailored to Japanese tastes — including the use of materials and features that resonate with the domestic elite — it has not been part of Toyota’s regular export lineup.
That being said, there have been rare instances where the Century has appeared in other markets. These are typically limited to high-profile buyers or special orders through diplomatic or government channels. In addition, some international buyers have reached out to Japanese dealerships for bespoke builds, though these vehicles are not certified for public sale outside the country. Toyota has also hinted at a more global approach with hybrid and premium models, but so far, the Century remains primarily a domestic luxury offering.
Can I order a Toyota Century from Japan and have it shipped overseas?
Technically, it is possible to order a Toyota Century directly from Japan and arrange for its shipment overseas. However, this process is complex and often involves working with a Japanese dealership that can coordinate export details. Customers may need to pay all costs upfront, including the car itself, shipping, documentation, and customs clearance. Toyota’s standard distribution programs do not support general export orders for the Century, so buyers should generally do this through a private exporter or an online bidding and export company that deals in Japanese used cars.
Moreover, importing the Century into another country may require compliance with that country’s automotive importation laws, including necessary modifications to meet safety, emission, or right-hand drive regulations. Conversion to a left-hand drive may be necessary depending on the destination country, adding to the cost and time. Import taxes and legal documentation must also be taken into consideration before attempting such a purchase, making it a viable option only for collectors or individuals with a strong interest in the vehicle.
Is the Toyota Century sold in the United States, Canada, or Europe?
As of now, the Toyota Century is not sold officially in the United States, Canada, or Europe. These regions primarily receive vehicles from Toyota’s global lineup such as the Avalon, Camry, and certain hybrid models, as well as offerings from its luxury brand, Lexus. The Century has not been included in the standard distribution channel for these major markets, largely due to its niche appeal, right-hand drive configuration, and the vehicle’s positioning that overlaps with Lexus models in more global luxury environments.
However, there may be a small number of Century units in private collections across North America and Europe, brought in through independent import channels. These vehicles are exceptions rather than the norm and are often owned more for their collectible and cultural value than for regular transportation. Toyota does not promote or support Century exports to these areas, though the company has displayed prototypes or show cars at select international auto events to highlight its heritage and engineering.
Will the 2024 Toyota Century be available outside of Japan?
As of the latest available information, the 2024 Toyota Century has not been announced for general sale outside of Japan. The model remains a locally available luxury vehicle that reflects Japanese craftsmanship and design expectations, with the majority of its production earmarked exclusively for domestic buyers. The recent third-generation model launched in 2017 also followed this strategy, emphasizing its unique positioning as a car tailored to Japanese tradition rather than global automotive trends.
Toyota has not ruled out more exclusive opportunities for international buyers, but these would likely involve private arrangements rather than official dealership transactions. Potential buyers in other countries should explore importers specializing in Japanese luxury vehicles or contact Japanese Toyota dealerships directly for special order inquiries. However, due to emission certifications, compliance requirements, and logistical complexities, the Century will remain a rare sight outside Japan.
Are there any plans for Toyota to export the Century to China or other Asian countries?
Toyota’s current export plans do not include the Century for markets such as China, South Korea, or other Asian countries outside Japan. Despite strong luxury car demand in China — a market where Toyota is also expanding its Lexus brand — the Century’s appeal is deeply embedded in Japanese identity and specific traditions, making it less suited for broader regional distribution. Toyota views the Century as more of a domestic prestige asset, much like the Crown was in earlier decades before the brand repositioned part of its market focus into Lexus.
Nevertheless, there may be private importers and special collectors in Asia who bring in limited numbers of Century models from Japan. While this is not prohibited, it is not actively facilitated or supported by Toyota Motor Corporation. Interest in classic and rare Japanese cars is rising across parts of Asia, particularly in countries with strong automotive cultures, but buyers should still expect high costs and regulatory hurdles when attempting to import these vehicles from Japan.
Where can I buy a used Toyota Century internationally?
If you’re looking to buy a used Toyota Century internationally, your best bet would be to connect with private collectors or importers who specialize in high-end Japanese vehicles. These dealerships and collectors occasionally import Century sedans from Japan either through auction bidding or direct sales from Japanese owners. Websites that specialize in Japanese used cars or international shipping services such as BE FORWARD or CarExport Japan may also list Century models from time to time, though they are not commonly available.
Another option is to monitor international marketplaces such as eBay Motors or foreign car auction platforms, particularly those listing vehicles that have been imported for collectors. Keep in mind that importing a used Century will likely involve substantial fees, customs processing, and potential conversion requirements depending on the laws of the importing country. While availability remains extremely limited, there is a niche but consistent global interest in the Century, especially among luxury and heritage car enthusiasts pursuing rare and exclusive automobiles.