1993 Toyota Century - Jay Leno's Garage 

I love how they just casually talk about the blood stain in the trunk as if it were just a feature of the car lol

One thing they failed to mention is the paintwork. The Century was lacquered paint and required a lot of hand work, much like the older Rolls Royce’s. They had multiple layers of hand rubbing to create incredible depth. One of the other videos on the Century said there are only about five people in Japan qualified to paint a Century. So, if you had a a fender bender and wanted the paint to be original it would cost you a fortune.

SUBTITLES FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING. Please like so they can see this.

13:24 "This is really a six passenger car..." Yeah.... 2 in the front, 3 in the back and 1 in the trunk!!!

Worked for a Japanese company in the 2005 and they had the company chauffeur take me to the airport in one of those. Was very special and still remember how smooth and comfortable this car felt! Thanks for the blast from the past!!

Doug would have a field day with all of those quirks and features.

this car will go 1,000,000 miles no problem

Not Velour.. It's Wool.. For the cooling and wicking properties that are appreciated in humid climates... And it's considered more "luxurious" than leather.

The Century is a wonderful car, and handbuilt at that. The fit and finish is flawless. I have driven the later V12 version, which is superb.

Looks like a big Toyota Crown, love the crowns have collected 7 over 40 years.

Toyota never used leather because a wool interior is quieter than leather , even the latest generation

The dash, I wanna see the dash - all the high end features etc.

I cringed when Jay plopped his work boots on the velour seats @ 10.50

A 26 year run for a body style. Classic. Also featured in the opening scene in Lost in Translation as Bill Murray rides backseat on the way to the Tokyo Hilton

Awesome now that some JDM only cars can be imported to US. Some of the finest cars ever built.

That's not a 'registration' sticker, nor a 'shaken (mandatory inspection)' sticker; it's simply evidence of a recommended but not mandatory annual check. In this case with an expiration date of June 2017 (Heisei 29). This often coincides closely with the date that mandatory inspection 'shaken' comes due; cars in Japan at the end of a 'shaken' cycle often fetch less at sale due to the inspection fees, taxes and repairs that may be required at that time. The optional annual sticker can be an indication that a vehicle was especially well looked after. I don't blame the guy for not fully understanding, there's quite a bit of paperwork required here to own a vehicle. I've been through it many times during my nearly 30 years in Japan.

This is better than anything from Rolls Royce at the time.

VERY CHRYSLER LOOKING. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE TO SEE THE DASH.

3:03 Production varied greatly as each car is built to order. However, closer to 1800 cars were built annually for this generation. 6:21 The Century was and is sold only in Japan. A few very used vehicles were spotted in Russia in the 90s. Toyota's presence in the South Korean market initiated in 2002. The same demographics in Korea are served by the Ssangyong Chairman. Toyota's joint venture with GAC Automotive sold their first cars in 2006. The Century, which must be ordered in person from a Toyota Store showroom, is not among their offerings. Neither China nor South Korea issue plates to LHD cars. 6:50 The local registration and inspection on this vehicle ended in the sixth month of the 29th year of the Heisei era, the reign of Emperor Akihito; June 2017 to the rest of us. 7:10 Sakichi Toyoda, one of the fathers of industrial Japan, founded the Toyoda Loom Works in 1926. He died a mere four years later. He did not survive to see his company become an international superpower. 7:30 Japanese, especially those who are likely to own one of these vehicles, abhor the sun. They don't want to look like a peasant laborer with tanned skin. They sell a lot of sunscreen lotion throughout Asia. 8:26 Fugu 9:18 Lace curtains are provided for protection from the sun and discretion. It is a standard feature. The lace to provide a washable surface at the tops of the seats are missing from this car. Replacements are available from Toyota in Japan. 9:44 If the seats have the original factory coverings, they are wool. It is warm in the winter. It is cool in the summer. It is the quietest automobile seating surface. 12:34 Leather was never available. The Australian leather used in Japan was determined to be fine for a plebeian car, but not for the Century.

This reminds me of a late 80's CRESSIDA.

He didn't mention it in the video, but these cars are hand built in a special factory. Also the engine is the 5V-EU and was only used in the Century

Still wishing Toyota never gave into the groupthink complaints of “boredom” and kept to smart luxury with Lexus. Chasing everyone else via silly sport aspirations and excessive styling made themselves far less unique.

Wow. Blood spots on the trunk. I reckon yakuza owned

Smokey Nagata is the name of the guy with the Supra. He is a great guy.

WHAT A STUNNING LUXURY SEDAN!!..ICING ON CAKE IS THAT IT IS JAPANESE!! WHICH MEANS SOLID AS A TANK!!😍😍😘😘

If Toyota engineered a full size truck the way they engineered this, they would be the market leader.

That shot at 18:24 is awesome, nice synchronization, kudos to cameraman and the one who drove the camera car.

I love 90’s cars of all countries. It can be classified as an affliction at this point considering the work to keep them running.

I bought one of these two weeks ago and now it's my daily driver. Great fun car :)

Surprised we didnt get a “...good day Mr Bond” from Jay on this car review.

9:50 Door closing sounds to die for. Soft, solid and heavy.

A spectacular car! We owe the Japanese so much for their technological contributions. Also, the thing I like and appreciate so much about Jay Leno is his graciousness and respect for things and people. I can't imagine him EVER making someone feel uncomfortable for any reason. He's a good guy. I'm a fan. He deserves his success.

I love when this guy brings theses cars on Jays show, they’re pretty amazing! Thanks again Jay for this channel I love it!

"built for comfort not for speed" So could you say this is the Howlin' Wolf of cars?

Great video. A good friend of mine, a year ago bought a 1993 Toyota Century in Black with a leather interior. Absolutely stunning car. I've been lucky enough to drive It twice so far.

Toyota should bring it hard and make America sweat again.

Love it when Jay features Japanese cars! Thanks for sharing!

If I would have the money and I would only be able to get one Japanese car. It would be a Century! I love 'em.

I love my classic Chevrolet's but I really love this car.

Looks like something in a James Bond movie when there taking him some ware too be killed in Asia and then it blows up and he gets away!

Jay kinda missed this with the road test he should have done it from the back seat with Chris and get a Japanese individual to drive it. This car was made to be driven from the back seat.

How funny to see this, I was just looking at buying one, so I'll look forward to this. Best bought directly from Japan & you can choose the exact model you like, as there are so few in other countries, myself in the UK. Thanks Jay. Why does the Century always make me think of the original series of Hawaii 5-0? ;--)

The new Century is really beautiful...far more elegant than RR.

Jay, time to investigate a 1994-96 Cadillac Fleetwood.

The japanese "Grand Marquis" in terms of comfort and like a real car with column shifter!

Corolla, Corona, Cressida, Crown, Camry Celica, Century.............

Dirty boots on clean interior

Someone should make a compilation of jay talking about Japanese hood mirrors hahaha

“They made these in a v12 but this is a v8”. Less than 2 min later. “They made these in a v 12 right”? 🤨

It sounds like it has an exhaust leak

Jay asks about the v12 twice in 1 minute...

This and the Nissan President are up there on my must have import list

Finally now Jay has a fantastic car to elaborate on... However, most everything told is just plain dull speculation, extremely superficial... and too often totally incorrect... Pffff. Hence, just another advertising for 25+ year old Japanese cars... It's not much else is it. Where is the passion in this review and any in-dept elaboration... There's just no love in this one at all whatsoever... just some superficial layed back dollar signs... The reason why I had to dislike this one yet again. Sorry...

6:50 "..that's a registration sticker.." 😂 Just laugh the dead pan reply Thanks for making me laugh Jay and guest! Love your vids Jay

Only two cars on his original rare website SMH

@ 15.20ish he mentions the Japanese speaking radar ..... its not a radar ...... thats the ETC system which is the automatic TOLL way - expressways and the shutoko in Tokyo and throughout Japan are tolled. Its just a system installed that speaks the value/cost as you drive through the toll gates / sensors @ 18.16ish he mentions about the number plate saying dot dot dot and 2 numbers being a yakuza number That is not correct. the number plates are either standard issue 4 numbers and a few kanji designating the area / region / prefecture OR private numbers that anyone can purchase and they can be a choice of any four numbers ... you can choose just a number 1 if you want ..... i have for example all my cars with 666 Number plates are white background and green lettering for private vehicles. Green background and white lettering for taxis, government cars and those for private hire - commercial trucks, coaches etc As a clear explanation of these Toyota century or Crown century : ever since the 80's these have been majority used by government officials in the Kasumigaseki area OR most predominantly in the Otemachi / Nihonbashi area for the business shachuo ( mitsubishi group HQ in otemachi, Tokio Marine Otemachi, TEPCO Nihonbashi etc) - if you ask anyone / average person in Japan with a mediocre car knowledge they'll associate these cars with heads of corporate business or in the used market as private hires or lower down the business hierarchy chain ....... not yakuza Anyone really interested in these executive type cars culture the split in tokyo is : Otemachi / nihonbashi / kasumigaseki / ginza : predominantly Toyota Crown / Century though mostly the Lexus LS 500 / GS 450 ( financial / government area and ginza the usual dining and entertaining spot for them ) Ginza / Roppongi / Hiroo / Akasaka : mix of above but more Merc S 500 / 600 and maybach versions / Akasaka has a number of Rolls Royce as shachou cars Akasaka / Aoyama / Shibuya : predominantly Merc 500 / 600 as the shachou cars Contrary to what non Japanese people think - yakuza or whom you may consider as similar - generally are driven in nondescript cars. Their second cars / other cars they use at personal times will likely be something far more exotic etc and they blend in with the local car community (i've found lambo has a higher attraction of younger members whose business is borderline ) AS for yakuza number plates .... the closest, though nonsense, to a popular myth of a yakuza choice of number would be 8888 - however these are identified with Bosozoku ( bikes and cars ) in the Kansai region - ie Osaka / Kobe / Kyoto ........

That blood probably came from a body that the Yakuza put in the trunk.

why is it that everyone that reviews the century doesn't take their shoes off before putting their legs through the hole in the passenger seat.. it is disgusting.

The privacy shade is to prevent people at a distance taking photos of you in the car doing meetings. Can't photograph through that, but it will let light in.

That's a really cool car. So many amenities and features, and still has a nice look to this day

Body style came out in 1967. That’s amazing!

This is a gorgeous vehicle!

The Toyota 2000GT was another car not appreciated enough & unfortunately not enough were produced. Amazing that this body style lasted 30 years.

Its a great car, no doubt, but it is comically old fashioned for a '93 model! It really looks like a 1970s car, similar to a mid 70s Toyota Crown.

Old school VIP car

I saw the Doug Demuro review but this one is just as great and informative. I have a 1992 Century V8, not the 1993 which has the airbag on the steering wheel. I just imported it and vlogged on finally receiving it. It is sleek just as you guys mentioned. Prestigious look indeed.

we have 8 cars left side drive 2004 in Saudi Arabia .. they special order

I'm surprised that the owner never mentioned one of the more interesting aspects of this car; that the engine is a pushrod Hemi V8. The same V8 engine family was manufactured by Toyota from 1963-1997

That's definitely an awesome car. I'd love to drive it

I recall the Toyota Crown model. Never knew this largest Toyota existed. It is very, very Japanese, has that ambiance, which Japanese cars have lost. BTW, how tall is Mr. Leno, out of curiosity.

For a "quiet" car , it sure booms over bumps..............

25 years later and all the buttons and features still work. That's craftsmanship my friends.

If you're in Tokyo, visit Toyota's MEGA WEB - for $3, you can (or you could, anyway) drive a Century on a short outdoor test drive course. One of my favorite cars I've driven. Loved the V12, though it was designed more for low NVH than outright power.

これは当時、5万ドル前後で売られていました。最新型は19万ドルですので値上げし過ぎです。フォードタウンカーと同じで一般の人には人気がありません。中古車も激安でした。

just going to say right now. the V series Toyota v8 was never used in any Lexus or anything. pretty sure they weren't even used in anything other than some luxury Japanese only Toyota's way back whenever. also this engine is in all technicality a Toyota hemi v8. same with alot of 60's/70's toyota motors, just this was the only v8

Jay, if you want I will bring in my Mom's original and rare 2006 Toyota Corolla™ for your perusal. It only has 47000 lady-driven miles and she's a real peach

Jay you should wear white gloves while driving this car, just like the Japanese Chauffeur and taxi drivers

Beautiful example of old Japanese technology......😎👍😁 As always great Show Mr Leno.

Close to my home, there is an abandoned house. And believe it or not, next to that abandoned house stands a Toyota century with an EXTENDED WHEELBASE!! Just like the EMPEROR'S!!! It's my dream car and I hope it's for sale for 20k or less!

Massaging seats in 93????? Whatt

Love it it is almost like Mercedes Dictator cars

Jay drifting in and out of lane while playing with switches. Smh

What a hideous piece of crap. Only 190HP form 4 litres, a cloth interior and lace curtains like it's Grand Ma's cottage. It's also built like a cheap biscuit tin. I love all the excuses the importer is making, underrated engine, humidity concerns and shutting the driver's door so gently as he knows how the body will sound if he slams it. No bloody bank vault, that's for sure. LS400 is the only convincing actual luxury car Toyota ever pulled off. One car then they immediately reverted to chintzy rubbish

It is not registration it is *shaken * technical inspection, for private every two years For business every year $1000-2000dollars

I wad gonna be quiet but call total BS on the dot dot dot number plates. I live in Japan for years and know for a fact that anyone can get these number plates and have nothing to do with Yakuza.

Nice to see the Majestic Chicken again. ;) (Doug DeMuro sent me)

Blood in the trunk!! 😐 gulp

The guy sounds so enthusiastic. Fun fact: his mad, sad, normal and happy expressions are all the same. :)

My uncle owns one. Very nice car and very rare here in America.

Now you did the Toyota Century, try to find the Nissan President which was a car similar to that

No dashboard footage. Sadly missed!

トランクの血の跡ワロタw

They also make this in a V12 and it’s basically two 1jz engines side by side. Has two of everything including ECU .

This has to be the single most targeted towards the mafia car of all time

Doug DeMuro, please do a review of this car

My 1982 Lincoln Mark VI Signature Series Coupe had a complete digital dash that even told you how many miles to empty and warned you when you were within 50 miles of an empty tank. It also had an electronic eye for the high beams that would sense another car coming and turn the high beams off. Not to mention the softest ride this side of a marshmallow. American luxury at it's finest!

Real treat to see this on Jays garage. This has to be the premier luxury model out of Japan & wish I knew the name of the coach works builder, I dont think it was Mitsuoka. Back in 2015 we sent a maroon one off to a small importer in the south, ended up in Alabama. Regret not making a road test video. And true story with Mr.Nagata from Top Secret, he was on a war path for a long while, s, im certain he's still planning a return haha

For anyone wondering, the interior isn't really velour, it is wool.

Wow if this guest had any more personality, he'd be dead... poor Jay...he really had to use every bit of his skill to keep conversation going....

This reminds me of my 86 Cressida aka mafia staff car