Toyota Century First Generation 1967
Toyota Century First Generation 1967 Specifications :
Manufacturer : Toyota
Productions : 1967
Engine : 3.0L 3V V8,
Transmission : 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic
Source : wikipedia.org
Descriptions : The Toyota Century is a large four-door limousine produced by Toyota mainly for the Japanese market, serving as the flagship car of Toyota. Production of the Century began in 1967 and the model received only minor changes until a redesign in 1997. The Century derived its name from the 100th anniversary of the birth of Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries. The Century was available with only a V8 engine from its introduction in 1967 until a major redesign in 1997, and is now only available with a V12, an engine unique to the Century.
The Century is produced in limited numbers and is built in a “nearly hand-made” fashion. It is often used by royalty, the Prime Minister of Japan, senior government leaders, and high level executive businessmen. The Century is comparable in purpose to the Austin Princess/Daimler DS420, ZIS/ZIL, Chinese Red Flag, Rolls-Royce and Maybach limousines. The Toyota Century is equipped with the wing-mirrors actually mounted on the wings (fenders), characteristic of grand, older cars.
A special version, called the Toyota Century Royal, was produced for the Japanese Imperial Household, to be used by senior members of the imperial family, with the same purpose of the Bentley State Limousine presented to the British Royal Family. This special version has wool cloth upholstery, granite running board steps and Japanese rice paper headlining. Five vehicles were originally ordered, but due to the cost per vehicle, only four vehicles were built. This vehicle replaced the fleet of 30 year old Nissan Prince Royal limousines that were beginning to show their age, when one recently broke down in service. The Century Royal is exclusive to the Imperial Household.
The exterior styling of the Century has, with some modifications, remained unchanged since its introduction, primarily due to its perceived social status as the “preferred vehicle denoting conservative success”. Its appearance is iconic in Asian countries, usually painted black. The closest Japanese competitor is the Nissan President, with a similar reputation, although during the 1960s and ’70s, the high market positioning was also shared with the Mitsubishi Debonair.
The original Century was based on the 1964 Crown Eight, which featured the 2.6 L V8 Toyota 3V engine. The 1967 Century was equipped with an upgraded version of this engine, the 3.0 L 3V. 1973 saw the introduction of the 3.4 L 4V-U, and the engine was once again changed to the 4.0 L 5V-EU in 1982. Note that the 3V, 4V-U, and 5V-EU do not refer to the number of valves in the engine but simply denote model names in the Toyota V engine range. There is also an L-Type stretched version of the Century — length is 5,270 mm (207.5 in) with a wheelbase of 3,010 mm (118.5 in).
The first generation Century remained largely untouched during its impressively long 30-year production run, apart from minor cosmetic changes and engine upgrades.
A Toyota Century with a GT45 gas turbine and electric motor was shown as the Century gas turbine hybrid concept vehicle at the 1975 Tokyo Motor Show.