CarBrandLogos archive · Toyota Century · 1967

Toyota CenturyFirst generation

The hand-finished Toyota flagship that established the Century name in 1967.

Photo: Mytho88 · CC BY-SA 3.0

The story

A defining chapter in Toyota Century history.

Explore the ideas, engineering and context that shaped the Toyota Century First generation, then continue into its specifications and place in the marque's lineage.

Origins

Toyota began developing the first Century in 1963 under chief engineer Kenya Nakamura, with Shoichiro Toyoda closely involved in the project. The production car arrived in 1967 to commemorate the centenary of Toyota Group founder Sakichi Toyoda's birth. It was conceived primarily as chauffeur-driven transport, placing quietness, rear-seat comfort and dignified proportions ahead of fashion.

1GZ-FE

Design and engineering

A 3.0-liter V8 powered the earliest cars, an unusual engine for a Japanese passenger car at the time. Toyota refined the Century steadily without replacing its basic shape every few years, and its restrained body, formal cabin and phoenix emblem became familiar symbols of Japanese executive transport. Craftsmanship mattered as much as engineering: assembly involved extensive hand finishing, and wool upholstery was offered because it could be quieter and more comfortable than leather for rear passengers.

1997 Toyota Century 03 · Mytho88 · CC BY-SA 3.0

In production

The first generation remained in production until 1997. Its thirty-year life created the central Century idea: technological change should be absorbed without making the vehicle appear temporary or fashionable.

Imperial Processional Car · ラハール · CC BY-SA 3.0

At a glance