Is Toyota Century Rare? Exploring History, Production, and Exclusivity

Why Is Toyota Century Rare?

Exclusive Focus on the Japanese Market

One of the largest contributing factors to the Toyota Century’s rarity is its exclusive availability in Japan. For decades, Toyota did not export the Century outside Japan, limiting its exposure and availability to a global audience.

While the company has occasionally allowed select international customers to order one, usually through diplomatic or corporate channels, the overwhelming majority of Centuries stay within Japanese borders. For overseas buyers, it’s an automotive unicorn—a car everyone knows about but few ever see or own.

Low Production Numbers

Even within Japan, the Century commanded very limited production. During the 38-year production run of the second generation, for example, Toyota built fewer than 10,000 units total, averaging just around 200–250 vehicles per year. Numbers for the current third generation are even tighter.

Toyota’s conservative production figures ensure that the Century remains a car of prestige, not volume. While other Toyota luxury models like the LS (Lexus) can be found in thousands on the used car market globally, spotting a Century—especially in North America or Europe—is nothing short of a special event for car enthusiasts.

Limited Customization and Long Buyer Selection Process

Beyond production cap, acquiring a Toyota Century is an experience unlike buying any other car. Toyota maintains a meticulous selection process for Century delivery.

Potential owners often have to undergo in-depth interviews, background checks, and be deemed to represent the kind of stature and decorum befitting the Century legacy. In some cases, the car is custom-built for high-ranking corporate executives, diplomatic missions, or royal families in Japan.

Such exclusivity ensures that the Century is not just rare in quantity, but also symbolically—occupying a position akin to a “secret luxury” known primarily to the Japanese elite.

Design and Innovation: The Toyota Century Redefined Luxury

Traditional Japanese Aesthetic Meets Modern Engineering

The Century looks like no other Toyota on the road. Its upright chrome grille, classic body lines, and sedan posture harken back to decades of Japanese luxury design. The car’s styling has changed very modestly across generations, preserving its identity over decades.

Inside, it delivers a refined experience that prioritizes quietness, craftsmanship, and comfort. The use of rare woods, handcrafted stitching, and sound-insulated cabins make every drive feel serene. These are not gimmicks or overly tech-forward updates but elements built to appease the kind of clientele who value discretion over digital dashboards.

Technical Performance

Historically, the Toyota Century was powered by a full V8 engine, which was rare in a Japanese automobile until recent decades. The second generation switched from a 3.0L to a 4.0L V8 engine, and the third generation now features a hybrid version of Toyota’s 5.0L V8 gas engine.

Toyota’s choice of engine has always reflected power and refinement, but never speed-oriented or sporty. Instead, these cars are engineered to move with grace, stability, and silence, reinforcing the idea that luxury is about calm control rather than flashy acceleration.

Technological Conservatism

While most automakers regularly update dashboards with new interfaces, infotainment systems, or semi-autonomous driver aids, the Century takes a more restrained approach. It features the technologies necessary for comfort and safety but avoids becoming bogged down by unnecessary tech distractions.

This minimalism ensures that the Century stays timeless in both design and function—a rarity in a world obsessed with constant upgrading and connectivity.

Collector’s Car or Practical Sedan? Understanding Its Uses

VIP Transport of Choice

The Century is routinely called Japan’s “unmarked presidential car.” It has long been the preferred limousine for Japanese royalty, politicians, business leaders, and dignitaries. Prime Ministers, CEOs, and celebrities rely on it for discreet yet dignified transport.

Many Centuries in circulation operate in high-profile, protected environments—driven by professional chauffeurs. For these buyers, the car isn’t just about mechanics but about reputation, tradition, and respect.

Legacy and Second Generation Collectibility

The second-generation Century (production years 1979 to 2017) is particularly sought after in the collector car market. Within Japan, vintage units occasionally show up at auctions—but they rarely leave the country.

Collectors with connections to Japan sometimes jump at the opportunity to source one legally—either through direct import or at an event like the Tokyo Classic Car Show. For rare car hunters, owning a Century is akin to acquiring a piece of automotive folklore untouched by mass-market trends.

Third Generation’s Impact on Popularity

The third-generation Century introduced in 2018 brought with it hybrid efficiency and subtle modern styling—but it also came with increased media attention beyond Japan.

The release of a hybrid variant and Toyota’s growing global brand reputation piqued interests beyond Japan, making the third-gen Century a collector’s dream for those focused on future values. Still, Toyota keeps the production leash tight, ensuring rarity persists even amid rising curiosity and appreciation.

The Reality of Owning a Toyota Century Outside Japan

Importing a Toyota Century

While it’s technically possible to import a Toyota Century, it’s far from easy. Import restrictions, certification hurdles, and the 25-year import rule in countries like the U.S. make acquiring one challenging.

Furthermore, Japanese auto auctions often restrict or closely monitor the sale of Centuries to foreign buyers. Even if a buyer finds one listed for sale, they must contend with high costs for customs clearance, transportation, and potential bureaucratic challenges.

High Cost of Ownership

If acquired, the Century’s upkeep can be expensive. Spare parts are not readily available outside Japan, and dealership support is virtually nonexistent outside Toyota’s home market. Owners in countries like Canada or the U.S. must often source maintenance from specialists or import components directly from Japan.

This limited support base contributes to the Century’s reputation as being for the dedicated, not the casual owner.

Legal Considerations and Local Regulations

Even if an individual or business goes through the effort of importing a Century, the car still faces issues in complying with local emissions and safety standards. These laws vary from country to country, but generally mean that even imported Centuries may not be used casually on public roads outside Japan.

This means that the rarity of the Century isn’t just because it isn’t built for export—it’s also because practically, very few outside Japan can legally own or operate one.

The Toyota Century in Culture and Society

Symbol of Japanese Status and Sovereignty

In Japan, the Century transcends the automotive world. It represents the elite class, the continuity of tradition, and national identity. Politicians, celebrities, and business leaders choose it not just for comfort but for image, legacy, and cultural relevance.

With its subtle exterior and commanding interior, the Century says more about its owner’s status than about the car itself. Its rarity and dignified presence help cultivate this exclusive aura.

Used as a Funeral Car and Service Limousine

Interestingly, one of the primary secondary uses of the Century is as a hearse or as a funeral service limousine for VIPs. The car’s somber presence, quiet ride, and long-standing image of dignity make it an ideal vehicle for such occasions across Japan.

This unique cultural association contributes indirectly to its almost mythological presence, further distancing it from typical luxury vehicles found in the Western world.

In Popular Media and Public Awareness

Despite its obscurity on the global stage, the Toyota Century has appeared in movies, TV series, and automotive documentaries—especially among JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) car enthusiasts. In shows like “Initial D” or anime like “Patlabor,” the Century makes appearances that underline its status within Japanese pop culture.

In car circles, it’s often discussed in forums or YouTube videos highlighting its enduring legacy and mechanical uniqueness, making it a point of curiosity for many even if rarely seen on real-world roads.

Comparisons To Other Luxury Models

How the Century Compares Statistically

To understand just how rare the Toyota Century is, consider the following table that compares Century production numbers to other luxury vehicles from Japan and beyond.

The numbers speak for themselves. The Century doesn’t just pale in volume next to competitors—it dwarfed by even ultra-exclusive luxury brands like Rolls-Royce and Maserati. The difference? Rolls-Royce markets its exclusivity with global presence and awareness. The Century does so on Japan’s terms—quietly but effectively.

Conclusion: Is Toyota Century Rare?

After examining production figures, cultural context, global availability, and buyer experience, the answer is a resounding yes—The Toyota Century is exceedingly rare.

What makes the Century rare isn’t just how few of them were made, but the level of exclusivity built into its design, manufacturing, and purchase process. In a world of mass-produced luxury, the Century continues to defy modern expectations. It remains a symbol of understated prestige offered to a select few in one country.

Still, a glimmer of change is evident. With the third-generation Century embracing hybrids and gaining international attention via automotive media, its veil of secrecy may slowly lift. But until Toyota loosens its grip on the model’s exclusivity or begins exporting it deliberately, the Century will remain a jewel of Japanese automotive tradition available only to a privileged and rare few.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, historian, or collector, encountering a Toyota Century is more than a treat—it’s a glimpse into an automotive legend, cloaked in privacy and prestige.

What is the Toyota Century?

The Toyota Century is a luxury sedan produced by Toyota, primarily for the Japanese market. It is known for its elegant design, handcrafted interior, and an emphasis on quiet, smooth performance. First introduced in 1967, the Century was named in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries. Over the years, it has become a symbol of status and sophistication, often used as a flagship vehicle for government officials and high-profile business leaders in Japan.

Unlike other Toyota models that emphasize volume sales and global reach, the Century is positioned as a limited-production luxury car that prioritizes tradition and craftsmanship over cost-efficiency. It features a powerful V12 engine in earlier models and a V8 in more recent versions, along with a timeless design that has changed only subtly over decades. This combination of heritage, exclusivity, and luxury sets the Century apart from other vehicles in Toyota’s lineup.

How rare is the Toyota Century?

The Toyota Century is considered rare due to its limited production numbers and exclusive market positioning. Unlike mass-produced models such as the Camry or Corolla, the Century was never intended for widespread sale. Toyota manufactured it in very small quantities, primarily to meet demand within Japan, especially for high-ranking officials and dignitaries. The limited availability outside Japan, combined with its niche appeal, means that spotting a Century on public roads—especially outside of Japan—is quite uncommon.

Furthermore, since the Century was replaced in 2017 by the second-generation model featuring a more modern design and hybrid powertrain, the older models have become increasingly sought after by collectors. Toyota also ceased production of the Century nameplate after introducing the Century Convertible, a $250,000 luxury limousine built in very limited quantities. Thus, over time, the combination of low production and high prestige has only reinforced the Century’s rarity in the automotive world.

What distinguishes the Toyota Century from other luxury vehicles?

The Toyota Century is distinguished by its deeply traditional approach to luxury, which contrasts with the more modern and performance-oriented direction taken by foreign luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Lexus. Its handcrafted elements—from custom wood trim to hand-woven roof linings—highlight a cultural emphasis on artisanal skill rather than mass production. The vehicle was engineered to offer extreme ride comfort and quietness, with extensive sound insulation and a powerful yet smooth engine delivering unobtrusive performance.

One of the most unique aspects of the Century is its historical significance and enduring design philosophy. Throughout its production, it retained design cues that paid homage to its origins, including a vertical-bar grille and retro造型 headlights in earlier models. This conservative styling, while unusual by global luxury standards, was deliberate and symbolic, signifying stability, legacy, and maturity. These attributes make the Century a cultural icon rather than just a car, setting it apart from other luxury sedans in both engineering and aesthetic approach.

Why is the Toyota Century no longer in production?

Toyota ceased full-scale production of the Century in 2017 due to a combination of evolving luxury market trends, stricter emissions regulations, and shifting brand strategy. The first-generation model was built for nearly 50 years with only minor updates, which made it one of the longest-produced luxury cars without a major redesign. However, the aging platform could no longer meet modern safety and emissions standards efficiently. The successor, the second-generation Century, was introduced with a hybrid V6 engine but was still only produced in limited numbers for elite customers in Japan.

Ultimately, the Century nameplate transitioned to an even more exclusive format with the introduction of the Century Convertible—a luxurious open-top version built only for ceremonial purposes in Japan. This model was offered in such small numbers that it’s considered one of the rarest Toyotas ever made. The decision to phase out the regular Century sedan reflects Toyota’s evolving approach to exclusivity and heritage, favoring limited-run special editions over ongoing traditional luxury production.

Are older Toyota Century models collectible?

Yes, older Toyota Century models have become highly collectible, especially among automotive enthusiasts and those interested in Japanese car culture. These vehicles represent a bygone era of automotive craftsmanship, with many features hand-assembled by skilled artisans. The fact that they were never exported in large numbers outside Japan means that when examples do appear on the collector market—whether in the U.S., Europe, or elsewhere—they often attract significant attention from vintage car collectors and niche investors.

Collectors also value the Century for its role in representing Japan’s post-war economic growth and the prestige associated with Toyota’s legacy. Some models, particularly early-generation units and special editions, have fetched premium prices in auctions and private sales. As production of the standard Century ceased and the Convertible remained ultra-exclusive, the collectible value of the existing models is expected to rise over time, especially in international markets where Japanese luxury classics are gaining greater recognition.

Has the Toyota Century ever been sold outside Japan?

The Toyota Century was never sold in significant numbers outside Japan. Although Toyota is a global brand, the Century was positioned primarily as a symbol of Japanese luxury and status, making it a domestic focal point rather than an international product. Occasional sightings of Century models outside Japan can be attributed to private imports or government fleet exchanges, but these have been extremely rare and not part of any official sales strategy.

In markets like the United States and Europe, Toyota pursued luxury branding through the Lexus division, which was designed for global consumer expectations with sportier styling and advanced technology. The Century, by contrast, catered to a very specific market—Japanese elites who valued tradition, discretion, and heritage over international design trends. Thus, while it may be found in a few private collections overseas, the Century remains a uniquely Japanese luxury icon that Toyota has historically reserved for its home country.

What replaced the Toyota Century?

The Toyota Century was effectively replaced by the second-generation model introduced in 2017, though production remained limited and primarily targeted to government and VIP use within Japan. This newer Century featured more modern styling, updated hybrid technology, and a significant departure from the traditional boxy form of the original. However, the successor model stayed true to the luxury and exclusivity of its predecessor, continuing to be a symbol of prestige rather than a mass-market luxury car.

In addition to this modern version, Toyota also introduced the Century Convertible in limited numbers to serve Japanese imperial ceremonies. This rare and luxurious convertible is hand-built and considered even more exclusive than the standard sedan. While the Century nameplate has survived in some form, the full production that once defined its decades-long legacy has given way to a strategy centered around ultra-exclusive, ultra-luxury editions, reflecting Toyota’s evolving approach to its flagship emblem.