For decades, the Toyota Century has remained an enigma to most luxury car enthusiasts outside of Japan. Revered in its home country for its understated elegance and refined engineering, the Century has been the official transport of Japanese prime ministers, corporate leaders, and even the royal family. While it’s a symbol of status in Asia, the question remains: Can I buy a Toyota Century in the US? This article explores the history, design, availability, and methods of acquiring the elusive Toyota Century in the United States, while also examining the reasons behind its limited global rollout.
Understanding the Legacy of the Toyota Century
The Toyota Century dates back to 1967, born as a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the birth of Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries. Designed with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, comfort, and quiet sophistication, the Century has remained a symbol of Japanese automotive heritage.
Design Philosophy: The Art of Subtlety
One key feature of the Toyota Century is its deliberate lack of branding. Unlike many flagship vehicles from other automakers, the Century bears only limited badging — no Toyota logo appears on the front or rear of the car. Japanese designers aimed for “shibui” — a concept in Japanese aesthetics that emphasizes subtle beauty and refined simplicity. This understated design philosophy is part of what makes the Century so iconic in Japan — but also a challenge to market globally.
Engine and Performance
The second-generation Toyota Century, launched in 1997 and in production until 2017, was powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V12 engine — a rarity in the modern automotive world. The latest third-generation model, introduced in 2018, switched to a more sustainable hybrid V6 powertrain. Known for its serenely smooth operation and whisper-quiet ride, the Century’s performance is tailored for comfort rather than speed, aligning with its intended use by dignitaries and high-profile professionals in Japan.
Why Toyota Century Isn’t Sold in the US
Understanding why the Toyota Century isn’t officially marketed in the United States requires a look into consumer demands, regulatory environments, and brand positioning.
Market Demand and Consumer Preferences
The American luxury sedan market has traditionally leaned toward high-performance sedans from brands such as Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac, and Lexus. While Japanese buyers value quiet interior refinement and ride quality, U.S. consumers often prioritize features like horsepower, technology integrations, and brand recognition — areas where the Century doesn’t boast significant advantages. There has simply never been a large enough market in the U.S. to justify official importation and marketing of the Century.
Regulatory and Certification Challenges
Every vehicle sold in the United States must meet stringent safety, emissions, and fuel economy standards. Since the Century wasn’t originally designed with American crash and emission tests in mind, Toyota would have to invest heavily in re-engineering and certification. There’s also the challenge of meeting NHTSA crash test criteria and EPA fuel economy ratings — hurdles not easily overcome for a low-volume luxury sedan.
The Cost of Redesign
Even if there were demand, bringing the Century to U.S. showrooms would entail modifying the car for right-hand to left-hand drive, adjusting suspension for American roads, and conforming to specific bumper and crash test standards. These changes would significantly increase the car’s retail price, making it less marketable.
Branding and Market Strategy
Toyota already has a luxury division — Lexus — which handles the brand’s premium market. The Century, being a niche vehicle in Japan, does not fit neatly into Toyota’s global branding strategy. Launching it internationally might confuse consumers, compete with Lexus offerings, or even devalue the Century’s unique cultural significance in the Japanese market.
How to Legally Import a Toyota Century into the United States
While Toyota doesn’t sell the Century in the U.S., it is possible to import one through specific federal and state regulations.
Eligibility Under the 25-Year Rule
Thanks to the 25-year import law enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation, vehicles not originally sold in the U.S. can be legally imported if they are at least 25 years old. This means any used Toyota Century imported from Japan that was manufactured before 1998 can legally enter the American market, provided it clears customs and federal emissions standards.
Importing Through NHTSA and EPA Compliance
For vehicles younger than 25 years, importing them legally requires compliance with NHTSA safety standards and EPA emissions regulations. This often involves a costly conformity process, where modifications must be made to the vehicle by a certified entity like a Registered Importer (RI). These conforming imports are rare for low-volume cars like the Century due to financial viability.
Real-World Cases of Century Imports
There have been isolated cases of Toyota Centuries being imported into the U.S. under the older-vehicle exception, usually through specialized import companies or individual collectors. Some of these vehicles now circulate in the collector car market, often in states like California where Japanese domestic vehicles (JDMs) are highly sought after by automotive enthusiasts.
Purchasing a Toyota Century: Practical Steps
If you’re serious about buying a Toyota Century in the U.S., here are actionable steps to make it happen, along with the considerations you must take into account before diving in.
Confirming Vehicle Eligibility
Before proceeding with any purchase, ensure the model year falls within the criteria for legal import. For the second-generation Century (produced from 1997–2017), models built before 1998 are eligible as of 2023 and beyond. For the third-generation model launched in 2018, eligibility will begin in 2043.
Locating a Toyota Century in Japan or Third-Party Markets
To purchase a Century outside of normal retail channels, buyers typically look to Japanese used car auctions or JDM exporters. Platforms like USS Auction, COPART Japan, or bidsquare.com provide access to a vast selection of Japanese vehicles. Alternatively, some JDM shops in Southern California, Florida, and Texas already stock pre-imported models.
Arranging Shipment and Compliance
Once a buyer selects a vehicle, they must go through a shipping company or broker. Here are the typical steps involved:
- Pay the auction price and fees
- Arrange export with shipping logistics
- Ensure vehicle meets 25-year import eligibility
- Deal with customs formalities
- Register the vehicle with the state DMV
Import brokers often handle the paperwork, making the process more manageable for first-time importers.
Cost Considerations
The total cost of importing a Toyota Century into the United States varies. Below is a typical cost breakdown.
| Item | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle (second-gen Century, right-hand drive) | $30,000–$60,000 |
| Shipping and Export Fees | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Documentation and Broker Fees | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Federal and State Registration | $500–$1,000 |
| Optional Modifications for Drive Compliance | $2,000–$5,000 (e.g., headlight converters) |
Total estimates typically fall between $40,000 to $75,000, making this vehicle more expensive than many flagship BMWs or Mercedes sedans, especially considering its aged design and limited features by modern luxury car standards.
Ownership Experience in the United States
Purchasing a Toyota Century comes with unique opportunities and challenges, particularly concerning ownership in a country that never officially received the model.
Maintenance and Parts Availability
Parts for the Century are rare in the U.S. market, but dedicated importers can source OEM components from Japan through JDM suppliers and specialized dealers. Some performance tuners who work with Toyota JZR V12 engines (found in second-generation models) may offer upgraded or reproduction parts. However, repairs should only be undertaken by mechanics familiar with Japanese domestic models, which can be limited outside of Japanese car specialist hubs.
Insurance and Registration
In most U.S. states, a Century can be registered as an antique or collector car if it meets specific criteria, potentially qualifying for lower registration fees and special insurance policies. Insurance premiums are generally reasonable for non-driving collectibles, but if the car is being driven regularly, the rates may depend on the insurer’s assessment of its value and rarity.
Resale Market
The resale value of a Toyota Century in the U.S. is relatively unpredictable. Since the market is limited, demand comes largely from collectors, enthusiasts, or novelty-seekers. Second-generation models in excellent condition could appreciate over time, especially as the generation becomes more rare or symbolically significant in the global vintage car space.
Is the Toyota Century Worth the Effort?
Investing time and money into importing a Toyota Century in the U.S. is a decision that warrants thoughtful evaluation. It isn’t an easy or practical purchase. Here’s what to weigh before taking action.
The Pros
- Unique Ownership Experience: Owning a car not available in the U.S. market gives the owner a rare and exclusive status.
- Cultural Icon: The Century is a piece of Toyota’s history and Japanese automotive culture.
- Investment Potential: As a rarely exported model, a well-maintained Century could become a valuable collector’s item.
The Cons
- Import Expenses: From auctions to shipping and customs, the costs are high.
- Limited Practicality: The right-hand drive (RHD) might limit passenger and resale options in the U.S.
- Parts and Service Challenges: Routine parts and service availability make owning a Century much more work than a typical luxury sedan.
Looking Ahead: Could Toyota Century Come to America?
Given the current landscape of global luxury car sales and Toyota’s strategic focus, it’s unlikely the Toyota Century will ever come to the U.S. market as an official product. However, trends in JDM culture and consumer interest may change things over time.
The Rise of JDM Culture in the U.S.
With social media platforms fueling interest in niche Japanese vehicles, and a growing generation of car enthusiasts embracing rare RHD and unique makes like the Century, there may be a cultural space where Toyota could explore niche marketing or very limited availability.
However, until that happens — if ever — the Century remains a dream for American luxury seekers, one that, with effort and investment, can indeed materialize into physical reality.
Conclusion: A Rare Gem Available, Just Not Easily
So, can you buy a Toyota Century in the U.S.? Yes — but not from your local Toyota dealership. The answer lies in the import market, the 25-year loophole, and the willingness to go the extra mile (or in this case, 6,000 miles overseas).
A Toyota Century is more than a car — it’s a statement, a cultural artifact, and a testament to decades of Japanese engineering. For those who appreciate such rarity, diving into the import journey might just be worth the effort.
If you’re an automotive enthusiast willing to take on the challenges of importing, compliance, maintenance, and registration, the Century could find a home in your garage. While it may not offer the power of a Cadillac or the tech of a Tesla, it delivers something far more elusive: understated prestige and a slice of Japanese motoring tradition that’s rarely seen on American soil.
And that makes all the difference.
Is the Toyota Century available for sale in the United States?
No, the Toyota Century is not officially available for sale in the United States through Toyota dealerships. It is primarily sold in Japan and is designed to meet the specific needs of the domestic market, including right-hand drive configuration and compliance with Japanese automotive regulations. Toyota has not introduced the Century to North America, as it considers the luxury sedan market in the U.S. to be better served by its Lexus brand lineup.
Despite its absence from official distribution channels in the U.S., some individuals have imported the Toyota Century through personal importation. These vehicles usually go through a complex and expensive process to meet federal safety and emissions standards. However, such imports are rare due to high costs, regulatory requirements, and limited availability of the vehicle outside Japan.
Why doesn’t Toyota sell the Century in the United States?
Toyota has chosen not to sell the Century in the United States due to strategic brand positioning and market considerations. The Century is a luxury sedan intended for the Japanese market, particularly for high-profile individuals such as corporate executives, politicians, and celebrities. Rather than competing directly with its own brand, Toyota focuses on promoting Lexus—its global luxury brand—to fulfill the demand for high-end vehicles in North America.
Additionally, the Century’s traditional design and right-hand-drive configuration do not align well with U.S. market norms. The costs of adapting the vehicle for the American market, including changing the layout for left-hand drive and meeting federal regulations, are not considered economically viable. As such, Toyota has maintained the Century as an exclusive model limited primarily to Japan.
Can I import a Toyota Century into the United States legally?
Importing a Toyota Century into the United States is legally possible but involves navigating a strict set of federal requirements. The vehicle must comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions guidelines. Personal importers must also ensure the car meets requirements from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and can be registered in their state. These compliance measures often involve costly modifications.
In addition to technical compliance, potential importers should consider the paperwork, inspection fees, and time involved. Moreover, if the vehicle is less than 25 years old, the importation becomes even more complex, as it must meet all federal standards. While some specialty import companies offer services to handle this process, the overall expense and difficulties involved make importing a Century impractical for most U.S. buyers.
Are there any alternatives to the Toyota Century available in the U.S.?
While the Toyota Century itself is not available in the U.S., Toyota and Lexus offer several high-end vehicles that may serve as alternatives for those seeking luxury, comfort, and prestige. The Lexus LS flagship sedan, for example, is a top-tier luxury vehicle available nationwide. It features advanced technology, refined interiors, and a range of powerful engine options tailored to the American market.
Additionally, brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi provide strong competition in the luxury full-size sedan segment. Models such as the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8 provide similar levels of opulence and performance. These vehicles are fully supported with service networks, warranty plans, and new model availability, making them more practical luxury options for U.S. consumers.
What makes the Toyota Century so special and desirable?
The Toyota Century is considered a symbol of prestige and tradition within Japan. Known as Toyota’s “Emperor’s Car,” it has been used for VIP transport and government officials for decades. The Century features a handcrafted design, quiet ride quality, and timeless styling that emphasizes elegance over modern trends. Owners appreciate its exceptional ride comfort, robust reliability, and the discretion afforded by its understated branding.
Powered by a naturally aspirated V12 engine in earlier models and a more modern V8 or hybrid V6 in the newer versions, the Century provides smooth and powerful performance. Unlike flashy luxury cars from other brands, the Century is built to offer the ultimate in quiet sophistication and unobtrusive luxury. This makes it a cherished vehicle among those who prefer high-end transportation that focuses more on function, heritage, and comfort than on overt status signaling.
Has Toyota ever considered exporting the Century to the U.S. in the past?
Toyota has not made any serious attempts to export the Century to the United States, primarily due to the brand’s strategy to focus on Lexus in the American luxury market. The Century has always been positioned as a domestic luxury flagship, tailored specifically to the customs and preferences of Japanese buyers. While other Toyota models have successfully entered the U.S. market, the Century’s niche appeal and strong cultural significance kept it limited to Japan.
The company did introduce the Century to select other international markets, including parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, but not in substantial volumes. These regions had a demand for right-hand-drive, VIP-style luxury cars that aligned more closely with the Century’s unique attributes. The U.S. market, however, has proven to favor luxury vehicles with more noticeable branding, technological innovation designed for Western tastes, and aggressive styling—areas where Lexus excels over the more conservative Century.
Can I buy a used Toyota Century in the U.S. through private sale?
Technically, it is possible to find a privately imported Toyota Century in the U.S., though such instances are extremely rare and come with significant logistical challenges. A few enterprising car enthusiasts or collectors may have gone through the costly process of importing a Century and getting it federally compliant. Such vehicles may occasionally surface for sale online or through specialty collector car auctions, but they remain niche purchases.
Purchasing a privately imported Century requires due diligence, as buyers must verify the car’s compliance with federal requirements and ensure that it can be registered and driven legally. Additionally, parts and service for the Century are difficult to source, as Toyota does not officially support the model in the U.S. market. Anyone considering such a purchase should consult with import experts, legal advisors, and experienced mechanics to understand the full scope of ownership responsibilities.