I'm buying the Japanese Rolls-Royce: the Toyota Century V12! 

Should I buy a Toyota Century? LIKE for 'YES' and COMMENT for NO - BTW you can find out more about my special driving glasses Transitions Drivewear here: bit.ly/3JhnfD5

My inner Japanese was screaming “take off your shoes!” When he put his foot through the seat.

I'd be more terrified of a mafia boss stepping out of this than a mafia boss stepping out of a Phantom.

Matt’s lack of restraint and care in handling this car would drive me crazy if it were mine. Clearly the owner takes the upmost care with everything while Matt jabs and prods everything like a child. I don’t think I would have let him inside even 😅

I was having a hard time watching this a Matt touched everything. Ran his fingers through the paint, and pulled, prodded, pushed every part of the car. Watching his shoes as he climbed into the trunk and through the seat, I felt bad for the owner a he clearly takes meticulous care of this car. Beautiful car!

You should document the buying/ import process and getting fully operational. A trip to Japan could be set against costs. Would make a good mini-series!

The owner couldn't have chosen a more complimentary aftermarket wheel, I've never seen such a classy slammed and donked Japanese car in my life! Well done, Sir.

I'm Japanese who moved to UK recently and love how people here loves our motor culture. Century is one of those cars that's pretty common around Tokyo and not something I would usually mind, but here even I think it is cool thanks to you and other motor journalists feature it. So thanks, hope you'll find nice one!

I didn't watch the video yet, but i think James from Throttle House will definitely recommend you to buy this car!😂

Great thing about 1GZ-FE V12 is, it runs by separate computers per each bank so if one of the cylinder fails, it will shut down half of the bank and turn into straight 6

Spent 5 months in Japan last year for work, saw these everywhere and kind of fell in love with them, this and the Toyota Crown

Really liked this particular century, especially with those wheels, they look spot on, and the way it looks when it reflects the sunlight just highlights the car even more. Good idea to change the carpets to preserve the original, I do that with watch straps, lol.

Fun fact: these cars are handmade. And the tools of the bodywork guys (which are the best of the best of Toyota's bodywork guys) are bespoke, custom fitted for the individual worker.

I'm Japanese and I'm commenting from Japan. GTR, LFA, NSX, and other sports cars make me proud as a Japanese. But the Century is even better than that Thank you for praising such a car I'm very proud. If you like, please review the latest Century too! The fuel economy is really good😂

These cars looks so smooth and I like to see that the owner take care of his car so well.

You see a few of these around in Melbourne, Australia. Absolutely gorgeous cars. I love the little touches, like the Century branded Walkman you get to dictate business notes and things like that, it’s all the quality little things that make this so amazing. The latest generation have a hybrid, so I’d go with the V12 😊 and as a few others have mentioned, the wool interior is the one to get over the leather

I don't normally like modified cars, but those wheels really suit it. Love it!

They don't make cars like this anymore, it's just the simple things that make this car.

Wow Mat is smitten with this car, you can see the joy in his demeanour. Best of luck in your search Mat, amazing car to add to collection.

Matt should buy one for sure. My 2000 Lexus LS400 was easily the best motor I have ever owned. I bought it with 100,000 miles on it. I sold it because I moved abroad. It's still going strong with another owner with over 200,000 miles on it. It never let me down and drove smooth as silk. Quick too, -- 0 to 60 mph in less than 7 secs. I noticed a good few interior cabin parts on this Toyota Century were the same as in my LS. Great cars.

While the leather is nice, a "proper" Century has wool seats! I love this car and am keen to see your videos after you import one.

As a 2005 Lexus LS430 owner for the last 18 years - it was amazing to see how many parts and controls are shared with the Century. The sun visor over the rear view mirror for example and the pull handle in the boot - straight swaps! My latest LS430 which I’ve owned since 2012 is now 102,000 miles and as smooth as ever and everything works!

日本で走っていた日本製のセンチュリーにマットさんがゴキゲンでただただ嬉しい☺️

man the fact that this is 2013 and still keeps the old school stuff is just surreal i love it

Wow that V12 is so smooth and quiet. I would never have guessed it could hit 60 mph in less than 8 seconds, either! I wonder how much it weighs!

Your cohost was brilliant, he went with you on all of your riffs. Great bloody car too, dream for sure. See them in NZ a bit, with all the Japanese imports here. We call it the Yankeeyakuza.

A guy where I live (small town New Zealand) has a black, de-chromed, lowered Century with blacked out windows and 19 inch alloys, it looks super cool.

Amazing car, if maintenance is done right you have no worries to buy one even with 400.000kms on it. Just like a LS400 or 430

Love the car and love the owner. Seems like a cool guy, he's made all the right choices that I would make if I had that kind of money to throw at a car like this :)

What a brilliant car!! Glad that you are adding it to your collection.

A few years ago I bought my first car at the age of 21 with my own money. It was a Toyota Corolla AE82 hatchback. I love this car to bits. It captures my youth perfectly and has so much centimental value as I learned how to drive in a Tazz. I would like to own a Toyota Century, it is definitely a trophy car for anybody who respects Toyotas and does not want to buy a Rolls-Royce

I want one. Rode in one in Japan last November, loved it.

21:20 The most luxurious smoke machine ever !

This particular Century looks gorgeous with those wheels and stance

Go for it Mat, this one is special!

I've kinda been obsessed with these ever since I found out about the century in a carwow video a few years back. Would love to own one someday.

I would absolutely love one of these❤❤❤ A lot of cars from the 90s look like vehicles that your grandpa would buy, but this honestly has a timeless look to it😊

Great car a bit more respect for other man’s cars would be nice (with your shoes on the leather etc.) otherwise great this item. Usually I am not a big fan of aftermarket wheels but these fit the car very nice looks like factory and is a tasteful upgrade. Look forward of the story of buying and importing a century i hope you will rust proof the car in a good manner because the UK climate with the salt and bad road conditions is very hard on cars rust / corrosion wise.

The work that was put in the design of this masterpiece....

These are brilliant. I have driven a couple of them here in New Zealand. They are way cheaper here. Around $ 12000 - $16000 for a good one. Matt I highly recommend you ..."go ahead" and buy one

you can tell Mat loves this car! the way he reviewed it you can tell

Absolutely magnificent cars, so special and unique. Definitely on my bucket list too Mat..

I love how angry the exhaust turns out with it's water vapour when you rave that V12... so cool 😎

sounds like a dream car! happy motoring :)

That’s a REAL QUALITY vehicle. Almost magical. I can’t thank the deserving enthusiast enough. It was a real pleasure to learn all about this legend. In my opinion it’s better than a Rolls for the simple reason it is still fairly affordable. The drive experience seems to be in another world of its own. I own a 2008 S320 cdi LWB Mercedes Benz, black on black (3.0 turbo diesel V6) which on a recent almost 700 klm trip (still just under half a tank left) she averaged 7.5 Litres/100 klms, which is, of course much more fuel efficient than the V12… However, that Smooth as silk V12, absolute peaceful interior is more superior than the S class (which is fairly quiet anyway). I would prefer the Century any day with its understated opulence, even though I have German heritage and like my father and his father (mine OPA) owned diesel S class vehicles. As a fellow car enthusiast, I really enjoy and respect another like minded perfectionist. Top move on finding a practical yet highest quality air suspension solution. Thank you both

Love the Century, would take one in a heartbeat.

The placement of the mirrors on the front fenders really make a difference and offer better angles over the ones placed near the A pillar. We had a Toyota Crown (Royal Saloon) back in the late 70s, early 80s (maybe?) in Hong Kong when I was in my early teens. It was very plush, quiet, comfortable, and always had a certain smell. I was too young to appreciate it more, and spent all of my time in the back seat. I think it must be hard to stay awake driving it as it's super comfy, especially with the aircon in the tropics.

Thank you for doing this video :) love these!!!!!

Always knew i liked you Mat but having a Toyota Century on your channel is legendary. Such a special car. We will never see the likes of it again. I think the new century uses the V8 and is hybrid? I could be wrong on that i'm sure its a brilliant car but to drive this V12 is special.

Well, I've never seen one before. But just packed with just about everything you can think of, and more!. I think I would change that exhaust, less cats means the engine is less restricted. So better mpg, and more power. All the toys in that car amazing. A real eye-opener 💯. I really like how they put a V12! Fantastic. Bit thirsty on the old juce tho' .... lol Great Video Mat 😊

I winced every time Mat laid his hand on that beautiful car!

Hello Mr. Mat I am a car enthusiast living in Japan. Thank you for always praising Japanese cars I'm so happy you praised Century in this video Even from my Japanese point of view, that car is a strange car, and at the same time, I think it's a wonderful car. Japan's only 12-cylinder gasoline engine As you said, I think it would be very difficult to maintain in the UK. Even a car isn't cheap I think it's really hard to procure parts and repair. but i want you to ride The name of the car's color is also amazing. Its color is black, but it has names such as "Kamui" and "Eternal Black", and other colors besides black also have Japanese and English names. My favorite Century colors are "Zuiun" and "Dumire Blue Mica Metallic" It looks very beautiful when it gets wet in the rain with a light blue silver like the winter sky. Genuine wheels are hand carved Other than that, I want you to enjoy the comfort of the ride with the electric buttons and operation panel written in Japanese and the excessive quietness. If you want to ride, use the late model 6AT I'm looking forward to seeing you happily riding in that car.

What a lovely car, cool owner too. You definitely need to get one. Would be nice if you could document the process of buying a car from Japan too. Would be cool 👌

His wheel choice fits the car very well. Perfect balance compliments the chrome.

What a beautiful ride - reminds me of the Bentley with the full length umbrellas in the passenger doors

Lovely car. Perfect choice of wheels 👌 really suit it.

Love it! Reminds me of my big old Lincoln Town Car, but with Japanese build quality!

Those wheels finish it off wonderfully. Excellent choice.

This reminded me of the lovely Jay Leno videos where he invites owners of unique cars and they have really detailed discussions on the features of their vehicle. Loved it. Go for it, Mat!

Matt in Australia there are about 17 for both the first and second generation the price range is from aud $20000 to $35000 this would be the best luxury car ever as you said it is better than an S Class and much more reliable and its a Toyota Century

We all had them aftermarket xenon’s/HIDs back in the day 😂😂😂 oh the memories!

A great car but Matt in Asian culture putting your shoes on a seat like that is very rude and considered a sign of disrespect.

What a lovely example. The owner nailed the stance, imo, as it looks like it could have come from the factory this way. Very tasteful.

Saw one of these last weekend in Hutt Valley Wellington New Zealand impressive car !

the fact that they have made the rear door so shiny for people to use as a mirror for a meeting is fantastic

Bit heavy handed with his car Mat! Enjoyed the video.

You should document the buying/ import process and getting fully operational.

Finally he's considering to buy something lovely and unique, well done 💯💯💯

Love that car. I first saw it on Throttle House when James Engelsman (who's also British) bought it and immediately fell in love with it. Would love to buy one of those for myself in the future.

Always loved these cars. That and the Crown. So cool. Defo buy one if not get a different Japanese import car. They're all cool especially the 80s and 90s ones.

I didn’t expect that from you Mat !! You’re such a cool guy I swear, this car is such a Japanese emblem, so special, I’m so happy you love it !! I CANNOT WAIT YOU GOT ONE !! By the way, this car represents so much things about Japanese culture, if I had one, I really wouldn’t know what to do with it… : On a side this is so emblematic of the highest class of the Japanese society, which is so special in this country, very hierarchical with a ton of codes I mean this is so representative of a big part of the very unique Japanese culture… I will feel very shameful to not respect that big aspect of the car by not keeping it perfectly stock… But on another side, I saw videos of car tuners artists who fully make a masterpiece 12 to 1 exhaust line perfectly balanced like an outstanding handmade brass instrument…….. WHO MAKE THE CAR SOUNDS LIKE A F1 FROM THE BEST V12 ERA… This is so CRAZY good !!!… How to find an answer between these two totally opposite mindsets, being a Century V12 owner ?!?….. (The answer “buy a LF-A” is forbidden 🙄)

You’ll be happy with it! James at the popular Canadian motoring channel Throttle House bought one last year - though as I recall it was a ‘90s version - and featured it on the show. It’s essentially unchanged since introduced in the mid-70s.

Transitions lenses are actually really good. Been using them for like 5 years. Definitely worth the price.

Very high quality of Japanese manufactring. Such a great car.

They are 6-speed from 1/2005, and you can also get it with a column shifter, which is way edgier. I’d rather the wool seats too, not that the leather is bad.

It looks amazing..wish I had this.

This has to be one of the best cars ever made

Love rare cars. And a reliable Rolls is like a dream...

Even with a relatively complicated V12 and so many features inside, its amazing that it all still works, toyota reliability i guess, if this were a mercedes of this age and mileage, half of the interior features wouldnt even be working anymore

この車最高！This car was created and built way ahead of its time, a masterpiece of Japanese engineering. Such functions are still rare even in current expensive cars.

I drove a small car once which has a little sun visor above the rear view mirror. I always wonder why that isn't a standard part in all cars by now. You'll notice how often you need it when you have driven a car with it and then end up with one which doesn't have it, which is most cars tbh.

A very original and rare pick. Do it Mat.

The engineering in that car is amazing. Pure quality.

Must admit, the cool factor is off the chart with this one ♥️

mat has to be the only person to go into the boot of a toyota century and come out alive

I can imagine how comfy the ride is and it's even kidnappers friendly

I love these jdm luxury cars that are so rare here 😍😍😍👍🏻 and they are built like a fine watch

I’ve got an 06 landcruiser and that bonnet latch on that magnificent luxurious Century looks totally familiar 😆

gotta love v12s I've seen too many huge cars with tiny engines

Top 3 best cars from Toyota: 1:GR Yaris 2:Century 3:Supra

Love the rear end and total Look, nice car

This was great! The owner is a cool guy... He will probably own this into is late years and pamper it.

Big litter engine with a low horse power is what makes this car durable that can stand the test of time, it doesn't give the engine unnecessary stress.

That one is a credit to it’s owner... absolutely mint!

the work emitz look so good on this thing!

You're bonkers, Matt, but never boring!

I'm sure Mat the wife will love the Vibrating seat 🙂

AND IM JAMES!

Great work Mat ..

My old 02 mk4 gti had the mini sun visor over the mirror too 😂 I loved that thing