Why the Toyota Century V12 Is Rare—and What to Know Before Buying One

The GZG50 Century: the essentials

Toyota introduced the second-generation Century in April 1997; its own history dates that generation 1997–2017. The GZG50 uses the 5.0-liter 1GZ-FE V12 and rear-wheel drive. It is not an AWD sedan. Toyota paired electronically controlled air springs with four-wheel double-wishbone suspension.

The V12 is central to the appeal, but the whole car serves the same purpose: relaxed travel. Rear-seat space, seat functions and isolation deserve as much attention as engine specifications. Upholstery and equipment differ between cars; inspect the interior you are actually buying.

Why enthusiasts seek out the Century V12

The Century occupies a small corner of the market compared with a mass-market Toyota or Lexus. Its formal styling, Japanese domestic-market identity and unusual engine make it distinctive without relying on aggressive bodywork or a loud exhaust.

Our experience with these cars is that the ride and cabin are the strongest reasons to try one. Watch our review to see the controls and hear our impressions. Rarity alone does not establish a car’s condition, make it easy to maintain or guarantee that its value will rise.

Watch our 2000 Toyota Century review and test drive ↗

What to inspect before buying a Toyota Century V12

• Air suspension. Check ride height after the car has been parked, listen for frequent compressor operation, and assess ride quality. Establish the cause of a sagging corner before pricing a repair.
• Cooling and engine operation. Look for leaks, aging hoses and evidence of overheating. The engine should be evaluated cold and fully warm, with diagnostic findings considered alongside the road test.
• Rear-seat equipment and electronics. Test the fitted seat adjustments, audio, climate functions, curtains or shades, windows and locks. Photograph missing or damaged controls before ordering parts.
• Body, underside and interior. Inspect corrosion, prior repairs, rubber seals, trim and upholstery. A polished exterior does not tell the whole story.
• History and identification. Compare the chassis number, export documents, mileage records and service evidence. Note whether readings are kilometers or miles and whether the instrument cluster has been changed.
• How you will use it. Confirm parking space, insurance, transport, registration and access to a shop willing to support this particular model.

Build a purchase budget around the car plus immediate maintenance and a reserve for age-related repairs. Ask for a current inspection and parts quote rather than relying on a general online estimate.

Century parts and service: confirm before you order

Tanin JDM can help investigate Toyota Century parts and service through our shop and Japan sourcing contacts. Start with the chassis number, production date, photographs and the original part number where available.

Not every part is still produced or readily available. New OEM, used, rebuilt and discontinued components need to be checked individually. A long model run does not make all years interchangeable, and visual similarity to an LS400 or LS430 is not proof of fitment.

For an air-suspension, electronics or trim problem, establish the diagnosis and availability before committing to the repair. Ask about lead times and whether a quoted part is new, used or rebuilt.

Explore Tanin JDM service or send us the Century’s details.

Can you import a Toyota Century V12 into the United States?

The whole 1997–2017 generation is not yet age-eligible. NHTSA’s ordinary 25-year safety exemption is measured from manufacture, not simply the model-year label. In 2026, a 2001-built car reaches that age on its corresponding production anniversary; later cars require a different lawful basis or more time.

EPA requirements and the destination state’s registration rules are separate checks. California has additional direct-import requirements; an out-of-state title does not guarantee California registration. Read our JDM registration and insurance guide before paying for or shipping a car.

Common Century buying questions