Toyota Century Gzg50 for sale

The Toyota Century GF11 entered production in 1967 as Toyota's hand-crafted domestic flagship, targeting the corporate and government chauffeur segment that the Crown addressed in lower-tier applications. The GF11 and GF12 carried V8 engines (2V and 3V families, 190-220ps range) refined continuously over a 30-year production run with minimal exterior changes, a deliberate signal of institutional stability to the domestic buyer. The Century was not sold through Toyota dealerships but through a separate sales channel with individual client relationships.

The second-generation GZG50 (1997-2017) introduced the 1GZ-FE 5.0L DOHC V12, a bespoke engine produced exclusively for the Century and documented as the only V12 in a Japanese mass-production sedan. Output is 206kW (280ps), aligned with the domestic horsepower ceiling. Assembly required extended hand-fitting time on a station-build process; Toyota cited individual craftsperson involvement in final fit and finish. Long-wheelbase Limousine variants were produced for government use; standard-wheelbase examples represent the majority of the production total.

GF-series V8 Century models are US-eligible under the 25-year rule. GZG50 V12 from 1997 enters eligibility from 2022 onward. Right-hand drive throughout. The 1GZ-FE V12 requires premium fuel and documented complexity exists in its throttle body and coil pack arrangements relative to more common Toyota V8 families. OEM part sourcing in the US may require Japanese specialist importers, though the GZG50 generation is well-served by Japanese dismantler networks for mechanical components.