The V12 represents the pinnacle of internal combustion engines
V12s can be found in everything from Le Mans winners to the world's most-expensive cars
The Toyota Century is powered by Japan’s first-and-only V12 engine.
The world’s best cars, from Le Mans-winning Ferraris to Germany’s biggest and best sedans, feature this cylinder arrangement. Every car enthusiast has to own a V12 at some point in their life; however, most of us don’t, because 99% of us require deep pockets and a PhD in engineering to own and use it.
But not this one. The Toyota has the reliability of a Corolla. The engine is a small displacement and under-stressed V12, which means it can easily exceed 500,000 km with just regular oil changes.
It’s simple and easy to work on too, meaning you could even pull up your sleeves and have a go yourself. On top of layers-upon-layers of factory paintwork, there’s a fine-grade Japanese wool interior, four heated, electric, and massaging seats, and even a rear screen for your guests to use.
The Toyota Century ought to be on your short list.
The car pictured – 2003 Toyota Century V12.
This Toyota Century was built in July 2003 and was purchased from USS Tokyo as an auction grade 4.0B example. It’s powered by a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine dubbed ‘1GZ-FE’ with 206 kW of power and 481 Nm of torque. It uses a four-speed automatic and is rear-wheel drive.
It comes with a favourable service history and has been well maintained. It is rare to be one of the 853 ever built in ‘8M3 – Light grayish blue metallic’ over a 20-year production window. In total, there were 8,881 second-generation Toyota Centurys ever built.
This example was configured with regular side mirrors, a dark grey leather interior, and a dual EMV package. Its front infotainment system has been updated with an Apple CarPlay + Android Auto system with USB input, meaning you can charge and use your phone apps on the go.
It also has an aftermarket rear-view camera installed, as well as bearings in the centre caps that keep the wheel logos upright while driving, like in a Rolls-Royce. Overall, the car is in above-average condition and shows no signs of being smoked in.
Quick facts
- 2003 Toyota Century
- 122,398km
- Rare ‘8M3 – Light grayish blue metallic’
- 5.0-litre V12 engine
- Four-speed auto / rear-wheel drive
- Apple CarPlay + Android Auto integration
- Aftermarket reverse camera
- Bearings in centre caps like a Rolls-Royce
- Side mirrors
- Electric front and rear seats
- Heated front and rear seats
- Massaging front and rear seats
- Rear screen
- Service history notes evident on vehicle
- Price includes NSW registration
- Vehicle is complied and can be registered in any state or territory in Australia
Thus, the new Century, replete with leading-edge technologies and regal styling, retains its prestigious place in the automotive world.Toyota Japan, launch of the second-generation Century
