THE RAREST TOYOTA IN THE WORLD

Toyota, a mass-market carmaker, has built several amazing automobiles that it sold in millions. The Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car in the world since it debuted in 1966, recording over 40 million unit sales since. However, the Japanese automaker is also renowned for making some exquisite sports cars, like the 2000GT, and even the Lexus LFA, which saw limited production runs.

Toyota's luxury arm, Lexus only built 500 examples of the LFA. Including pre-production prototypes, racing versions and series production models, Toyota manufactured 351 units of the 2000GT between 1967 and 1970. While there were two additional 2000GT convertibles built for the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice in 1967, it still isn't the rarest Toyota ever made. That crown goes to a one-off custom convertible built for a king that cost over $750,000.

The Rarest Toyota Is Emperor Naruhito's Century Convertible

Quite literally fit for a king, the rarest Toyota ever built is the Century Convertible built for Emperor Naruhito's coronation ceremony. Built specifically for the ceremony, it marked the official start of the Reiwa era, with Emperor Naruhito becoming the 126th Emperor of Japan. This special single example of a drop-top Toyota Century is reported to cost an estimated $750,000. This "royal parade car" took Emperor Naruhito on a 2.85-mile route from the Imperial palace, through Tokyo, to Akasaka Palace.

The vehicle is based on the third-generation Toyota Century which debuted at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. Built using Toyota's traditional elaborate process, the third-generation model continues to feature the hand-carved grille emblem, which takes six weeks to make. The exquisite paint finish is a seven-stage process that involves craftsmen to wet sand the body three times.

Emperor Naruhito's one-off Century primarily features the chopped roof, which has led to reinforcement of the chassis in various other places. Additionally, the rear seats are 1.5-inches higher than standard, while the seat back is fixed 25 degrees. The re-engineering of the rear seats allows unobstructed views of the royals when the motorcade rolls by. Finally, the Emperor's Century also wears the gold imperial seal on the front bumper.

Since its debut appearance at the ceremonial parade, the Century Convertible has been occasionally displayed at the royal palaces in Tokyo and Kyoto. It was called into duty during the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo as well. The Century Convertible became the royal family's new parade car, replacing the 1990 Rolls-Royce Corniche III, which faithfully served for three decades but was only used twice.

Toyota Century Convertible Highlights

• Only one Toyota Century Convertible based on the sedan model exists today.
• It was built for the 126th Emperor of Japan - Emperor Naruhito
• In addition to the chopped roof, the rear seats were reshaped to offer unobstructed views of the royals
• Replaced the 1990 Rolls-Royce Corniche III

The Third-Generation Toyota Century Uses A Hybrid V8

Third-Generation Toyota Century Engine Specs

(Source: Toyota)

The second-generation Toyota Century G50 (1997-2017) used the 276 hp, 5.0-liter 1GZ-FE V12 engine. The third-generation Century moved away from the V12 engine, towards the 5.0-liter 2UR-FSE V8 hybrid. Supplemented by the electric motor, the 2017-present Century packs 425 hp and 376 lb-ft. As the current-generation Century is now a hybrid, it also dropped the 6-speed automatic, in favor of a continuously variable transmission (CVT). However, power is still channeled to the rear wheels.

The third-gen Century is substantially more powerful (425 hp vs 276 hp) due to the hybrid system. Downsizing and going hybrid also makes the newer Century more efficient and reduces emissions. However, the hybrid V8 is not as smooth as the V12 engine.

Toyota Century V8 Hybrid Vs V12

• The new V8 Hybrid is not as smooth as the older V12
• But the new engine is more powerful, and more efficient.
• The 6-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a CVT to match the new hybrid engine

Akiyo Toyoda's Unique Toyota Century GRMN

Akio Toyoda, also owns a special one-off Century that makes it extremely rare. The former CEO of the Japanese brand rides in his unique Toyota Century GRMN finished in white.

Toyoda's personal Century features several upgrades that include a sportier body kit with aggressive front bumper and side skirts with red stripes. The grille is painted black, while other trims, generally finished in chrome, are also blacked-out. It rides on larger multi-spoke wheels, has a lower ride height and features a subtle rear spoiler. The interior is finished in white leather upholstery and features GRMN badges.

Akiyo Toyoda's Century GRMN Highlights

• Akio Toyoda's personal car is a Century GRMN, and it was believed to be just one ever made
• There are several cosmetic upgrades to the Century GRMN
• No technical or mechanical upgrades were ever confirmed by Toyota
• A second black Toyota Century GRMN was displayed at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2019

Toyota has never officially revealed technical details about Toyoda's special one-off Century GRMN. Mechanically, it is likely to continue using the 5.0L 2UR-FSE V8 hybrid, but any tuning adjustments for more performance cannot be ruled out. The lowered ride height suggests the suspension may have been retuned. While the larger wheels suggest, it uses a larger brake kit than standard.

Akio Toyoda posted an image of the car on his personal Instagram page on 23 September 2018 with the caption: "One and only, Century GRMN!!." Toyoda was seen traveling in his personal Century GRMN on several occasions. This one-off model suggested that Toyota may introduce a GRMN performance version of the Century. However, the manufacturer never offered one to the public.

It was a unique vehicle, making it just as rare as the Emperor Naruhito's one-off Century Convertible. However, a second Toyota Century GRMN was displayed at the Toyota Auto Salon in 2019. Unlike Toyoda's personal Century GRMN finished in white, the one displayed by Toyota's GR division was painted in black. This confirmed earlier reports that Toyota had in fact built two examples of the Centruy GRMN, both rumored to belong to Akio Toyoda.

While the Toyoda's personal Century GRMN was unique, and would have tied with the Century Convertible, the second GRMN model allows the Royal family's drop-top the most unique Toyota ever made.

Sources: Toyota, Hagerty.

2025-03-06T11:15:48Z